Canadiens keeping their draft plans guarded, but could make big move
Posted July 4, 2022 12:24 pm.
The Montreal Canadiens are doing an excellent job shielding their thoughts on who will go first overall at the 2022 NHL draft on July 7.
The top names are Shane Wright, Juraj Slafkovsky and Logan Cooley.
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It’s their job to keep everyone guessing, and so far, the Canadiens are doing just that.
With one exception: there is an overriding feeling they are trying to get a second high pick. Though those are just rumours for now.
Shane Wright: consensus top pick
Wright had been the consensus No. 1 prospect of the 2022 class for months, yet strong showings by Slafkovsky and Cooley could give him a run.
The Canadiens have been longing for centre depth. Aggressive attempts to mold a young Alex Galchenyuk, Jonathan Drouin or Jesperi Kotkaniemi into a consistent, reliable pivot never panned out.
Wright has the ingredients that, hopefully, will allow him to develop into a top-six fixture in the show.
Well-rounded if unflashy natural centreman. Wicked right shot. Defensively responsible. Solid size (6 feet, 191 pounds) already. Piles up points wherever he goes.
The Kingston Frontenacs star raves about his recent dinner with Canadiens rookie GM Kent Hughes and his brass.
“I really love what they’re all about, what they were saying about the city and describing the organization and describing where they want to go in the future and them wanting to build a winning franchise,” Wright says.
“I obviously want to be a part of that and just really enjoyed how it went overall.”
Will Canadiens trade away veterans?
Other than that, while waiting for clarity on Carey Price’s future, the Canadiens will continue to test the market on some of their veterans: Christian Dvorak, Jeff Petry and possibly Josh Anderson.
There are teams who believe they don’t want to move Jake Allen.
The Canadiens wish to be more competitive, so they’re not going to strip it bare.
Prior to the deadline, there were some conversations between the Senators and Canadiens on Colin White. We’ll see how things unfold, but it’s not impossible to see White beginning anew in Montreal. GM Kent Hughes was his agent.
