Mathias Brunet, well-known journalist from La Presse, persists and signs: the CH was not mistaken in selecting David Reinbacher in place of Matvei Michkov.
Brunet has always said that the Russian would be poison, a problem player that the Montreal Canadiens did well to avoid during the draft.
However, recent on-ice facts and fan reactions seem to contradict this view. Michkov, with his inspired performances under the colors of the Philadelphia Flyers, is starting to make many regret the CH’s choice to miss out on this exceptional talent.
Brunet, however, continues to downplay the impact of Michkov’s exploits by highlighting two defensive errors he made during a game against the Edmonton Oilers.
While everyone celebrated the two goals scored by the young Russian, Brunet was quick to point out his lack of defensive commitment, without giving enough credit to his undeniable offensive contribution.
During this meeting, he scored his first goal by recovering a loose puck in front of Stuart Skinner, then his second on a magnificent one-timer on the power play.
These highlights quickly made the rounds on social networks, where fans were full of praise.
However, Mathias Brunet chose a very different approach. Instead of focusing on the offensive exploits of the young Russian, the La Presse journalist focused on two defensive errors made by Michkov.
The first came in the second period: as the Oilers’ Brett Kulak carried the puck, Michkov left him and headed to the bench, leaving Kulak to advance unopposed and initiate a sequence that led to a goal.
In overtime, Michkov again made a costly mistake. While chasing Evan Bouchard, he misread the situation and left his defensive position, allowing Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid to score the game-winning goal.
Those errors led Brunet to reaffirm that Michkov poses a potential danger to his team, reinforcing his argument that the Canadian did the right thing in avoiding him.
On social networks, fans are not kind towards the journalist.
“Why focus on two mistakes when this guy almost won the game single-handedly? » asks a user.
Others are outraged by Brunet’s apparent bad faith, saying he simply refuses to acknowledge his mistake in calling Michkov “poison.”
Many point out that even if Michkov is still young and must continue to learn, his incredible debut indicates that he has a talent worthy of the greatest.
Brunet, in response to criticism, recalled that rumors about Michkov’s attitude had circulated before the draft.
According to him, it was this information which justified the Canadian’s decision not to select him. But this version begins to crumble in the face of reality.
The journalist persists: You will have to live with ups and downs with Michkov. Yes, he scores goals, but at what cost?
This posture from Brunet is increasingly poorly received, especially after recent comments from Daniel Brière, GM of the Flyers, who confirmed that Michkov had been able to dispel doubts and that he had quickly become a valuable asset for his team.
Michkov also proved in a press conference that he is not the problem player described by some. His positive attitude, his natural leadership and his maturity even surprised many observers who doubted him.
Canadian fans no longer hide their frustration with the management of Kent Hughes and the merciless comments from journalists like Brunet.
The reality is that Michkov should have been drafted by the CH. He has everything it takes to become a superstar.
Others regret the excessive caution of Montreal management:
We missed a golden opportunity, once again. And all because of dubious rumors about his attitude.
Despite his attempts to justify his position, Mathias Brunet now seems isolated in his criticism. Michkov’s performances continue to impress, and each goal scored by the young Russian becomes a wake-up call for those who doubted him.
While the debate on the relevance of the choice of David Reinbacher rages, one conclusion is obvious for many fans: the CH missed out on a special player, and Michkov risks haunting the Montreal organization for years.
By refusing to admit his mistake, Mathias Brunet only amplifies the resentment of fans. Michkov’s story has only just begun, but it could well become the symbol of a missed opportunity that the Canadian and his fans will regret for a long time.
High-profile offensive players, like Alexander Ovechkin or Patrick Kane, also showed defensive shortcomings in their debut without their offensive talent being called into question.
John Tortorella is known for his strict approach and he will quickly be able to supervise Michkov and correct his mistakes.
It is time to admit that the Canadian missed out on an exceptional player, and that the justifications put forward by Hughes and his supporters no longer hold water.
While Michkov shines in Philadelphia, David Reinbacher is going through difficult times. After a complicated season in Switzerland with Kloten, marked by injuries and coaching changes, the Austrian defender showed encouraging signs during his time with the Laval Rocket at the end of the season.
Unfortunately, his progress was halted abruptly by a knee injury suffered during a preseason game against the Maple Leafs.
This injury could deprive him of the entire 2023-2024 season, further fueling the debate over the Canadian’s draft choice.
Mathias Brunet, faithful to his initial opinion, continues to defend the CH’s decision, affirming that Reinbacher remains a key element in the future of the team.
But the recent rankings published by Corey Pronman of The Athletic, where Michkov climbs to 4th among prospects and Reinbacher falls to 15th place, sow doubt.
This is a recurring problem within the Canadiens organization: the fear of taking risks and banking on extraordinary talents.
While Philadelphia dared to trust Michkov, Montreal preferred to play it safe with Reinbacher.
If the latter manages to develop fully, Hughes and Brunet will be able to rejoice. But for now, the reality is that Michkov is impressing, and every goal he scores becomes a missed opportunity for the Canadian.
In the years to come, Michkov’s performance will haunt the Montreal Canadiens, and fans will not forget those who, like Mathias Brunet, helped fuel doubts around this young prodigy.
One thing is certain: Michkov is already writing his own story, and it could – perhaps even should – have taken place under the colors of CH.
Enough to make all CH fans around the world cry.
