Hockey Analyst Believes Habs Lack a True #1 Center but Could Land One This Summer
The Montreal Canadiens are working to build a solid core of talented young players, in the hopes of one day returning to compete for the Stanley Cup.
Several prospects like Jacob Fowler, Ivan Demidov, Michael Hage, David Reinbacher, and Logan Mailloux are already part of the team's promising future.
However, not all of these players have yet joined the NHL, which shows that the road ahead remains long for the team to reach its full potential.
General Manager Kent Hughes holds several draft picks, including two first-round picks in 2025, which could accelerate the team's progress.
What if the Montreal Canadiens haven't yet acquired their true number one center?
Hockey analyst Simon Boisvert believes the Canadiens should use their first-round pick to draft a high-level center.
Even though the team already has Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, and Michael Hage, Boisvert feels that they may still be missing a true number one center to complete the group.
The question remains whether Dach can truly establish himself as the second-line center and whether Hage has the potential to play a key role in the top-6.
The Canadiens don't have a superstar like Connor McDavid, but the team is betting on the depth of its roster to remain competitive in the long run.
However, he's open to changing his mind after the next draft and once the full seasons of Dach and Hage are completed.
«There are no less than six centers in the top-12 [according to Tankathon]. James Hagens (1st), Anton Frondell (3rd), Michael Misa (5th), Ivan Ryabkin (6th), Caleb Desnoyers (11th), and William Moore (12th)» - Simon Boisvert, who acknowledges that we could have a very interesting crop next June.
«The Snake believes that Suzuki-Dach-Hage is a 1A, 1B, and 1C trio. He thinks that the three could complement each other very well, but one of them could be moved to the wing in the top-6 to make room for a true number one center.» - Raphael Simard
A story to watch over the next year.
POLL |
In your opinion, what should the Canadiens do with their next first-round pick? |
Draft a high-level center | 153 | 25.2 % |
Select the best player available, no matter what | 260 | 42.9 % |
Strengthen another important position | 52 | 8.6 % |
Trade the pick to acquire an established player | 141 | 23.3 % |
List of polls |
|
11 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Patrik Laine Getting Closer to a Return, St-Louis Confirms, and a Return Date Is Suggested by Insider |
|
12 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Canadiens Could Be Forced to Place a Player on Waivers When Laine and RHP Return |
|
13 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Martin St-Louis Makes Statement on Kirby Dach's Emotional Outburst During Practice Today |
|
14 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Things Are Going Poorly for Patrick Roy And The New York Islanders, His Job Could be in Jeopardy |
|
16 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Martin St-Louis Gets Interrupted by Journalist During Press Conference, His Reaction Speaks Volumes |
|
17 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Rare Scene Live from Practice as Kirby Dach Loses Patience, Leaves the Ice to Head to the Bench |
|
18 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Patrik Laine Takes Part in His First Regular Practice, as the Canadiens Make an Announcement |
|
20 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Brendan Gallagher Absent from Practice Again: Canadiens Will Hold Press Conference Shortly |
Previously on HabsFanatics