Habs Draft Targets: Drafting a Defensemen

Considering the possible Defensemen the Habs could select with the 9th pick.

The Habs biggest need on the depth chart isn’t necessarily defense but it just so happens that there are bunch of really good defensemen ranked around when Montreal picks at 9. This gives you the classic draft day conundrum, do I select the best player available regardless of position or draft the best player available at the position I need?

There is however some need considering all the injuries the Habs suffered last year on defense. It proved that you could never have enough quality defensemen in your organization. Also, Andrei Markov is entering the last year of his contract at 37 years old, this could be his last season in Montreal. So the Habs could be looking to add another prospect who could replace Markov and increase their overall depth at the position.

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If the Habs are going to draft a defenseman this year, they will probably draft one that has a left shot. They picked Noah Juulsen in the first round last year and he who shoots right. Also, the current depth chart has P.K. Subban and Jeff Petry, both right hand shots and who are both signed long term. The left side seems the likeliest side Montreal would target.

Prospects they should consider

There are a few defensemen who could be sitting there when Montreal picks at 9. Players like Olli Juolevi of the London Knights, Jakob Chychrun of the Sarnia Sting, Mikhail Sergachev of the Windsor Spitfires. All are ranked in the top 10 in the North American Skaters rankings and all shoot left.

Olli Juolevi is really good puck moving defenseman who is able to make good outlet passes out of his own end. He is also defensively sound and a smart player, attributes that make him an excellent two way defenseman.

Notice what Future Considerations thinks of his game:

"This smart, composed two-way blue liner plays the game in a very mature, experience manner. He is strong in his one-on one defensive play using his stick and positioning to break-up plays. His passing ability is elite for his age and he is strong at moving the puck. He generates impressive speeds with a strong, balance stride and good agility to keep up to attacking forwards."

Jakob Chychrun is also very good two way defenseman but possesses some other great qualities to his game. Jacob brings a physical edge while also being a great skater. Jacob possesses a hard shot which comes in handy on the power play.

This is what Joe Curtis from Elite Prospects thinks of his game:

"An unyielding two-way defenceman, Jakob Chychrun is a rising star with a toolbox bursting at the seams. Consistently displays elite four-way skating ability and is not afraid to throw his weight around physically. Exhibits a particularly potent shot that works its magic on the power play and on the forecheck. Excellent first pass and uses his vision and awareness to keep the puck moving in the direction of the opposition’s tail or to a teammate with more time and space."

Mikhail Sergachev is another good all round defenseman who play all situations for his team. Mikhail possesses great offensive talent with great passing skills and also has a powerful shot. He scored 17 goals and 40 assists for 57 points last year as a rookie for Windsor last season. Mikhail will only continue to grow as gains experience but he may be able to make the jump to the pro’s sooner from what some scouts have said about him.

Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News had this high praise for Sergachev:

"I’m getting a big Ivan Provorov vibe from Sergachev. Scouts think he’s one of the most NHL-ready players in the draft thanks to his size, skill and potential and he has done it all as an OHL rookie. Sergachev heads into the playoffs on a seven-game point streak, ending among the offensive leader for both rookies and blueliners."

Next: Habs First Round Mock Draft First Edition

The Prospect Habs Should Pick

Probably two of these Defensemen will be gone by the time the Habs will be on the clock but which ones will be picked first is hard to guess. These three players are ranked really close and have been given high praise from scouts.

However, Sergachev seems to have the most upside out of the three considering that he played so great as a rookie in the OHL. He has a knack for scoring goals and generating offense. This could really benefit the Habs offensive woes, giving them a really good weapon on the Power Play for the future. He is also considered to be more pro ready, given his size and intelligence. Sergachev may be able to contribute sooner rather than later.

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