Maybe Habs have a chance at Hawks or Oilers pick? Kotkaniemi's skating will hold him back, I have him skill going between 15-18. But where he plays valuable position see him going between 8-12. Not just his skating but noticed he can't be knocked off the puck more than most guys. At 18, 4 out of 5 times that is a core strength issue. Both these it takes time. He is not going to be ready in October. Mostly likely, 2 years away, chances are 3 before making meaningful impact. So I can't see him going at 3.
I can't see the Rangers taking him at 9. They are deep down the middle and need help everywhere else. Howden is underrated, he is going to be a good player. Andersson was 7th overall last year and Chytil had a good year. All are centers. The first 3 picks are pretty well set. The next 4 should go Hughes, then it gets dicy. Tkaczuk, Boqvist, Dobson, Walstrom but don't know what order. Hawks may take Kotkaniemi at 8. Not likely but possible as one of those 4 has to be bumped. Can't see K doing it. If he is still there at 10, Habs could make a trade with Oilers to get the 10th. I would do it even if it means taking on Lucic and giving up a couple decent prospects like a Lindgren. Habs could conceivable come up with a third 1st in a Pacioretty trade. I like a Dellandrea or Sandin around 17-20. Rumours say they like Hayton. Fair enough, if he played top minutes his numbers would look better. Maybe there is a bit of Thomas or Frost in him. If Habs draft Zadina, Kotkaniemi and Hayton first round be good to very good. Plus, keep all their 2nds. Good talent available in 2nd round. Could be a Wise, I like Nodstrom also. Somebody like a Miller could slide out of the first round.
