Canadiens draft review
Posted 8:17 PM ET | Comments 7
Hi to every Habs and hockey fans who are taking time to read this blog! I hope you enjoyed the draft, as much as I enjoyed it!
Ok, the introduction had been done so, this is the time to talk about serious things. Before the 2008 entry draft, Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey told the media that he was looking for an accomplished forward, a top six forward with a good offensive upside. We heard speculations that Bob was going to land this kind of players since two years so...my expectations weren't very high. Our first pick was low so, the trade value of this one wasn't very very high. I told myself that the draft would be pretty average, because our picks were not as good as past years (wich is not a bad thing because we performed well this year) and that the players available in the draft weren't particularly brilliant and really good.
SUPRISE! While I was watching Steven Stamkos and a few other players getting draft, RDS guys told us that a trade was coming on. Camera on Gary Bettman...''The Montreal Canadiens trade their 1st round pick and their 2nd round pick in 2009 to Calgary, for ALEX TANGUAY and a 5th round pick''. WOAHHH! Bob was right, he didn't tried....but he did land an impact player into the Montreal roster! Real deal, because like I said before, our 1st round draft pick was not high. This trade is really good for both teams. Glad Bob did this move. The Canadiens were done for friday night....
Today, I personnally wasn't expecting anything special from our Canadiens. And I think that they did decent choices, with their five picks.
In second round [56th overall selection]
Our Habs draft Danny Kristo, a winger that scouts compared to Mike Fisher.
What I think: Doesn't know a lot about him, but comparaison to Mike Fisher are really good, stats are good, might be a good prospect.
Third round [86th overall selection]
Canadiens draft RW Steve Quailer, a power forward, that Trevor Timmins compared to last year first round pick, Max Pacioretty. He was named in the rookie all-star team of his league.
What I think: Lots and lots of LW on our roster, a RW prospect is interesting, nomination on the all-rookie team tells a lot.
Fourth round [116th overall selection]
This one is special, the Canadiens drafted Petes second goalie, Jason Missiaen, a very tall goalie, 6'8!
What I think: Size is quite impressive, but his stats aren't really. Maybe he will improve those stats and grab #1 spot next year with the Peterborough Petes.
Fifth round [138th overall selection]
Russians are risky picks nowadays, but the Habs made that ''risky'' pick, with Maxim Trunev, who might never come in America. Timmins think that if he makes the American Jump, he might developp as well as Sergei Kostytsin did.
What I think: I hope is going to make the jump, and hopefully developp as well and fast as Sergei!
Seventh round [206th overall selection]
Last, but not the least, our Glorious drafted forward Patrick Johnson, grandson of ex-coach Bob Johnson
What I think: Intruiging, pretty much all I have to say on that one. Seems to have good hockey blood in the family.
Well, I see good things in the 2008 draft. The choices our friend Trevor did are special, we didn't heard a lot of things from those players, but Mr.Timmins is a very good scout chief so, I am confident in what he saw from those players. Main thing I will remember is the Tanguay trade, wich is VERY good for our young Canadiens team. Now, let's see how the Sundin affair is going to end....how much money Andrei Kostystin deserves and if Mark Streit will be back with our formation next year!
Have a nice summer, hope you liked it, first blog (surly not the last)...pardon me my english who can struggles sometimes, i'm not 100% bilingual.
Habs_Marc
Habs gave up a 1st and 2nd round pick for Tanguay who makes 5.3 million this coming year and then is a UFA.This was a ridiculously bad trade for Montreal. Tanguay scored two goals after March 12th last season.
Good blog and I agree wholeheartedly! Don't worry about your written English, it's fine... better than a bunch of people who have English as their mother tongue actually. ;) As for jimbo83's comment, Tanguay = an elite LW, no matter what.
I think Tanguay is going to be great for the Habs :)
they overpayed for Tanguay but you gotta take risks to win and since the East is pretty much wide open there is no reason for Montreal to sit on their hands so I say good trade. NYR, MON, and Pitts should be battling for a cup birth.
Tanguay = 18 goals last seasonElite LW?
Tanguay is WAY better than Ryder was last year. I'll take my chances with a guy who wants to be in Montreal. Oh, and don't worry...your written english is better than my anything french, you'd think after visiting Montreal every year for the past 5, I'd learn something other than Hey Ho Lait's Go :D
I don't see the problem with Tanguay? He's a guy who scores 60 points in an off year. No one Mtl was going to get with the 25th pick was going to help short or long term like Tanguay. If he puts up 70-80 points it's a good trade. Mtl's forward depth is scary good, with or without Sundin.