LAS VEGAS – Unlike last year, the Canadiens will have to wait for other teams to open up their game before taking action in the draft. This context adds spice without forgetting the Russian factor which deserves an in-depth analysis considering the talent of Ivan Demidov.
Let’s start with the file of the magician Demidov who met the management of the Canadian for the first time on Thursday in Las Vegas.
“It was good, he looks like a good kid and he seems in great shape. We didn’t have a ton of time with him because he was meeting with several teams, but he’s a very impressive kid and his English was good,” described Jeff Gorton, executive vice president of hockey operations.
Gorton wanted to dissociate Demidov’s file from that of Matvei Michkov who had slipped to seventh place in 2023 due to uncertainty over his arrival in North America which will ultimately occur in 2024.
“They are two different players. Yes, they come from Russia, but the scouts have made their assessment and we are trying to find the best players. I don’t think there is a link to be established between them,” he reacted.
“No two teams see it the same way. But it’s different when you can’t send all the management over there to spy on the player in person. It changes the game a little bit, but we have a good vision of what’s going on in Russia, we have good scouts in this country,” Gorton also said.
For clarification, the Canadian did not see fit to send a delegation to Florida during Demidov’s visit during the final given that he was not going to skate.
It should also be noted that the Tricolore was able to turn to Nick Bobrov’s father (co-director of amateur recruiting) who is a scout for Demidov’s organization, SKA St. Petersburg, in Russia.
Of course, the decision about Demidov will first rest in the hands of the Blackhawks, Ducks and Blue Jackets who choose with Montreal. Only afterwards could the Canadian attempt this project.
That’s why this year’s mock draft craze has reached another level. Gorton is well aware of the uncertainty in the top 10. But he and his group must keep their heads.
“We’ve been studying scenarios for months to get a good idea of what could await us in fifth place. But we remain at the mercy of the decisions of other teams. We’re trying to make an informed decision and we’re comfortable with our list,” Gorton said Thursday afternoon at the Fontainebleau Hotel.
“I’ve been doing this job for a long time (more than 30 years) and I’ve experienced years where we had predicted the selections of the other teams perfectly and sometimes it was the complete opposite. So you have to have very good preparation. This time, we’re all waiting to see what will happen in second place,” explained the American.
Gorton anticipates other trades like the one between the Sharks and Sabers to change the selection rank in the first round.
“Kent (Hughes, the general manager) is very busy right now. It’s that kind of draft where teams are moving around and discussing these possibilities. I think we’ll see a lot of scenarios along those lines. We’re wondering what’s the best scenario for our situation,” he told a crowd of reporters.
Since the end of the season, Hughes had made no secret that his intention would be to draft a forward with the fifth selection as long as that player’s potential was as high – or higher – than an available defender.
This time, Gorton wanted to be more careful.
“I know Kent made a presentation to choose a forward to have fun with you. But it’s very difficult, it’s the day before the draft and a lot of media are there. So to say what we want to do, I’m always uncomfortable with that. I rely on the philosophy of the best player available and we’ll see how it goes on Friday,” mentioned the manager.
At the time of writing, Gorton appeared to be leaning toward retaining the fifth-ranked floor.
“I wouldn’t want to lie and say 100% yes, but I’m confident that we will select a player at the fifth level. However, the phone still rings. It’s a good place for us, you want to take advantage of this advantageous selection,” said Gorton.
Scouts would like options at 26th
No doubt to calm things down again, Gorton said that he considered this draft to be similar to previous editions. However, many observers see several more talented defenders in this vintage.
Logically, Gorton recalled that he does not bother with the different scenarios that emerge in the media.
“So many opinions are expressed, I don’t pay too much attention to them, it would drive me crazy,” the leader replied.
Among the scenarios often formulated, there is that the Canadiens would part with their second first-round pick (26th place) to complete a transaction. A realistic option considering the 12 picks held by Montreal for this draft and its surplus of resources on the blue line.
“Our scouts talked heatedly about this pick for hours today (Thursday). That tells me scouts like players in that area,” Gorton said.
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