Before the season started, management spoke of being “in the mix”. Most fans believed it which created the idea that they were done talking about these high picks. Their performance on the ice over the first couple of months dictated that we shouldn’t be so fast to dismiss another high pick this season. The start had many already looking at the draft boards more than the standings. Here are the top eight; where the Habs end up selecting here is anyone’s guess, but there’s a decent chance that they’ll be picking somewhere in here.
#1 – James Hagens
Boston College (NCAA) – C
He’s not a big player but he was the best player on the USNTDP last year. He was the unanimous choice for top pick this year coming into the season although that’s starting to change now. Hagens would complete the picture down the middle for the Habs in a definitive way.
#2 – Porter Martone
Brampton Steelheads (OHL) – RW
Martone is a 6’3’’ power forward who scored at over a point per game in the OHL last year and is currently among the league leaders in scoring despite being away at the World Juniors. He’s compared to Corey Perry in playing style, so we know he gets to the dirty areas all over the ice. Guilty admission: He’s my early guy I’m keeping tabs on as the player I would love to see end up with the Habs through his prime.
#3 – Anton Frondell
Djurgardens (Hockey Allsvenskan) – C
Leo Carlsson was a more highly touted prospect at the same age, but Frondell plays much of the same style of game. While he is a point producer, he doesn’t appear to be a game-breaker. For me, he is the least interesting prospect in this top five.
#4 – Matthew Schaefer
Erie Otters (OHL) – LD
After a fantastic Hlinka-Gretzky tournament, Schaefer was sidelined with mono to start the year but has dominated since returning. Touted as the best skater of the class, many believe he might challenge Hagens for top pick when all is said and done. Gotta pick the BPA, but the LHD is a bit of a bummer for me.
#5 – Ivan Ryabkin
Dynamo St. Petersburg (VHL) – C
Described as a dangler and a cerebral tactician, Ryabkin was mired in a bit of a soap opera regarding where he would play. He started off strong in the MHL, then briefly went up to the KHL before being sent back down. After being scratched there, he announced that he was heading to the USHL to join Muskegon. But instead, he stayed in Russia, moving to the VHL but is now linked to Muskegon again. He’s under contract until 2027, however, so I’m thinking the headache we saw around Matvei Michkov might be in play in his case.
#6 – Roger McQueen
Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) – C
At 6’5’’, he’s got scouts salivating despite a lack of consistency to his game. He’s got all the tools at his disposal and teams are lining up to watch him play. I’m going to bet that Hughes and Gorton are part of that lineup of teams.
#7 – Michael Misa
Saginaw Spirit (OHL) – C
The last time the Habs had a chance at an OHL exceptional player (Shane Wright), they passed on him. Misa has done everything expected of someone with that status and yet he still has plenty to prove in his draft season. A strong season likely pushes him to the top five, though probably not to the top of this list.
#8 – Logan Hensler
Wisconsin (NCAA) – RD
Elite skating, excellent footwork, great defending, and offensive instinct. With all these qualities, one of the most talked about qualities is that he loves to get physical on top of all the puck attributes he displays. Every team should be high on a defender like that.
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