The Isles are a team built from the 4th line out that tries to "try hard" their way through better competition. They've got one stud in Barzal, and a bunch of lesser talent. They'll never be a true contender as constructed. That's the comparison.
Michkov looks like true star potential. Gauthier is winger that does nothing particularly well, besides shoot from everywhere. I don't see any stud/star potential there. I see a potential decent top 6 winger if they find someone that can make space for him and get him the puck in scoring positions. Contenders have at least 3 guys better than he is going to be. Bonk is a dime a dozen prospect that every team in the NHL has. His upside is steady 2nd pair guy.
Michkov does look like a potential star, maybe even at the Kucherov-Kaprizov level talent. He's a RW, Cutter looks like a scoring LW, really JVR2.0, although he's a bit thicker. I don't see him as a C.
For the rebuild to succeed, they need a 1C and a true 1D. Not easy to find, unless you draft early, such as:
Sportsnet's 2024 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings: November Edition
Need to get into the top 6 picks:
Our November rankings:
1. Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University (NCAA): Celebrini's path is looking more and more like Adam Fantilli’s in that he's a freshman dominating the college ranks against older, more established competition.
Check out this kid, looks like Crosby's bastard son.
2. Cole Eiserman, LW, USNTDP: Despite a recent three-game goal-scoring drought, Eiserman has still filled the net at more than a goal per game rate.
3. Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL): Demidov is highly competitive with hockey sense that makes him a reliable player in all three zones. Injury issues will keep him on the sidelines until the new year.
4. Berkly Catton, C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL): Catton is a serious threat off the rush by either taking it to the net or creating lanes to find the next-best scoring option.
5. Sam Dickinson, D, London Knights (OHL): Smooth, powerful skater who can transport the puck, initiate or support the rush.
6. Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State University (NCAA): Coveted package in a player who has moved from Belarus to the USHL and now to the NCAA, all while producing at a point/game rate.