Hard to fathom getting in the top 5 without giving away something they aren’t willing to.

I agree, but to my earlier point, accumulating better assets that can be traded can get you the pieces you want later.

Drafting a truculent player that projects as a 4th liner over a middle-6 F would be a mistake.

Take the small talented F now and flip him later to address areas of need

I also don’t believe he’s a priority target, but I would much prefer they take a swing on a skilled albeit small guy, than a bigger player that has a much more limited ceiling.

I.e. I’d be much more onboard with Kindel’s selection than say Daniil Prokhorov, at 16, for the sake of getting bigger

I think there’s a bigger adaptation coming from Euro hockey than the WHL, but that’s just my two cents.

While he may never be a power forward, I’m confident the way he plays and attacks will be even more effective once he fills out and puts it together.

I’d agree with that - he may not become a power forward nor a big hitter, but he could very much become difficult to contain if he learns to use his frame effectively.

I would think this very much can be improved upon at only 18.

There’s a long runway for him to be a top-6 player, and he’s already shown great improvement in other areas - so why not this one?

Missed 14 games last season, played every game the previous two.

Agreed, Habs will be looking at younger targets, but it may be trickier than expected - they might need a Plan B. This above scenario would fit that bill.

I’d think you could get Geno for less. Only one year left, 39 yo…

Every year a couple of really interesting players slide.

Last year, Demidov and Buium were players that could’ve/should’ve went higher in the top 15.

Let’s see if MTL snags one this year!

Yep, seems logical indeed

Agreed - I think if they end up picking it’s because they haven’t found a trade partner, as they’ll try hard to bring immediate help

This is why we can’t have nice things 😂

sknots

I’d be OK with long term too, forcing Hage on wing at firstand allowing him plenty of time to develop.

McT is just as much a project/gamble IMO

I don’t see any team trading a bonafide young 2C… acquiring team will have to either take some risk or overpay (in FA or by giving assets)

Byfield was reportedly on the market at the TDL for immediate help (to my surprise as well)

Doubt NJ would part with him + his profile is too similar to Suzuki’s.

I’d want a C with more offensive upside, at the sake of the “200-foot game” (to a degree)