The next Matvei Michkov for the Canadiens is finally known

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Elias Edmonson
April 22, 2024 (9:23 PM)

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For the past few years, there has been a lot of excitement among fans of the Montreal Canadiens in anticipation of the draft.

Every year, the fans identify a player they absolutely want, and the excitement reaches huge proportions.

We experienced it in 2022 with Shane Wright, even more intensely in 2023 with the young talent Matvei Michkov, and it's likely to happen again in 2024.

But who will replace Matvei Michkov in this role?

Which player has been identified by the fans (for now) as the popular target number one? We have the answer.

The excellent Marc-Olivier Beaudoin asked the fans, and his poll received nearly 6,000 votes!

Result: nearly 56% of fans want to see the CH draft forward Cayden Lindstrom!

At least, for now.

Cayden Lindstrom, 18 years old, is a centerman of 6 feet 4 inches and 215 pounds who has accumulated a solid 46 points (27 goals) in 32 games this season in the WHL. (66 penalty minutes)

Ranked as the third best prospect in North America, the big center from the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western junior league has caught the eye of many NHL scouts.

« You are the GM of the CH and you have the 5th pick in the draft.

The picks 1-4 are Celebrini, Demidov, Levshunov, and Dickinson.

Do you go for Lindstrom despite a somewhat worrying injury history?

Iginla even though the natural talent is a bit lower?

Catton and his skills? » - Marc-Olivier Beaudoin

His injury history, somewhat like Kirby Dach's, worries many.

« It's undeniable, Cayden Lindstrom remains the choice of the majority of CH fans if he is available at their pick.

Tij Iginla has gained a lot of ground in about a month though! And if he shows up at the U18 tournament, it could still change the game! » - Marc-Olivier Beaudoin

Note that 24.8% of respondents voted for Tij Iginla, while 15% of fans want to see Kent Hughes draft Berkly Catton.

No mention of young Cole Eiserman.

Personally, for me, it would be between Lindstrom and Berkly Catton, even though I'd hope for a miracle for Ivan Demidov.

I also keep a little place in my heart for Cole Eiserman, who has broken records set by Auston Matthews and Cole Caufield for goals scored.