BUFFALO | The Canadian has a long list of prospects among forwards and defenders, but not at the goalie position. Kent Hughes has confirmed that he could use an early pick in the next draft in Nashville to correct this weakness.
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On paper, Samuel Montembeault and Jake Allen will still share the work next season in Montreal.
Cayden Primeau, if he is not claimed on waivers, should still fill the role of number one with the Laval Rocket. Jakub Dobes, who signed a two-year contract in March after two big seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes, is expected to be Primeau’s next auxiliary.
There is a trend in the Canadian. In the last four drafts, the team has bet on a goaltender. But never with a high choice. Emmett Croteau (6)e round in 2022), Joe Vrbetic (7e round in 2021), Dobes (5e tour in 2020) and Frederik Dichow (5e tour in 2019) all heard their names come out of the microphone at the Habs table. Of the four, Dichow no longer has a connection with the team, having not received a contract.
Once again this year, the CH expects to open its doors to another masked man.
“I spoke a lot with Vincent Riendeau, our specialist for recruiting goalies and it is a good year for him to claim a goalie,” said Hughes during his meeting with the media Thursday in Buffalo. .
The last goalkeeper claimed before the third round by the Canadian dates back to 2013. It was Zachary Fucale with the 36e choices in total (2e round).
A 6’6″ giant
For several years, goalkeepers have not been rated in the first round. Last year in Montreal, Finn Topias Leinonen was the first goalie claimed with 41e overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres. In 2021, Sebastian Cossa (15e by the Detroit Red Wings) and Jesper Wallstedt (20e by the Minnesota Wild) had met their fate in the first round.
For the next draft in Nashville, the CH still has a ton of choice, with 11 selections. Hughes made no secret that he could bet on a goaltender with the Panthers’ first-round pick (31e or 32e) or his second-round pick (37e).
“The goaltenders come out less quickly probably because of the late development at this position, noted Michael Hrabal. In my case, I would like to play three years at the University [du Massachusetts] before becoming a pro.
Hrabal, a 6-foot-6, 209-pound giant, is considered the second-best prospect among North American goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting. The Czech, who played in Omaha in the USHL, met CH this week in Buffalo.
“I had a good feeling coming out of my interview with Montreal, but I also had this feeling with other teams,” Hrabal admitted when he left the physical tests on Saturday morning.
Hrabal knows that goaltending with the Canadiens is often seen as the toughest job in the NHL.
“I heard about this reputation, he replied with a smile. I wouldn’t have a problem with that. I know people love hockey in Montreal. I like to play in noisy amphitheaters. I would be happy in Montreal.”
To the classic question about the animal that defines him, Hrabal offered an original answer.
“Outside the ice, I think of myself as a panda. I stay calm and funny. But on the ice, I compare myself to a gorilla. I keep a great concentration, but I also like to make jokes.
Augustine, another option
There is no consensus on the identity of the goalkeeper who will wait the shortest time in the stands of the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Carson Bjarnason, Hrabal, Trey Augustine and Alexander Hellnemo will vie for the throne.
“I would think it was great to be the first, but it’s not that important,” Hrabal said. I just want to end up with a team that will believe in me and where I will have a bright future.
Augustine, a 6-foot-1, 183-pound goaltender, doesn’t have the same profile as Hrabal. It’s not built in today’s mold for that position with a more modest size.
“I’m playing differently from other goaltenders and maximizing my skating skills,” said Augustine. I don’t see that as a disadvantage. I have a very good relationship with Manny Legace, a goalkeeper who had a very good career even though he was small [5 pi 10 po]. He helped me become the goalie I am today. He was a mentor. I met him when I was about 10 years old.
Augustine, the goalkeeper of the United States under-18 program and gold medal winner at the World Under-18 Championship in Switzerland, is also on the list of candidates for the Canadian.
“It was a good interview. It was a pretty intense game, which was different from some teams, but it was a good interview. I’m always up for a challenge of this magnitude, if I’m drafted by Montreal.