BUFFALO | The Canadian has a long list of talents as a forward and defender, but not as a goalkeeper. Kent Hughes has confirmed that he could use an early pick next draft in Nashville to remedy that weakness.
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On paper, Samuel Montembeault and Jake Allen will continue to share work in Montreal next season.
Cayden Primeau, if not claimed for waivers, should still fill the number one role with the Laval missile. Jakub Dobes, who signed a two-year contract in March after two great seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes, is expected to be Primeau’s next assistant.
There is a trend in Canadian. The team has relied on a goaltender in the last four drafts. But never with a large selection. Emmett Croteau (Round 6 2022), Joe Vrbetic (Round 7 2021), Dobes (Round 5 2020) and Frederik Dichow (Round 5 2019) all heard their names from the mic at the Habs table. Of the four, Dichow no longer has any ties to the team as he has not received a contract.
Also this year, the CH expects to open its doors to another masked man.
“I’ve spoken a lot with Vincent Riendeau, our goaltender recruitment specialist, and it’s been a good year for him to sign a goalie,” Hughes said during his meeting with the media Thursday in Buffalo.
The last goalie requested by the Canadian before Round 3 dates back to 2013. It was Zachary Fucale with 36th pick overall (Round 2).
A 1.95 meter tall giant
For several years, goalkeepers have not been counted in the first round. Last year in Montreal, Finland’s Topias Leinonen became the first goalie picked 41st overall by the Buffalo Sabers. In 2021, Sebastian Cossa (15th from the Detroit Red Wings) and Jesper Wallstedt (20th from the Minnesota Wild) met their fate in the first round.
For the next draft in Nashville, the CH still has a lot of choices with 11 picks. Hughes made no secret of the fact that he could bet on a goalie with the Panthers’ first-round pick (31st or 32nd) or his second-round pick (37th).
“The goalkeepers probably come out less quickly because of the late development in this position,” noted Michael Hrabal. In my case, I would like to play at university for three years [du Massachusetts] before I turn pro.
Hrabal, a six-foot-tall, 200-pound giant, is considered the second-best candidate among North American goalies by NHL Central Scouting. The Czech, who played in the USHL in Omaha, faced CH in Buffalo this week.
“I had a good feeling after my interview with Montreal, but I had that feeling with other teams too,” admitted Hrabal as he exited physical tests on Saturday morning.
Hrabal knows that being a goalie for the Canadiens is often considered the toughest job in the NHL.
“I’ve heard of this call,” he replied with a smile. I wouldn’t have a problem with that. I know the people of Montreal love hockey. I like to play in noisy amphitheatres. I would be happy in Montreal.”
Hrabal gave an original answer to the classic question about the animal that defines him.
“Off the ice, I consider myself a panda. I keep calm and funny. But on the ice I compare myself to a gorilla. I’m very focused, but I also like to joke.
Augustine, another option
There is no consensus on the identity of the goalie who will be waiting the shortest time in the stands at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Carson Bjarnason, Hrabal, Trey Augustine and Alexander Hellnemo will be vying for the throne.
“I would love to be first, but it’s not that important,” said Hrabal. I just want to have a team that believes in me and where I will have a bright future.
Augustine, a 1.90 meter tall and 183 pound goalkeeper, does not have the same profile as Hrabal. It is not built in today’s form for this position with a more modest size.
“I play differently than other goalies and maximize my skating skills,” Augustine said. I don’t see that as a disadvantage. I have a very good relationship with Manny Legace, a goalkeeper who had a very good career despite being small [5 pi 10 po]. He helped me become the goalkeeper I am today. He was a mentor. I met him when I was about 10 years old.
Augustine, the goaltender for the US U18 program and gold medalist at the U18 World Cup in Switzerland, is also on the shortlist for the Canadian.
“It was a good interview. It was quite an intense game, different from some teams, but it was a good interview. I’m always up for a challenge of this magnitude if I’m picked by Montreal.