Montreal Canadiens: Is Filip Zadina 100% the guy at the draft now?

Filip Zadina always made sense to be the Montreal Canadiens selection at the 2018 NHL Draft and the latest trade may push that narrative along even more.

When it comes to the Montreal Canadiens at the NHL Draft, it’s been a carousel between three players. Filip Zadina is the offensive dynamo, Brady Tkachuk is the gritty, physical power player, while Jesperi Kotkaniemi is arguably the best centre available. Although the Habs are picking third, in many ways, the draft starts with them.

Rasmus Dahlin going to Buffalo is the lock of the century. Additionally, the Carolina Hurricanes have already announced, in a non-orthodox move, that Andrei Svechnikov is their guy. Whoever the Montreal Canadiens choose to draft starts the next wave of decisions in Dallas next week.

Kotkaniemi has slowly seen his stock rise. He went from a player projected to go in the late portion of the top ten to a probable top-five selection. It’s gotten to the point where Bob McKenzie mentioned on his podcast that the Habs drafting him third wouldn’t be considered going off the board.

Related Story: Going off the board can be worth it

There are many things to like about his game besides the fact that he’s a centre. He sees the ice very well, can make a play in almost all areas of the offensive zone, and finish when the opportunity arises. His skating has been a widely discussed issue, but that can be improved in time.

The issue with taking Kotkaniemi is that the Habs would have to pass on Zadina. The Czech winger has elite talents with the puck and may be the best pure goal-scorer after Svechnikov. But who does the Montreal Canadiens go with?

You have to think of whether trading Alex Galchenyuk swings things a little bit.

Adding More Goals

It’s no secret that Marc Bergevin and Claude Julien saw Galchenyuk as a winger. There were moments this past season that could see him move over and the 24-year-old stay where he was instead. Max Domi brings a lot of positive things to the team, but goals are a little bit of a mystery.

He did score 18 in his rookie year with Arizona, but he’s had that same total in the last two seasons. Galchenyuk, on the other hand, has a 30-goal season underneath his belt as well as performances in the 20-goal range.

It may seem harsh, but what TSN‘s Ray Ferraro tweeted makes some sense.

The Montreal Canadiens could be banking on improved offensive seasons from Artturi Lehkonen and Charles Hudon who had frustrating times scoring. Additionally, if Nikita Scherbak isn’t dealt this offseason, the team should expect more numbers from him in an 82-game season.

Max Pacioretty staying is a possibility as well. If not to keep a goal-scorer on the team, then to add more to the pile of evidence why the price to acquire him is worth it.

But the Habs may also turn to the draft to address the issue. Zadina could fill in that role left behind by Galchenyuk’s departure. We’re throwing at the ‘centre’ angle here. The team saw Galchenyuk as a player who can create on the wing and the power play. Zadina is that and can be even more given time to grow and an opportunity to succeed.

Related Story: Zadina May Have a Hischier-like Effect

It’s tough and too soon to tell. It makes sense for why the seas would be parting towards the Halifax star’s camp. We also can’t disregard the fact that Dominique Ducharme and Jöel Bouchard would know a lot about Zadina after coaching against him for a year.

The back and forth as to who the Montreal Canadiens will draft is going to continue until the big day. There could also be more changes coming up that sway a certain decision.

Next: Breaking Down the Domi Trade

Montreal is guaranteed to get a special player in Dallas. And the fan base may be happy to do away with the mystery once a name is called.