Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes added to the suspense by saying earlier this week the team was still interested in three No. 1 players in the upcoming NHL Draft.
Two of the three players involved, Shane Wright and Logan Cooley, said Wednesday morning that it was important for them to be selected first after so many years of work. For his part, Juraj Slafkovsky said he would rather be considered the best of 2022 when he retires.
“That’s what will count the most in the end, not being chosen first, second or third,” said the imposing Slovak striker.
Expert opinions on the top prospect available in the NHL Draft have rarely been so varied.
Wright has long been considered the winner of the 2022 class, after he was awarded the title of exceptional player for playing from the age of 15 in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
Responsible center, he quickly became the scapegoat for some observers this winter, when he experienced less productive streaks on offense. Despite everything, he concluded his campaign with the Kingston Frontenacs with 32 goals and 62 assists in 63 games.
“Whenever a player is considered the best, others will try to lower him, to find fault in his game, said Wright, during a media availability with the best prospects on the eve of the draft. . They try to create controversy or suspense, I don’t know why.
“At the end of the day, what’s important is what my relatives, teammates, scouts and general managers think of me, not others online,” he added.
For his part, Slafkovsky had an ordinary campaign in the Finnish league, but shone with his national team at the Beijing Olympics and the World Championship.
Some, however, doubt his true scoring potential in the NHL. The main interested repeated that he would see himself playing on the left of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
Cooley also said he would like to play with Caufield, another alumnus of the USA development program. He’s not the biggest, but he’s considered by some to be the most dynamic attacking player available.
Hughes said Monday that he intends to choose the player who will become the best in the long term. These words did not fall on deaf ears.
“It can make him look like he’s leaning towards me,” Cooley admitted.
“I’m someone who will continue to gain strength and weight,” he added. I believe I have great potential. I improved a lot from 17 to 18 years old. »
Ready for attention
Wright said his family was stopped by a police car a few miles after crossing the Ontario-Quebec border on Tuesday. It was a simple case of verification regarding a report of a similar car involved in an accident. However, the agent recognized Wright and asked to take a photo with him.
If the Canadiens set their sights on Wright on Thursday night at the Bell Centre, the 18-year-old Ontarian could experience many similar moments. However, he assures that he is ready to handle the attention and the pressure.
“A player selected first will always face high expectations. He’s expected to become the key player and help the team win championships, Wright said. This is probably even more true in Montreal, because of the many media outlets and because fans expect the best from their team.
“With my status as an exceptional player, I have lived with high expectations for several years and that has helped me overcome adversity,” added Wright. It probably has nothing to do with what will await me in Montreal if the team drafts me, but I can always rely on my past experiences. »
The suspense will end Thursday evening. Wright said when he goes to bed on Wednesday, he will imagine himself on stage at the Bell Center one last time putting on a sweater. He said he had a particular jersey in mind, but wouldn’t reveal which one.
“It’s not my decision,” he recalled.
It’s up to Hughes and the Canadian to finally reveal their game.