Edited Apr. 3 at 1:56 p.m.
Quoting: Nhl_oilers
Montreal has Guhle, Reinbacher, Hutson, Mallioux, etc as young defenders, and prospects. With them being thin down the middle, i would have to say they should look at a center man this draft. Cayden Lindstrom, and Berkly Catton fits the bill imo.
Not disagreeing, I think it's a valid point. I just wonder where and who'll be available and what the top level feel like they actually need. We talk about the depth of the MTL blue line, but really... Are they all top 4? Ghule, yes Reinbacher, to be seen but most likely, Mailloux, dunno yet.. AHLer yes, NHLer to be proven.. So if there is a top 4 ready blue liner in the draft who's available.. Do you pass on him and then make move to pay the front line with UFAs like Marchessault?
Another one is Eiserman, depending on which list you look at Bob McKenzie (TSN) list, he's putting him at no 4. Bob ain't crazy, he's the guy who was saying Wright could be a bust and Slaf was the way better option.. A year later.. We can agree to Bob's mumblings.. Then Lindstrom, Catton and Helenius ..
I did an AGM for draft, My preferences would be for the first picks starting at #4 depending on where MTL goes and who' available:
1. Dickinson - While another Defenseman, he's a big guy who moves the puck and gets in the pluses; You can't skip over a player like that. You get another Reinbacher type player who'll be a major decision maker during games. You suddenly have Ghule, Reinbacher, Dickinson, Mailloux, Matheson, Xhekaj.. Harris, Struble as being interchangeable with Xhekaj when needed and in your farm or development you have Barron, Hutson, Sobolev, etc.. So you have the Top 6 you always wanted, plus other you can trade out.
2. Eiserman - seems more like an offensive guy able to play both ways and is at a bigger stature than Connelly with a whopping 40lbs more for almost the same height. He also defends better in the corners and is able to use his quick shot for goals. We get another Cole Caufield but on the right wing, at a bigger size. You suddently give Dach some power offense to his left side.
3. Lindstrom - another forward at center with offensive potential but with size compared to Catton;
4. Catton - He's a good player, center and would need 1 year in Laval, but would be another forward with scoring potential they need;
5. Helenius - Another forward with lots of offensive potential.
But DIckinson's stats are impressive this year. Way off the charts, even for an OHLer..
Sam Dickinson
Defense
Born Jun 7 2006 -- Toronto, ONT
Height 6.03 -- Weight 204 -- Shoots L
--- Regular Season ---
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
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2023-24 London Knights OHL 68 18 52 70 30
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Current statistics as of 2024-04-03