Kent Hughes could make the worst draft mistake of the last 20 years, according to a former player agent

Published May 10, 2023 at 10:33
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Matvei Michkov's file has been causing a lot of buzz in recent days. Even more so now, as there is a good chance that the young man will slip to the Canadiens' 5th pick, despite his immense talent that compares to that of Connor Bedard.

As most experts mention, in terms of pure talent, there is a top group of five young players who dominate this class, and then there is the rest. Among these top prospects are of course Connor Bedard, but also Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, Will Smith and Matvei Michkov.

While Bedard and Fantilli are likely to be the first two names heard in the first round, it is mostly among the next three selections that everything could be decided.

Unless a team between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the San Jose Sharks dare to select Michkov, which would avoid an important decision for the Canadiens, there is a very good chance that Kent Hughes will have to choose at his 5th pick between the Russian prodigy, who, like Bedard, is a possible generational talent, or a pick from the second category of prospects in the class.


While appearing on BPM Sports, according to former player agent David Ettedgui, overlooking Michkov would be the worst possible mistake.

"The Canadiens must take Michkov. If the Canadiens don't take Michkov, it's the worst mistake of the last 20 years. If the Canadiens don't take Michkov, they better have really incredible and precise information that will say this guy won't come. Because Michkov is the best Russian player since Alex Ovechkin, and I haven't seen anyone as good as him since maybe Pavel Bure. Michkov is a phenomenon. I would take him second behind Bedard!" - David Ettedgui.

Wow! Putting the facts on the table, it is true that one must wonder if a professional organization can really overlook a player who could become as dominant as Alexander Ovechkin, even if it takes three years before he arrives in North America.

It must be said that the situation is very complex at present, but will it still be so in three years? In the same vein, can the Canadiens afford to risk such a high pick?

In short, there will be a ton of questions that the Canadiens' management will have to address before June 28th.


Credit : HabsolumentFan
POLL
May 10   |   373 answers
Kent Hughes could make the worst draft mistake of the last 20 years, according to a former player agent

What do you do if Matvei Michkov falls to the Canadiens' 5th pick on draft day?

I would select him30682 %
I would take a less talented prospect297.8 %
I would trade my pick to move back3810.2 %
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