HF Habs: Montreal Canadiens Draft (#3, #35, #38, #56, #62, #66, #97, #102, #122 & #128)

[Habs Halifax]

If we pick Wahlstrom, I’d be the second happiest guy on HF Habs.

I would be OK with Wahlstrom as well. This is why a deal with the Coyetes makes sense. If they want to give us their 2019 2nd, I'd be down to swap picks. We can take one of Dobson, Kotkaniemi, Boqvist, or Wahlstrom. Getting addition assets in future draft years is the key to a good rebuild. We had 2 2nd round picks last year, 4 this year, and another 2 next year would be a great situation.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Wahlstrom could end up the second best offensive player in the draft (behind Svech) and I wouldn't bat an eye.

Love him. Whoever takes him will be very happy.

 

[Sterling Archer]

https://thehockeywriters.com/oliver-wahlstrom-2018-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/
Oliver Wahlstrom – NHL Draft Projection

The question with Wahlstrom is has he done enough to go in the top-five. Depending on who you ask, some have him as a better option than Brady Tkachuk who is in most consensus top fives. He’s right there. I have him as my sixth-overall skater.
Quotables

“Wahlstrom is a flashy puck wizard who creates offensive chances almost casually…can dance around the ice with the puck on a string, making filthy dekes…he moves around the ice with an effortless, yet powerful, stride that generates plenty of speed…starts and stops on the puck…impressive lateral quickness for his size make him elusive…possesses strong instincts and vision on the ice…makes some skilled passes that put his teammates in prime scoring opportunities, sometimes to their surprise…patient with the puck…loves to shoot the puck and has a rifle of a shot with a surprisingly tricky release…strong on his feet and willing to play in greasy areas of the ice…can be a load to handle when he gets moving…can be relentless in his offensive efforts…protects the puck well using his reach and body position…physical game is there in flashes…when he is engaged he is tenacious and viscous on the forecheck and relentless in his puck pursuit…has some impressive offensive upside at the next level but needs to show he wants it before he’ll reach it.” -Future Considerations
“Wahlstrom is a dominant power winger with elite puck skills, highlighted by a devastatingly accurate shot. He is one of the top goal scorers available for the draft, but he does far more than simply fill the back of the net. Not only is Wahlstrom Team USA’s top-line right wing, but he is also a key cog in both the power play and the penalty kill. Although it seems like he never turns down the opportunity to crank one towards the cage, he is blessed with an acute sense to quickly identify a defender’s intentions, then exploit the tiniest of windows and turn a seemingly harmless 1-on-1 into a clear dash for the cage. Wahlstrom has very good speed with an above-average first step. And although he is no straight-line road-runner, his footwork, balance and lateral skating ability are all excellent, and he uses a keen understanding of play development to get the extra step or two he needs to create plenty of space between the opponent and him.” –Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst
“Wahlstrom has done nothing but improve his draft stock this season. The dynamic winger currently leads the U18 USNTDP in nearly every statistical category by producing 40 goals, 83 points and 243 shots on goal in just 54 games. Wahstrom is big, strong, lethal from the circles down and loves driving into the dirty areas to finish a play. His chemistry with fellow 2018 draft-eligible prospect, Joel Farabee and 2019 uber prospect, Jack Hughes has been incredible. Wahlstrom appears destined for a top 10 selection this June and could force his way into the top five.”-Cam Robinson/Dobber Prospects
Strengths

• Excellent shot
• Good skater
• Good size and strength
• Elite decision-maker

Under Construction (Improvements to Make)

• Consistent effort
• Overall play as a center

NHL Potential

Wahlstrom has the potential to become an elite power forward in the league. His overall combination of size and skill makes him one of the more appealing options. He has a lot of Mikko Rantanen in him. If he reaches that potential, you have a potential 80-point scorer playing on your top line.
Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk – 3/5, Reward – 4.5/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offence – 9/10, Defence – 7/10

 

[davey999]

Why do we not want Zadina? The guy was one of the best players at the WJC at 18 and was lights out all year. Elite skill and not afraid to go to the dirty areas.

Take him at 3 and move on... don't get cute.

