Kent Hughes is reported to have just made a stunning trade or acquisition
PUBLICATION
Elias Edmonson
June 29, 2023 (8:07 PM)
Now that the NHL Draft is officially over, Kent Hughes can turn his attention to the free agent market which will start next July 1st.
However, just a few hours after the organization made its last pick, fans were quick to share their thoughts on the players drafted by the Canadiens. While many fans are disappointed with the Tricolore's choices, several experts claim that General Manager Kent Hughes may have pulled off one of the draft's steals by selecting a dark horse from the 2023 class.
Indeed, the Habs have added a very intriguing defenseman to their organization by getting Bogdan Konyushkov at the 110th spot. The Russian defenseman has seen a huge rise in the past year, having played with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL. At just 20 years old, Konyushkov racked up an impressive total of 25 points in 64 games, also accruing 5 assists in 10 playoff games.
What's even more interesting is when comparing his stats with those from the previous season. In 2021-2022, the defenseman only registered 8 points in 41 games, and this, in a league inferior to the KHL (VHL). Konyushkov has greatly developed in the last 12 months and we are eager to know his true potential.
It's worth noting that he was named among the top three rookies in the KHL this year!
"The first thing that strikes about Konyushkov is that despite his age, he made his KHL debut this season and even led his team in average ice time. His intelligence on both ends of the rink convinced coach Igor Larionov to immediately give him the opportunity to play a leading role within the team. Indeed, Konyushkov is among the league's leaders in terms of number and percentage of successful passes, as well as in terms of percentage in battles for puck possession." -
Via Mckeen's Hockey
Wow! Bogdan Konyushkov is a very defensively responsible defenseman who has an excellent first pass and who can contribute interestingly offensively. Moreover, seeing the reaction of his teammates when he scored his first goal in the KHL, the defenseman seems greatly appreciated in the locker room.
It's still too early to assert that he'll become a leading defenseman in the NHL, but Kent Hughes might have hit a home run by selecting him in the fourth round.
| POLL |
29 JUIN | 413 ANSWERS Kent Hughes is reported to have just made a stunning trade or acquisition What grade do you give to the Canadiens' management following the draft? |
| A | 49 | 11.9 % |
| B | 135 | 32.7 % |
| C | 137 | 33.2 % |
| D | 92 | 22.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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