One of the best prospects available, Sergachev could be the best defender in the draft and should be high on the Canadiens prospect list.
Mikhail Sergachev(or Sergachyov) was a relative unknown when the Windsor Spitfires made him the 5th overall pick in the 2015 CHL Import Draft. Sergachev entered the season ranked as a mid t late 1st round talent. Many were waiting to see how he fared playing on the smaller ice surface before ranking him higher.
Sergachev more than proved his talent no matter how big the ice is. He anchored a very weak Spitfire defense while ranking 3rd in team scoring. After such a good rookie season, Sergachev’s stock has risen and he is widely believe to be a surefire top 10 pick.
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Draft Rankings/Mock Drafts
Sportsnet – 10th
Draft Site – 8th
TSN Draft Rankings – 8th
ISS – 10th
McKeen’s – 9th
TSN Mock Draft – 10th
Hockey Prospect – 8th
Mikhail Sergachev’s rookie season in the OHL was nothing but positive. He ranked 3rd in OHL defencemen scoring and led all OHL defenders in goals. He also ranked 3rd in rookie scoring.
Their is a lot to like about Sergachev’s all around game. He enters the draft with very good size(6’2″, 205 lbs) with room to grow. He plays mean, is a strong skater and has a scoring touch. He literally has every skill wanted out of a top pairing defenceman.
Bill Placzek of Draft Site offers praise to Sergachev’s game.
"Big tough mobile import defenseman playing in the OHL with a strong heavy point shot. A difficult player to beat one on one because he possesses a strong stride and excellent East-West lateral mobility. Relishes been able to get a big check in on opponents both along the boards and in open-ice. Has good vision and in transition makes good home run outlet passes."
Joe Curtis of Elite Prospects also offers praise to Sergachev’s two-way game
"A dominant two-way defenceman whose tenacity and competitiveness characterize his style of play. Plays with a poise and confidence that facilitates his creativity with the puck as well as split-second decision making. Naturally fluid skater who is always looking to be engaged, if not the center, of each unfolding play."
Although scouts are mixed on where he will go, they are all in agreement that Sergachev has all of the tools to be an excellent defender at the NHL level.
Odds he is Available to the Canadiens at 9th – High
Working against Sergachev’s favor but working in the Canadiens favor, is the fact he and the Spitfires had an early exit from the OHL playoffs. Due to that early exit, Sergachev was not able to showcase his skills to a wide audience.
Because of this, he has fallen behind London Knights defender Olli Juolevi, another potential Canadiens target. Also working against Sergachev is his showing at the World Under-18 Championships, where he failed to register a point.
What many scouts are seemingly forgetting is the fact the entire Russian team was originally suspended due to performance-enhancing drugs. Russia eventually scrambled a last minute team that had virtually no practice time together and was much younger than their competition.
Next: Canadiens Draft Options: Winger Tyson Jost
As far as the draft is concerned, the Canadiens biggest obstacle to drafting Sergachev are the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres already have a cornerstone right-handed defender in Rasmus Ristolainen but lack quality prospect depth on the left side.
In a perfect scenario to draft Sergachev, the Canadiens would need to hope that one of Olli Juolevi or Jakob Chychrun fell and the Sabres choosing one of them. That would leave the Canadiens with Sergachev at 9.
Their is always the option to trade up ahead of the Sabres, either at the 5th, 6th or 7th spots. However, a trade up would likely mean the Canadiens were targeting another player, perhaps someone like Pierre-Luc Dubois or even Olli Juolevi.