Finishing at 28e rank in the general classification of the National Hockey League (NHL), the Montreal Canadiens made sure to select in the top 7 in the next draft. The Habs also have an 8.5% chance of picking the prolific Connor Bedard in first place.
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The draft lottery, scheduled for May 8, will be exciting this year, with all teams eyeing the young Regina Pats product. Somewhat behind, the CH nevertheless has a 17.4% chance of speaking in first or second place.
The Canadian is guaranteed not to have the third or fourth choice, since these will belong to one of the top 4 teams, namely the Anaheim Ducks, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Sharks from San Jose.
Thus, general manager Kent Hughes cannot see his team descend beyond seventh position. In particular, he has a 44.2% chance of making it to the stage in sixth.
Of the interesting players available this year, forwards are expected to come out on top. Besides Bedard, players like Adam Fantilli, Matvei Michkov, Leo Carlsson, Will Smith, Zach Benson or Dalibor Dvorsky could attract Montreal.