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Dans les coulisses

Scouts believe the Canadiens really can draft Ivan Demidov

Last year, the Canadiens had the #5 pick in the draft. We suspected it was a pivotal pick because, in order or disorder, it was pretty clear who was going to be chosen in the top-4.

But this year, the pivot is way ahead of us. In fact, he belongs to the Chicago Blackhawks with the second overall pick.

Ivan Demidov could be chosen, but it’s very possible that Luke Richardson’s club will go for a defenseman. Remember: while there’s a lot of talk about forwards in the draft because that’s what the Habs want, there are some good defensemen in the mix too.

If Demidov isn’t selected by the Blackhawks, it’s fair to wonder how low he’ll go. After all, the Ducks have needs on defense… but they still might not let Demidov pass.

What about the Blue Jackets? The club’s choice of GM could change things.

All this to say that, yes, the Habs have a chance of drafting Demidov with their fifth overall pick. I’m not saying it’s likely, but it’s a possibility.

If defenseman Sam Dickenson were to have a big Memorial Cup tournament, to boost his stock a bit, that would help the Habs…

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All that to say,we’ve seen mock drafts where Demidov fell into the hands of the Habs. The question is, do NHL scouts believe in this possibility?

Éric Leblanc (RDS) put the question to scouts and wrote about it. And if some scouts believe in it, others don’t necessarily.

It would be surprising, however, if three forwards were drafted in the top four. What this means is that Cayden Lindstrom is likely to be there if Ivan Demidov is gone.

And if he isn’t? The idea of trading the pick is on the table.

In bursts

– Normally, such transactions are made on the draft floor. But obviously, the Islanders want to add a pick.

– Will Roope Hintz play tonight?

– To be continued.

– Possibly, yes.

– Will he be right?