 

[sandviper]

Does anyone know why Zadina is ranked higher than Wahlstrom? I guess based on results last season and not future projection? It just looks like Wahlstrom's game prjects better in the NHL and he seems to be a lot more power forwardish than Zadina is.

Just my opinion, but I think there may be a perception his stats are higher because he plays with Hughes. Also, small sample sizes, but Zadina’s D-1 WJC numbers are slightly better than Wahlstrom’s draft year WJC numbers. Only mentioning this because Wahlstrom is younger.

Anyhow, I don’t agree with what I said, but if I were to guess as to why the rank differences, that is what I think.

 

[Habs Halifax]

His variety of shots, too. He can let it go at any time from anywhere in a couple different ways. Set plays, off the rush, from low angles, one timers, and he's not wrong when he says that it's the best in the draft. The comparison to Pacioretty is a lazy and bad one, IMO: he's way more useful in the rest of the game, and especially as a play maker than Patches.

I wonder what happened to Patch over the years... he got more soft IMO. I remember taking him in my fantasy league before he had those 30+ seasons and that year with Cole, he was near the top of the league with hits, shots, goals and +/-. He has seemed to drift a bit with the physical part of the game from year to year. I think he needs to refocus this part of this game if he wants to rebound. I would prefer him to be a solid for checker and put pressure on the opposing D with his speed and size. It's totally within him but the Habs management has seem to be also soft with our vets allowing them free rein to do whatever they want. Patch needs to finish his checks and send a message to other players that he will finish his checks to move you off the puck. If I was his coach, I'd be lighting a fire under his ass in this department. Go out there and finish your checks. He can still drift to open space for his one time shot but that's when we have puck possession. It's what goal scorers do. Our problem is our centers are terrible at maintaining puck possession. Puts the goal scoring Patch in a difficult position.

I'm assuming the reference is made towards Wahlstrom? I just don't see it being fair to compare him to Patch. Patch today vs Patch 5 or 6 years ago are different players IMO. No way Wahlstrom would survive as a prospect if he was lazy

 

[Justin11]

Even better than the quality of his shot...it's his willingness to use it and ability to use it in different situations.

To me that's what makes a sniper...not just how good/hard/accurate your shot is, but how often are you able to get it off and under what circumstances.

High quality and high volume shooter...+ he's right handed, can skate, has good size.

What's not to like?

I compare it to a guy like Galchenyuk...he's got an awesome shot, but he needs a lot of time/space to get it off. This is not the case with Wahlstrom from what i've seen, he'll shoot it off the rush, between a Dman's legs, one timer, snap shots...he's got the entire shooting arsenal AND the deceptiveness to fool goalies.

The fact that he's right handed also helps. I know some people don't put too much emphasis on this but we do lack skilled forwards that shoot from the right side.

 

[Runner77]

https://thehockeywriters.com/oliver-wahlstrom-2018-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/
Oliver Wahlstrom – NHL Draft Projection

The question with Wahlstrom is has he done enough to go in the top-five. Depending on who you ask, some have him as a better option than Brady Tkachuk who is in most consensus top fives. He’s right there. I have him as my sixth-overall skater.

