BUFFALO – The NHL Draft Combine is a strategic game where teams gather details and prospects attempt to impress. This year,the Montreal Canadiens seem to be prioritizing size and skill,with several large players drawing attention from the association.

One such player is Radim Mrtka, a 6-foot-5, 202-pound defenseman playing junior hockey in Seattle. Known for his skating ability and offensive support, mrtka also shoots from the right, a valuable asset for any team.

It’s probably the ones I talked about the most during the season and I met them here this week.

Radim MRTKA, on Canadiens staff interest

Lynden Lakovic, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound forward, echoed similar sentiments. “This is probably the team I have seen the most this season. All meetings went very well. If it is the team that records me,I will be happy,” said the nephew of Sasha Lakovic.

Lakovic mentioned the Canadiens scouted him in “eight to ten games” while he played for Moose Jaw, located near Regina, Saskatchewan. This suggests a strong interest from the Canadiens in the young forward.

Brady Martin, a 6-foot, 186-pound forward, brings size and physicality to the table, comparing his style to Zach Hyman of the Oilers. The “farmer’s son” also stated he “often” spoke with the Habs during the season and at the combine.

While this list isn’t exhaustive, many players confirmed meetings with Montreal. Kashawn Aitcheson, a physical defenseman, smirked when saying he didn’t meet with the CH this week, hinting otherwise.

Draft Strategy: Trade Up or Stay Put?

The Canadiens currently hold the 16th and 17th overall picks in the first round. They could potentially draft two players they highly covet. However, if they feel the draft lacks depth at those positions, they might package the two picks to move up in the first round.

This type of trade could allow them to acquire players like MRTKA, who is projected as a top-10 pick. “Look at the series, all the teams that went far have one of these great defenders capable of skating well,” said a hockey insider, suggesting MRTKA will be selected early.

Lakovic’s agent believes he will be chosen “between the 10th and the 20th rang.”

Photo Guillaume Lefrançois, the press

Lynden Lakovic, after Saturday tests

Martin revealed he had dinner invitations from Utah, Nashville, Philadelphia, and Boston, who hold the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th picks, respectively. This suggests he is highly likely to be drafted in the first round.

However, Martin cautioned against reading too much into these dinners, as they can be used to gather information or mislead other teams. “It is importent not to have too many expectations,” Martin said.

The Canadiens’ focus on size appears to be a strategic move, especially considering the size of the defensive units of teams that advanced to the second round of the playoffs. However,this approach predates the playoffs,indicating a long-term plan.

Montreal’s reputation Intact

the Canadiens maintain a positive reputation among players,known for their unique and insightful interview process. Some find them challenging, while others appreciate their approach.

“They ask quite unique questions, the most interesting questions,” said sean Barnhill, a 6-foot-6 defenseman ranked 64th among North American prospects.

The Canadiens continue to use hypothetical questions based on unusual scenarios. Examples include:

  • A player is stranded in the desert with another person, a bottle of water, and a baseball bat.The friend takes the water bottle.What does the player do with the bat?
  • A player is captain of a boat attacked by a submarine. He must choose between saving his crew and sinking the enemy submarine.
  • A player sees Nick Suzuki returning to the hotel at 3 a.m. the day before a game. Does he report him to the coach?

The “animal question” remains a staple of the Canadiens’ interview process, often facilitated by Dr. David Scott, the team’s psychologist. William Moore, a center ranked 29th in North America, described him as “a jovial bugger with its big Irish accent.”

Most prospects were aware of the animal question beforehand, frequently enough through friends or conversations with other players. Roger McQueen was the only one who admitted to being “surprised” by the question.

Shane Vanseaghi,a 6-foot-2,210-pound forward,chose the polar bear. “I chose the polar bear. if he sees you, he’s going to kill you. This is my style and my mentality on the skating rink,” he said.

Players were asked to choose an animal on and off the ice. haoxi Wang, a 6-foot-6 defenseman from China, chose the hippopotamus in both cases, describing himself as a “joyful hippopotamus” on the ice.

Carter Bear naturally chose the bear.”Because I hunt during the season and I walk during the dead season,” he explained.