The 2016 NHL Draft is less than 24 hours away and here is a final 7 round mock draft for the Montreal Canadiens.
Less than 24 hours from now, the 2016 NHL Entry Draft will commence with it’s 1st round. There hasn’t much movement in terms of trades yet but that should change either before or during the draft.
As it sits right now, the Canadiens still hold the 9th overall pick. They also pick at 39th, 45th, 100th, 124th and 160th.
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Barring any last minute trades, the Canadiens should remain at those spots once the draft starts. A lot of good prospects will be available and the goal is to find the right fits for the team. The question will be whether or not the Canadiens decide to address an organizational weaknesses on defense or if they decide to add more talented forwards.
This mock will look to answer those questions. So with the 9th overall pick, the Canadiens are on the clock and select:
Previous Mock: C Logan Brown
Brown’s stock has risen to the point that he will be taken within the top 7 picks. With Brown off the board, the Canadiens decide to go with a teammate of Brown’s in defenceman Mikhail Sergachev. As a rookie in Windsor, Sergachev put up 17 goals and 57 points. At 6-2 and 220 lbs, he possesses NHL ready size combined with a strong two way game. He’s not ready to make an immediate impact but he’s not too far off from stepping into the NHL.
Previous Mock: RW Vitali Abramov
The Canadiens are disappointed that Abramov has been taken off the board early in the 2nd round. With their top target gone, the Canadiens decide to add more defensive depth by taking Jacob Moverare. Moverare is a stay at home defender who should turn into a quality top 4 shutdown player. He has untapped offensive potential though he needs a lot of refinement in that area.
Previous Mock: D Jacob Moverare
With their second 2nd round pick, the Canadiens dip into Sweden once again and take highly skilled forward Jonathan Dahlen. Son of long-time NHL veteran Ulf Dahlen, Jonathan combines a large array of skills to help create and execute offensive attacks. He’s a very smart player that possesses a great shot. He led a very weak offensive team in Timra with 29 points and stepped it up in the playoffs with 6 goals and 7 points in 5 games.Has some issues with his skating and defensive game but nothing that can’t be fixed.
Previous Mock: D Frederic Allard
At the 70 spot, the Canadiens decide to take a chance on a highly skilled Russian forward in Sokolov. Playing for a terrible Sudbury team, Sokolov still managed to net 30 goals. He was once thought of as potential 1st round pick, he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype yet. Needs to show more willingness to play a two way game and needs to improve his fitness levels.
Previous Mock: C Brayden Burke
With the 100th pick, the Canadiens take a highly regarded offensive defenceman in Adam Fox. Playing in the USDP league, Fox posted 9 goals and 50 assists in 64 games this season. He’s a right-handed defender who has a lot of offensive flare to his game. Not the biggest player(5-10, 185) but plays up offensively. Could be an absolute steal in the 4th round.
Previous Mock: C Adam Brooks
The Canadiens have found 5th round success in the past and they look to find some more with power forward William Knierim. He just finished his 2nd season in the USHL and though his offensive game hasn’t developed as expected, Knierim’s size(6-3, 218) and physical edge make him an intriguing prospect. Skating will need to be improved if he is to find success in the NHL.
Previous Mock: Yegor Korshkov
The Canadians once again dip into the European talent pool. This time they take the son of long time NHL forward Robert Reichel, Kristian Reichel. Kristian is a smaller center(6-0, 168) who has shown a knack for scoring goals. Needs to add size and needs to refine his skill set. Long term developmental prospect.
Next: Habs First Round Top Nine Final Mock Draft
Final Thoughts
The Canadiens stock pile talented players in this draft. Getting Sergachev, Moverare and Fox adds a ton of depth to an otherwise shallow Canadiens defensive pool. All three project as potential top 4 defenders with Sergachev and Fox potentially serving as solid power play quarterbacks.
The Canadiens may not get a high end forward prospect but Dahlen, Sokolov, Knierim and Reichel represent solid depth. All 4 forwards are likely 3-4 years away from contributing at the pro level but all represent high ceiling prospects. Dahlen has the highest potential of the 4 and could be a solid 2nd line center if he fully develops.