Analysts Say Canadiens Don't Need to Desperately Aim for James Hagens with Their Deep Prospect Pool
In the world of the NHL, obtaining the first overall pick in the draft is often seen as a key to success.
This year, James Hagens is at the center of the discussions.
However, experts are questioning whether it is truly necessary for the Montreal Canadiens to finish last this season to hope to get him.
The Montreal Canadiens would not be desperately aiming for the first overall pick and would not need it as much to complete the rebuild
This is very interesting.
According to an analysis from Daily Faceoff, some franchises seem more desperate than the Canadiens to secure Hagens.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, for example, are facing a difficult transition as the era of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin nears its end.
Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators are struggling to get back on track after years of playoff failures.
The Canadiens are not in such a critical situation.
Their pool of young talent, ranked number one by TSN, inspires confidence for the future.
With promising players like Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, and Logan Mailloux, the team seems to be on the right track to rebuild its roster even without James Hagens.
Finishing 32nd this season might therefore not be necessary.
What's more important is correcting the current shortcomings in the roster and building on existing strengths.
A low ranking might be an indicator that something needs to be adjusted, but that does not mean the Canadiens must desperately tank for Hagens.
Ultimately, the question remains: is the price to pay for obtaining another first overall pick really worth it for the Canadiens?
Clearly, the team's management feels that the answer is "no" and would much rather see their team try to climb the standings.
| POLL | ||
Should the Canadiens aim for last place in the draft? | ||
| Yes, to get Hagens | 391 | 32.2 % |
| No, we need to develop what we have and win | 606 | 49.8 % |
| No, we need to be in the mix | 219 | 18 % |
| List of polls | ||
