In the last few days, the Canadiens have drafted Mikus Vecvanags. We’re talking about a European goalie.
After the draft, Martin Lapointe, who spoke to the media, said the goaltender would be joining the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the coming 2024-2025 season.
So, he said, at least the Habs have a QMJHL representative.
We’ll get to see Habs 5th-round pick Mikus Vecvanags in the QMJHL next season as he joins@ArmadaBLB, Martin Lapointe just reported.
– Vincent Duquette (@VincentDuquette) June 29, 2024
I don’t know about you, but I assumed it was official. If Lapointe spoke, it was probably because the plan was set in stone. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have said anything, right?
But obviously, Lapointe spoke too soon.
I wonder if he spoke too quickly because he really wanted to say that a prospect was going to play close to Montreal to avoid talking about the fact that no Quebecer was drafted in 2024 by the Flanelle, but we realize this morning that it wasn’t done yet.
Why do I say that? Because the goaltender was drafted 19th overall in the CHL’s European draft by the Titan. The Armada was talking about 22nd, for those wondering.
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Oh my. Martin Lapointe escaped after the draft by revealing that goaltender Mikus Vecvanags was headed to Blainville-Boisbriand… before the European draft took place.
The Acadie-Bathurst Titan has just selected him ahead of the Armada.
Drama!
– Kevin Dubé (@KDubeJDQ) July 3, 2024
My theory? Vecvanags agreed to play in Blainville if the club drafted him, and Lapointe spoke too soon. This made the Titan, which is also in the QMJHL, want to draft him and ask the Armada for compensation in return for his services.
It happens sometimes in junior… but this time, there was no backroom deal as Lapointe spoke publicly. And he may have just cost the Armada a pick, who will have to pay compensation to the Titan if they want the goalie next camp.
The goalie Martin Lapointe of the Habs sent to Boisbriand last weekend, Mikus Vecvanags, has just been drafted by the Titan. Oops!
Bathurst drafted 19th, the Armada 22nd. If the two clubs want to make a trade at training camp, they will be able to do so, as the…
– Mikaël Lalancette (@MikLalancette) July 3, 2024
Blainville is a more attractive market than Bathurst, which is far from everything. Montreal’s North Shore club is relatively centralized in the Q and travel is less.
So, we’ll see if a transaction takes place.
Overtime
– Nice contract.
Anton Lundell signs a 6-year contract with the Panthers! An important piece of the core for years to come! https://t.co/qnFXEBBNnv
– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) July 3, 2024
– Six years, $12M total for William Carrier in Raleigh.
William Carrier signs a six-year deal with #hurricanes carrying a $2M AAV.
– Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 3, 2024
– Speaking of the European draft. He should show up in Abitibi.
Val-d’Or Foreurs select Matvei Gridin first overall in European draft. First-round pick of the Calgary Flames last Friday.
– Kevin Dubé (@KDubeJDQ) July 3, 2024
– Nice.
A little Michael Hage puck handling for your viewing pleasure pic.twitter.com/LvNnGeNDAI
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) July 3, 2024
– Of note.
Forward Florian Xhekaj and goaltender Emmett Croteau are not participating in today’s on-ice sessions and will be evaluated daily.
Forward Florian Xhekaj and goaltender Emmett Croteau are not participating in today’s on-ice sessions and will be evaluated on a daily…
– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) July 3, 2024
– MLB is on the move.
However, that doesn’t mean the Rays will side with the sellers. https://t.co/m9uFkygH2P
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) July 3, 2024