Was the draft the cause of the Habs' recent failures?
The Montreal Canadiens don't really have a season to match expectations, especially after last year's historic run.
It must be said that yes, the injuries did not help the cause of the organization, but we must look a little further. In the most recent draft, Trevor Timmins and his group of recruiters suffered several setbacks.
Let's go back in time in 2010 while the CH selects Jarred Tinordi. The following year, Bergevin set his sights on another disappointing defenseman, Nathan Beaulieu.
Then there are Alex Galchenyuk, Michael McCarron, Nikita Scherbak and Noah Juulsen, all of whom did not meet expectations.
This is what Michel Bergeron explained in his most recent text for TVA Sports. The former coach mentions that the present lack of character within the club is the consequence of the failure to draft.
At the moment, we can say that there are two players who present hargne and character on the rink and both are former CH picks: Arturri Lehkonen and Michael Pezzetta.
It was the latter who came to the defence of Samuel Montembeault when he was hit by Zack Kassian against the Oilers. Jeff Petry watched the whole thing go by without saying a word.
While senior management is still looking for a new scouting director, it will be interesting to see who will be chosen for this important position.
In addition to the draft, there is also a lack of player development. Take the example of Jesperi Kotkaniemi, a former third pick overall, who was unable to settle in Montreal.
It is therefore clear that there are a number of changes that need to be made to both the draft and the development. Let's hope Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes do a good job on that.
