Canadiens Decision On Michkov Prompting Trade Speculation

The Montreal Canadiens could have the opportunity to draft phenom Matvei Michkov, but concerns over his future are already sparking trade speculation.

For the first time in 41 years, the Canadiens are picking in the top 5 of back-to-back drafts; a sign that the team has embraced the idea of building through the draft and taking a long-term approach to success.

After securing the 5th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery, all eyes are now on the 2023 NHL Draft and what the Canadiens will be doing with the pick.

With the top tier of the draft consisting of Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, Matvei Michkov, and Will Smith, the Canadiens could be adding a significant piece to their organization; a player that could be a game-changer for the franchise.

However, given the uncertainty regarding which of these five will be available to the Montreal Canadiens come June 28, the hypotheticals have already begun swirling.

When looking at the top of the draft, the first two picks are virtual locks, with Bedard and Fantilli heading to the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks respectively.

From the third overall pick, things become a little more unpredictable, as Smith, Michkov, and Carlsson are all clear options.

But what happens if the Canadiens are on the clock and only Matvei Michkov remains?

To Michkov Or Not To Michkov?

A large portion of the Montreal Canadiens fan base would like to see the organization shoot for a home run and select the star forward, despite his three-year contract in the KHL and the ongoing sociopolitical situation in Russia.

However, notions of possibly moving the selection, either by trading down in the draft or trading away the pick altogether, have started to surface amid the Canadiens’ hesitancy to give concrete answers on Michkov’s candidacy at 5th overall.

On Tuesday morning, BPM Sports host JiC Lajoie also joined in on the debate, stating the risks were simply too high to take Michkov and that the Canadiens should flip the pick for Pierre-Luc Dubois.

“If Will Smith is still on the board at 5, you take him. It’s a no-brainer. But, if he’s gone and you have Michkov and the rest, it becomes a gamble,” said Lajoie regarding the Canadiens conundrum. “Is this market really going to be patient for three years and live on hope and maybes? No, No, No. I know us (Canadiens fans), and we won’t be able to drink that Kool-Aid for three years. We have an opportunity that you can jump on here with Dubois.”

Trading the 5th overall pick out of fear that Michkov never comes to North America could be a healthy discussion, but still something could become a colossal mistake.

Even if Michkov isn’t the Canadiens’ selection, other players like Zach Benson and Ryan Leonard, amongst others, could be of high value to Montreal as well.

But, make no mistake, Michkov could be the most talented player the Canadiens have drafted in decades and has the high-end skill that could put this team over the edge when the time comes.

His nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points in just 27 games are the best points-per-game ratio for a draft-eligible player in the history of the KHL; eclipsing players like Artemi Panarin, Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin and more.

Unless there is serious reason to believe that Michkov will stay in Russia or could be blocked from coming to the NHL, his selection at 5th overall makes a lot of sense. Further to that, as general managers across the league begin to do their homework on his situation at home and his desire to come to North America, the fear and stigma attached to him could quickly dissipate.

After all, Michkov is arguably the second-best prospect in this draft, and could come over in 2026 as a matured 21-year-old on a three-year entry-level contract; earning $950,00 for three years while the Montreal Canadiens enter their contention window.

Needless to say, the uncertainty has many looking for alternatives in order to ensure the value of such a high pick for the Canadiens, but, sometimes, the easiest decision is the one that’s right in front of you.

I’m just thankful I’m not the one taking them.