Quotables

“Wahlstrom is a flashy puck wizard who creates offensive chances almost casually…can dance around the ice with the puck on a string, making filthy dekes…he moves around the ice with an effortless, yet powerful, stride that generates plenty of speed…starts and stops on the puck…impressive lateral quickness for his size make him elusive…possesses strong instincts and vision on the ice…makes some skilled passes that put his teammates in prime scoring opportunities, sometimes to their surprise…patient with the puck…loves to shoot the puck and has a rifle of a shot with a surprisingly tricky release…strong on his feet and willing to play in greasy areas of the ice…can be a load to handle when he gets moving…can be relentless in his offensive efforts…protects the puck well using his reach and body position…physical game is there in flashes…when he is engaged he is tenacious and viscous on the forecheck and relentless in his puck pursuit…has some impressive offensive upside at the next level but needs to show he wants it before he’ll reach it.” -Future Considerations
“Wahlstrom is a dominant power winger with elite puck skills, highlighted by a devastatingly accurate shot. He is one of the top goal scorers available for the draft, but he does far more than simply fill the back of the net. Not only is Wahlstrom Team USA’s top-line right wing, but he is also a key cog in both the power play and the penalty kill. Although it seems like he never turns down the opportunity to crank one towards the cage, he is blessed with an acute sense to quickly identify a defender’s intentions, then exploit the tiniest of windows and turn a seemingly harmless 1-on-1 into a clear dash for the cage. Wahlstrom has very good speed with an above-average first step. And although he is no straight-line road-runner, his footwork, balance and lateral skating ability are all excellent, and he uses a keen understanding of play development to get the extra step or two he needs to create plenty of space between the opponent and him.” –Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst
“Wahlstrom has done nothing but improve his draft stock this season. The dynamic winger currently leads the U18 USNTDP in nearly every statistical category by producing 40 goals, 83 points and 243 shots on goal in just 54 games. Wahstrom is big, strong, lethal from the circles down and loves driving into the dirty areas to finish a play. His chemistry with fellow 2018 draft-eligible prospect, Joel Farabee and 2019 uber prospect, Jack Hughes has been incredible. Wahlstrom appears destined for a top 10 selection this June and could force his way into the top five.”-Cam Robinson/Dobber Prospects
Strengths

• Excellent shot
• Good skater
• Good size and strength
• Elite decision-maker

Under Construction (Improvements to Make)

• Consistent effort
• Overall play as a center

NHL Potential

Wahlstrom has the potential to become an elite power forward in the league. His overall combination of size and skill makes him one of the more appealing options. He has a lot of Mikko Rantanen in him. If he reaches that potential, you have a potential 80-point scorer playing on your top line.
Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk – 3/5, Reward – 4.5/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offence – 9/10, Defence – 7/10

Thanks for posting this.

I wonder what the words "power forward" mean. I thought it had to do with playing a highly physical style, usually by someone who is physically imposing. Is Wahlstrom really that physical?

 

[Habs Halifax]

Just my opinion, but I think there may be a perception his stats are higher because he plays with Hughes. Also, small sample sizes, but Zadina’s D-1 WJC numbers are slightly better than Wahlstrom’s draft year WJC numbers. Only mentioning this because Wahlstrom is younger.

Anyhow, I don’t agree with what I said, but if I were to guess as to why the rank differences, that is what I think.

I can see both Zadina and Wahlstrom being very similar players. Most see it this was too. This is why there is no clear BPA with the 3rd pick. Zadina is just the popular pick. Popularity means nothing when it comes to future projection. It's the intangibles that you evaluate and project that helps you draft a impact NHL player.

Blue Jacks took PLD... who was not the popular 3rd pick. They knew what they were doing. Big center who can score and has good skating. That is Kotkaniemi. I see no issues with his skating. He does not get moved off the puck due to lack of foot speed or edge work.

 

[Sterling Archer]

I wonder what happened to Patch over the years... he got more soft IMO. I remember taking him in my fantasy league before he had those 30+ seasons and that year with Cole, he was near the top of the league with hits, shots, goals and +/-. He has seemed to drift a bit with the physical part of the game from year to year. I think he needs to refocus this part of this game if he wants to rebound. I would prefer him to be a solid for checker and put pressure on the opposing D with his speed and size. It's totally within him but the Habs management has seem to be also soft with our vets allowing them free rein to do whatever they want.

I'm assuming the reference is made towards Wahlstrom? I just don't see it being fair to compare him to Patch. Patch today vs Patch 5 or 6 years ago are different players IMO.

I find, and this is only what I think and not based in anything I can fact check, but Patches seems to take on the identity of who he plays with. He's very adaptable and has the size and skill to pull it off. In the early years when he played with Cole, he'd be a lot more physical like Cole and drive the net. Later when he was playing more with DD as his main linemate, it was a lot more floating around and getting open, than with Chucky it was a lot more fast paced give and go to the net and quick strike finishes, with PK feeding him the puck there was a lot of quick transition down the wing and sniping and finally with Rads it was a lot more cycling, going around the net and getting a bit more involved in the plays.

Maybe it's just my perspective but his game has changes from year to year depending on who he's played with.

 

[Sterling Archer]

Thanks for posting this.

