The NHL Draft is just over a month away. Remember that at the draft, the Sharks will speak first (and, barring a huge surprise, draft Macklin Celebrini), while the Habs will have the fifth round.
What seems clear is that Kent Hughes would like to draft a forward. In an ideal world, Ivan Demidov would still be available at No. 5, but if he’s no longer there, the Habs will have to think about the next level of forwards.
Of the lot, Cayden Lindstrom seems to be the name that comes up a lot, but Tij Iginla is also mentioned. Some have their doubts about the latter, but others are in love with what he brings to the ice.
I’m inclined to think that fifth place might be a bit early for him, but…
According to Corey Pronman, Iginla’s evaluations across the NHL are very mixed, but that the kid has support across the league. In fact, Pronman explains that some people in the league see him being considered… as early as fourth, which is the Columbus Blue Jackets.
That’swhat he reported on the latest The Athletic Hockey Podcast (around the 52nd minute, for those interested).
Corey Pronman states in his Athletic Hockey Podcast depending on who you talk to around the league there are those who think Tij Iginla is in consideration as high as #4 in the draft.
– The CBJ Center (@CBJcenter) May 17, 2024
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In fact, Pronman explains it all by the fact that there’s one aspect of Iginla’s game that’s pretty polarizing across the NHL: his hockey IQ. Some see him as an extremely intelligent player on the ice, while others find him rather average at this level.
And the expert attributes the difference in assessments to this simple fact: those who think he has a great hockey IQ see him out early in the first round, while others see him out in the middle of the first round.
What does seem clear is that young Iginla is one of this draft’s (many) hidden cards. No one seems too sure where he’ll end up, but in the end, all it takes is one team that likes the kid for him to come out a little earlier than some teams thought.
Will that team be the Habs, another team listed by Pronman as a team that might consider Iginla (in the same sense as the Blue Jackets)? The answer in a little over a month.
In gusto
– It’s now official. Several of his assistants have also signed new contracts.
Done deal!
Rod Brind’Amour has signed a multi-year extension with the #Canes ποΈ https://t.co/3Dnq6JbTlg
– Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 19, 2024
– Oops.
This is not a hate post, just funny.
Not Cole Caufield going no points, -1, in a 10-1 USA win. lol #Habs
– Dan Kramer (@DanKramerHabs) May 19, 2024
– Great news for the Czech Republic.
Reinforcement for π¨πΏ at the World Championship.
The π¨π¦finira its round robin on Tuesday against the Czechs https://t.co/aRV1WpfWjM
– Luc Gelinas (@LucGelinasRDS) May 19, 2024
– Linus Ullmark wants to stay in Boston.
I asked Linus Ullmark about his future.
“My future here? I got one more year.”
“I have one more year. I wouldn’t want anything else than to come back here, get a little bit of a revenge tour. I’m very excited, motivated for what’s to come.”
– Amalie Benjamin (@AmalieBenjamin) May 19, 2024
– They’re a force to be reckoned with.
CHAMPIONS ππ
Manchester City become the first team to win the Premier League four seasons in a row! pic.twitter.com/bqnSDuIw9d
– RDS (@RDSca) May 19, 2024
– It’s not ideal.
He’s as useless as ever with the bat. https://t.co/FCdieRwGfD
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) May 19, 2024