(Las Vegas) Not every team’s NHL draft crop has a specific signing. The Canadian, however, showed his colors quite clearly this year.
Seven of the ten players selected by the organization are forwards, including the first four – two in the first round, two in the third.
We looked for variety, assure amateur recruiting co-directors Martin Lapointe and Nick Bobrov.
However, “we added a lot of offensive talent,” noted Lapointe. Even more so “guys with good size” who display a lot of combativeness.
“We are very happy with today’s draft,” added the Quebecer, alongside his Bobrov, during a press briefing held a few minutes after the end of the seventh round.
In fact, six of the seven forwards selected are 6’1″ or taller. They are not necessarily the strongest. The trend, however, is obvious: management will not talk about a need to be filled, but it is difficult to ignore the fact that the Montreal Canadiens, in their current formation, have five regular forwards under 6′.
After getting hold of Ivan Demidov (5e rank) and Michael Hage (21e) in the first round the day before, the Tricolore added Aatos Koivu (70e) and Logan Sawyer (78e) in the third round. Of the quartet, Koivu is known for his defensive skills, but the other three have a decidedly offensive profile. Sawyer, on Saturday, said he models his style on that of Elias Pettersson. “He’s super smart on the ice … And he’s not bad, right?” the charismatic young man told reporters. Indeed.
Pure talent, however, is not the only guideline of the Gorton-Hughes administration, and by extension, of the Lapointe-Bobrov duo.
The main players drafted by this group over the last three years have something in common. “They all have to want to win and accept the pressure that comes with the territory our team plays in,” Nick Bobrov said. We have confidence that the type of people we have added to our organization will deal with this pressure in the right way. »
Pressure
The three faces illustrating this statement are undoubtedly those of Juraj Slafkovsky, David Reinbacher and Ivan Demidov, three players drafted in the top 5 since 2022.
Demidov is perhaps the most eloquent embodiment of this. “A big piece of this puzzle,” Bobrov illustrated.
The electrifying right winger had addressed it head-on the day before with journalists, as he previously did with those who manage his new team.
Bobrov can attest to this, knowing his latest acquisition by heart. He has been able to meet him a few times in their shared homeland and see him at work. He has built a bond with his family, who are thrilled with the outcome of the situation, he says.
Throughout the winter, Bobrov’s father, employed by the Habs, continued to follow the young forward closely as he burned Russian junior hockey.
His self-confidence, CEO Kent Hughes had said the day before, is breathtaking, without ever lapsing into arrogance. A confidence coupled with “empathy” and “respect for others,” Bobrov said.
“We like his fighting spirit,” added Martin Lapointe. “He wants to make a difference, he wants to get the crowds going. I think he’s the steal of the draft.”
“That’s an understatement,” added his colleague.
“He loves the pressure, he thrives on it,” Bobrov continued. “Sometimes you ask the kids if it’s going to be too much for them. He wants more. That’s a good sign.”
His potential is very, very high, as much as some of the best players in the league… and he expects nothing less from him. This is the most important part.
Nick Bobrov on Ivan Demidov
It’s hard not to draw parallels with Juraj Slafkovsky, who has demonstrated, over the past year, the same type of desire to be the man of the big occasions. When Demidov arrives in Montreal in 2025, the Slovak will already have three seasons under his belt. And David Reinbacher will have spent a full year in North America.
That doesn’t specify the Canadiens’ timeline for their next Stanley Cup win. But it’s easy to see the pieces of a puzzle coming together, to use Nick Bobrov’s words.
The final image is still unknown. However, it suggests hope of better days for supporters who have eaten their black bread for three years.
No choice in the QMJHL
Despite 10 selections, including 6 in rounds 4 to 7, the Canadiens did not draft any players from the QMJHL in 2024. Martin Lapointe defended himself (again) by recalling that he “does not write off Quebecers”, specifying that he had “drafted players who speak French” in Michael Hage (perfectly) and Logan Sawyer (partially). “Nick and I would have liked to go get some Quebecers, but this year, it was not the year.” The organization had a QMJHL player in its sights in the sixth round, he specified, but the player in question was no longer available during the CH’s draft round. And in the following round, “there were no more Quebecers left”. At this late point in the draft, the team was looking for “long-term potential,” Bobrov added, which is “mostly in Europe and in American colleagues.” NHL teams, in fact, retain the rights to this category of players longer than those coming from Canadian junior leagues.
Overview of towers 3 to 7 at the Tricolore
Aatos Koivu (3e tower, 70e total)
Center, TPS Turku U20
6’1″, 170 lbs
“A little guy who’s just going to get better,” Martin Lapointe said of Saku Koivu’s son. A versatile and defensively responsible centreman, he’s had a big growth spurt over the past year. He definitely needs to get stronger physically.
Logan Sawyer (3e tower, 78e total)
Center, Brooks Bandits (BCHL)
6’1″, 173 lbs
An offensive forward “who has a good sense of the game and handles the puck well,” according to Lapointe. He also needs to add muscle to his frame. The Toronto suburb native speaks French after spending his entire elementary and high school years in immersion. His time at Stanstead College in the Eastern Townships allowed him to take the pulse of the population’s passion for the Habs, he told reporters in Vegas.
Owen Protz (4e tower, 102e total)
Defender, Brantford Bulldgos (Ontario)
6’1″, 213 lbs
Tough defender who loves physical play. His game is mainly on defense, but he is adept at restarting the attack, according to Martin Lapointe.
Tyler Thorpe (5e tower, 130e total)
Right winger, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
6’4″, 209 lbs
A giant who, without being outrageously physical, is known for his versatility. He amassed 44 points in 51 games last season.
Mikus Vecvanags (5e tower, 134e total)
Goalkeeper, HS Riga (Latvia)
6’3″, 159 lbs
A favorite of scout Vincent Riendeau, goalie specialist for the Canadiens. He will join the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada next season.
Ben Merrill (6e tower, 166e total)
Centre, St Sebastian’s Preparatory School
6’4″, 190 lbs
“Another big center with a lot of potential,” Nick Bobrov summarized. The type who is “not easy to find.” The American from Massachusetts will play in the junior A ranks in British Columbia next season and is destined for Harvard University in 2025-2026.
Makar Khanin (7e tower, 210e total)
Right winger, Dynamo St. Petersburg (VHL)
6 ft, 161 lbs
19-year-old player with “a lot of skill,” according to Nick Bobrov. With 27 points in 35 games in the VHL, a circuit lower than the KHL, he was able to stand out against players older than him in a “very difficult” circuit. “We aimed for closure,” added the recruiter to describe the project that Khanin represents.
Rasmus Bergqvist (7e tower, 224e total)
Defender, Skelleftea Jr (Sweden)
6’2″, 181 lbs
“A great left-handed defender who plays for one of the best organizations in Sweden,” said Bobrov, who emphasizes his great potential for growth, even at 19.