I wonder what the words "power forward" mean. I thought it had to do with playing a highly physical style, usually by someone who is physically imposing. Is Wahlstrom really that physical?

From what I've seen and read, it's more that he doesn't shy away from it. He may not instigate it like a Tkachuk might but he'll go to those areas and he's comfortable staying there, retaliating and crashing the net hard if need be.

 

[Runner77]

From what I've seen and read, it's more that he doesn't shy away from it. He may not instigate it like a Tkachuk might but he'll go to those areas and he's comfortable staying there, retaliating and crashing the net hard if need be.

It's definitely a plus to his game. Don't know that I'd label that as a power forward, but maybe the definition has changed.

 

[Habs Halifax]

I find, and this is only what I think and not based in anything I can fact check, but Patches seems to take on the identity of who he plays with. He's very adaptable and has the size and skill to pull it off. In the early years when he played with Cole, he'd be a lot more physical like Cole and drive the net. Later when he was playing more with DD as his main linemate, it was a lot more floating around and getting open, than with Chucky it was a lot more fast paced give and go to the net and quick strike finishes, with PK feeding him the puck there was a lot of quick transition down the wing and sniping and finally with Rads it was a lot more cycling, going around the net and getting a bit more involved in the plays.

Maybe it's just my perspective but his game has changes from year to year depending on who he's played with.

There is some form of truth to this. You can look at it in reverse too. Patch became a proven goal scorer and a vet on our team. He figured he could coast and now other players look up to him to model their game by. It's not a good situation. Gallagher is the only work horse we got. It's a huge problem of mine.

The majority of our forwards battle for pucks like they are trying to knock off a wasp nest off a tree with a 6' pole. The give it a little tap and then turn for cover.

Saying good bye to Pleky was the beginning of a good situation for us. Replacing him with the bigger DLR on our 3rd line where he skates well and competes is a good thing. We need to start winning puck battles out there and getting pucks to guys in open space. Not passing the puck to guys who are already covered cause you are afraid to get hit along the boards.

The vets like Pleky and Patch on our team are part of the problem. They are not leaders. They are support guys and they should not be leading by example.

 

[417]

The fact that he's right handed also helps. I know some people don't put too much emphasis on this but we do lack skilled forwards that shoot from the right side.

Handedness is important for me as far as I'm concerned.

We have too many left hand shooting forwards both with the Habs and in the system.

We haven't heard alot of talk about the Habs and Wahlstrom...and given the Habs tendency to always look like the "smartest guys in the room", I wouldn't be surprised if he's their guy.

If only cause everyone is expecting them to go Zadina/Kotkaniemi/Dman

 

[Sterling Archer]

It's definitely a plus to his game. Don't know that I'd label that as a power forward, but maybe the definition has changed.

Point taken. Tkachuk is a "power forward" in the traditional sense.

 

[NotProkofievian]

I find players like Wahlstrom (and to some degree Pacioretty, though his is more warranted) often get labeled as lazy because they're not working "hard" away from the puck.

But that's not what snipers do...but that's also not the impression I got from Wahlstrom either. But it's hard to get a sense of these things based on highlights or tournaments playing with the best.

He does have games where, if that's all you saw of him, you could accuse him of Paciorettitis. However, here's how that story ends, as it played out a couple times in the draft thread. In one, maybe two games, he'll beast out on some poor team, and you'll have to retract that statement. Like clockwork. For him it's about consistency.

 

[Runner77]

Handedness is important for me as far as I'm concerned.

We have too many left hand shooting forwards both with the Habs and in the system.

We haven't heard alot of talk about the Habs and Wahlstrom...and given the Habs tendency to always look like the "smartest guys in the room", ...

They do? Where's the emoji that goes with that qualifier?

Oh, here it is.

Just kidding. If I read you correctly, you probably meant going off the beaten path.

 

[Sterling Archer]

There is some form of truth to this. You can look at it in reverse too. Patch became a proven goal scorer and a vet on our team. He figured he could coast and now other players look up to him to model their game by. It's not a good situation. Gallagher is the only work horse we got. It's a huge problem of mine.

The majority of our forwards battle for pucks like they are trying to knock off a wasp nest off a tree with a 6' pole.

