Canadiens Draft Implications Involved In Panthers-Bruins Series

With the NHL Playoffs getting started tonight, the Montreal Canadiens will be paying a very close eye to the series between the Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins.

Against all odds, the Florida Panthers were able to take advantage for the fall of the Pittsburgh Penguins to squeak into the last Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Their reward for their efforts is to face the record-breaking Boston Bruins in the first round.

The last two Presidents Cup Trophy winners will do battle in a best-of-seven that will have important implications for the Montreal Canadiens in the 2023 NHL Draft.

With the Canadiens holding the Panthers’ 1st-round pick thanks to some tidy work from general manager Kent Hughes last spring, the outcome of the series could determine the rank of said pick.

Should the Panthers lose their series against the Bruins, their pick would be confirmed as the 17th overall pick in the upcoming draft.

That’s because the Florida Panthers had the lowest point totals (92) of any playoff team, and would thus get the highest pick of all playoff-bound clubs.

In the event that the Florida Panthers surprise the Bruins and make it to the second round, all hope is not lost, as a loss in the second round would also ensure their draft pick lands at 17th.

The only way the rank of their first-round pick could increase would be if they reached the Conference or Stanley Cup Finals, going from 17th to potentially 29th, 30th, 31st or 32nd overall.

Although anything is possible, they’ll have their hands full dealing with the Boston Bruins in a best-of-seven series, as the veteran club has been very good at shutting down offensive teams in the past.

The Montreal Canadiens management team will be following the outcome with great intrigue, as the 17th overall pick would be a very valuable asset for them to move, should the right offer arise.

If not, there are likely to be some very intriguing prospects available at that rank in the potent 2023 NHL Draft.

Needless to say, the Canadiens will likely be rooting for their hated rivals to make quick work of the Panthers in the coming days.