Hughes and the Canadiens have already made a major decision for the 2023 draft, according to a former scout

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MarcO
January 10, 2023 (10:07 PM)

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It's no secret that the upcoming NHL draft is likely to go down in history.

Not only will a so-called generational player be available in Connor Bedard, but several other prospects that will be available in the first round could become great NHL players.

These include Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlson, Zach Benson, Will Smith and a certain Matvei Michkov.

However, as reported by Marco Normandin of Habsolumentfan.com, the fact that the latter is under contract in Russia could come in and change the course of the first round.

Ranked among the top five prospects by most experts, Michvov is under contract with the Sochi HC in the KHL until 2025. This means he would not play in the NHL until he is 21 years old.

That being said, there have been first round picks in the past that have come later in the NHL. Just think of Teemu Selanne, who joined the Winnipeg Jets at the age of 22. He rewrote the NHL record book for a rookie with 76 goals.

However, despite all his talent, it could very well be that several NHL teams would turn down the young Russian prospect in the first round of the draft even if he was still available. According to a former Habs scout, Kent Hughes could also pass on the draft.

At least that's the opinion of Grant McCagg, of Recrutes magazine and a specialist on prospects, during his appearance on Tony Marinaro's The Sick Podcast. McCagg even suggested that the Habs' senior management would have already ruled internally on the Michkov case.

"I don't think the Habs will draft a Russian player this summer. I've talked to a few of my sources and from what I understand, the Habs will not be drafting Matvei Michkov with either their first round pick or the Panthers."

Wow, that's a major statement. This would mean that even if Michkov has tremendous potential, the Habs would be willing to let him go?

It must be said that the relationship between some Russian prospects and the NHL has always not been harmonious. It happens quite often that some prospects threaten to go and play in Russia, if they do not get what they want in America.

In recent years, NHL officials have become increasingly wary of drafting Russian players, even if they are considered superstars in the making.

Could this be happening with Matvei Michvov? We'll know in June.

You can watch the discussion between Tony Marinaro and Grant McCagg regarding Matvei Michkov right here: