I agree with the assessment, my only quibble would be that the difference between a #1 center and a #2 is pretty big. If the habs end up with 2-3 good second line centers they'll still be missing a top guy. Doesn't change the conclusion, but suggests they may end up taking another center early next year.I'm still sticking with Wright, hes the BPA with the lowest risk at this time. Slafkovsky is too "boom/bust" for my tastes with the last 2 high picks we've had somewhat falter. Cooley looks promising but watching Wright he seems to have an innate hockey sense on the ice which is similar to Crosby, though they have two totally different toolsets to be honest.
Based on everything I can see Wright panning out as just below a generational talent if he reaches his full potential, think a combo of Adam Oates and Joe Sakic. I'm not sure of the leadership intangibles but based on his play in Kingston he does look like the "good soldier" type that coaches love.
The main selling point is that you know you're getting a piece of the team puzzle you need to win games. Sure, you might not get the best player in the draft but you're getting one of the best 5 in the draft who on the low end ends up a great 2nd line centre.
Cooley, Slafkovsky and 2-3 others in the draft might end up having better NHL careers but the only "off the board" #1 pick I would consider would be Nemec and we'd better trade down and get some assets if we go that way.
I expect habs scouts are looking really hard at anyone top 15, especially Cooley and Nemec/Jiricek. It would be nice to have a good power forward but the habs absolutely need a top center and a top D. Montreal could take the best player in the draft without meaningfully improving the team long term. I hope the rest of their draft is strong enough that getting a good winger makes sense, but it's unlikely. The goal for the next two drafts is 2 impact players in each, and that's ambitious even with 1OA this year and likely a top 10 next year.