As time progresses, it becomes clear that three specific prospects find themselves at the center of the final discussions of the Canadiens leaders regarding the first overall pick of the 2022 draft.
We are talking about center Shane Wright, the Kingston Frontenacs in the Ontario Junior League, winger Juraj Slafkovsky, TPS Turku in the SM-liiga and pivot Logan Cooley, from the American development program.
On the occasion of a Twitter poll conducted Thursday, journalist Anthony Martineau, out of curiosity, asked people what would be their choice among the three skaters mentioned above.
See his full intervention at “JiC” in the main video.
The results were unequivocal, with 80% of the 4,000 respondents indicating their support for Shane Wright’s candidacy.
A damper
Martineau then followed up with three more probes where he asked people how often they had seen Wright, Slafkovsky and Cooley play this season, specifying that it “had to be a complete match and not “just highlights”.
Result: about 75% of participants admitted to having seen these players in action only three times or less in the last 12 months.
“These results do not surprise me”, first launched Anthony Martineau, passing through the “JiC” set.
“People have busy lives and tightly-knit routines. It is completely normal for the scouting not be among their primary concerns.
“But when I see that Wright has 80% of the support and that I understand that three out of four people have seen the top 3 of this draft play less than three times this year, I think we have to go there with an update. positive point: whatever the choice of the CH in the next repechage (among Wright, Slafkovsky or Cooley), it is very likely to improve the club significantly in the coming years.
“These three players have great qualities on and off the ice. They don’t find themselves at the top of their vintage for nothing.”
Three different players, but full of talent
Martineau, at this time, began his complete analysis of the three contenders for the first selection. Having covered the NHL Combine in Buffalo, he was able to meet them all face-to-face and thus get a feel for their personalities.
Shane Wright
On ice :
“An elite wrist shot, great game vision and consistent impact for 200 feet. His decision-making is also a great strength, in his case.
Off ice:
“The guy arrived 15 minutes early during our interview at the Combine. He has a winning attitude/aura and is professional to the hilt. He is also very resourceful and comfortable in front of the cameras and that is very important in Montreal.
Juraj Slafkovsky
On ice :
“Monstrous size, very good hands and scores in many ways, whether through his good wrist shot or his ease in tight spaces.”
Off ice:
“Confident as possible, very relaxed. He is charismatic and plays with the camera. He has joked several times in a language that is not his own. It’s really something to consider, in my opinion.”
Logan Cooley
On ice :
“So dynamic, so fast. He has quick hands and a very precise throw.
Off ice:
“Very different from Wright and Slafkovsky. He is calm and composed, even somewhat intimidated by the media. But that can always change in the next few years. However, he is very competitive and rigorous in training. During the bike tests at the Combine, he never wanted to give up in front of his five opponents. He wanted at all costs to be the last to leave his bicycle and that’s what he did. He impressed recruiters a lot with his stamina.”