I don't see it like that. The guys been one of the most consistent goal scorers in the NHL for 7 years while being one of the top defensive players on the team. You don't do that without effort.

If anything he should do him and not worry about being other people. His quote this year that he wanted to change his game to be more like Rads was a little strange especially given his abilities. He's too conscientious to be lazy. In fact, he may care too much and that hinders his game.

 

[417]

They do? Where's the emoji that goes with that qualifier?

Oh, here it is.

Just kidding. If I read you correctly, you probably meant going off the beaten path.

Yes that's what I meant...going against who everyone thought they might pick.

There's been no links with Habs and Wahlstrom. No discussion

 

[Justin11]

Handedness is important for me as far as I'm concerned.

We have too many left hand shooting forwards both with the Habs and in the system.

We haven't heard alot of talk about the Habs and Wahlstrom...and given the Habs tendency to always look like the "smartest guys in the room", I wouldn't be surprised if he's their guy.

If only cause everyone is expecting them to go Zadina/Kotkaniemi/Dman

The fact that nobody has Habs picking Wahlstrom might be a good thing. Watch Timmins call his name on June 22nd. At least I hope he does

 

[The Great Weal]

Funny enough, Tkachuk is the kind of player I want on Wahlstroms line

 

[Habs Halifax]

I don't see it like that. The guys been one of the most consistent goal scorers in the NHL for 7 years while being one of the top defensive players on the team. You don't do that without effort.

If anything he should do him and not worry about being other people. His quote this year that he wanted to change his game to be more like Rads was a little strange especially given his abilities. He's too conscientious to be lazy. In fact, he may care too much and that hinders his game.

Patch was groomed by MT and he lived on his shot. His defensive game and habits comes from the previous system where we dump pucks out of our own end or into the offensive end. It was all about defense first. Patch is dangerous in our own end and on the PK due to his speed in the transition game. He played with Pleky a lot too on the PK. He burned a lot of teams due to his long reach, speed and active stick.

The problem is he can't maintain puck possession if his life depended on it. He relies on his line-mates and that's why he clicked with Radulov. Heck even DD and Danault had some success cause they compete hard. Patch and Drouin is a very very bad combo.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Funny enough, Tkachuk is the kind of player I want on Wahlstroms line

If we did not have holes on D and at Center, I think Tkachuk would fit well on our team. Problem is we need skill first so that's why Tkachuk would be a bad pick for us.

If the Sens take him, he is going to be one of my favorite players to hate. Lucic style.

 

[Sterling Archer]

Patch was groomed by MT and he lived on his shot. His defensive game and habits comes from the previous system where we dump pucks out of our own end or into the offensive end. It was all about defense first. Patch is dangerous in our own end and on the PK due to his speed in the transition game. He played with Pleky a lot too on the PK. He burned a lot of teams due to his long reach, speed and active stick.

The problem is he can't maintain puck possession if his life depended on it. He relies on his line-mates and that's why he clicked with Radulov. Heck even DD and Danault had some success cause they compete hard. Patch and Drouin is a very very bad combo.

That's true. He has near zero stick handling abilities and can't make a pass to save his life. He needs a feeder to get him the puck in a scoring space and he snipes. That's why I don't think the comparison to Wahlstrom is a good one as he has sick puck handling and passing skills AND he can snipe like Patches.

I'd go with Wahlstrom at #3 if we're looking for BPA IMO. If he ends up tightening up his defensive game he might even turn into a center though I wouldn't draft him based on it.

 

[NotProkofievian]

That's true. He has near zero stick handling abilities and can't make a pass to save his life. He needs a feeder to get him the puck in a scoring space and he snipes. That's why I don't think the comparison to Wahlstrom is a good one as he has sick puck handling and passing skills AND he can snipe like Patches.

I'd go with Wahlstrom at #3 if we're looking for BPA IMO. If he ends up tightening up his defensive game he might even turn into a center though I wouldn't draft him based on it.

It's the biggest difference between them. Patches handles the puck like a grenade whereas Wahlstrom has some sweet moves, and a willingness to use them. He can also pass the puck which Pacioretty can't.