2023-06-08 13:35:00
Kent Hughes’ press briefing will be broadcast on RDS Info, and free for everyone on RDS.ca, starting at 9:30 a.m.
Like the 31 other teams in the NHL, the staff of the Canadiens is currently carrying out the physical and psychological evaluation of the hopefuls in view of the draft on June 28 and 29.
As part of the traditional Combine held in Buffalo, CH General Manager Kent Hughes will speak to members of the media Thursday morning at the KeyBank Center.
On May 8, the Habs inherited the 5th overall pick in the Connor Bedard lottery, which ultimately smiled on the Chicago Blackhawks.
Montreal is also awaiting the outcome of the Stanley Cup Final between Florida and Vegas to find out which of the 31st and 32nd overall picks is theirs.
“Obviously when you fish this high, you can’t wait to see who will be available, and can’t wait to add a very good prospect to our group”, mentioned Hughes from the start.
Unsurprisingly, he was quickly called upon to comment on one of the most nebulous cases at the top of this draft, the risk surrounding Matvei Michkov, an ultra-gifted Russian forward.
“With Russian players, there is the geopolitical aspect and the contractual aspect. We have to evaluate him as a player and compare him to others, then do our homework with everything that does not concern (hockey),” he said of Michkov.
“Yes, the contractual factor will be taken into account, continued the DG. He is under contract for three years (in KHL), but nothing prevents him from extending in Russia therefollowing. (…) These are all variables that we must study. »
Once once more this year, it’s rumored in Buffalo that the Canadiens are one of the toughest clubs on prospects in face-to-face interviews.
Hughes agreed that he and his team like to challenge young athletes by getting them thinking.
“We decided to use (sequences) video to see how the players read the game. (…) Someone texted me to tell me that we were still the most difficult interview this year,” Hughes said with a smile.
Glad the Caufield case is settled
Hughes spoke for the first time regarding one of his most important announcements of the summer, namely the signing Monday for eight seasons and 62, million of the young sniper Cole Caufield.
“It was important for us. Cole is a team guy and wanted to be in Montreal long term. It was our goal too, to go for the long term. Hockey players are happy to play in Montreal when the environment is good, and this is the case for Cole. »
More details to come
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