NASHVILLE | Jacob Fowler, Quentin Miller and Yevgeny Volokhin. An American goalie, a Quebec goalie and a Russian goalie. On this second day of the repechage, the Canadian has replenished his hopes for that position.
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There was practically a symbolism. The day before, Carey Price presented the fifth overall pick in the draft, defenseman David Reinbacher. Once the strong image of the team, Price is now a thing of the past. And the CH looked to the future by responding to a need within the organization.
For the first time since 1977, the Habs bet on three keepers in the same auction. More than 40 years ago, the Canadian challenged seven goalkeepers, including Richard Sévigny.
Miller, who was the second-biggest goaltender behind William Rousseau for the Quebec Remparts, had not made the trip to Nashville. However, during a phone conversation with Le Journal, the 18-year-old radiated happiness.
“The Canadian is the team I looked up to when I was younger,” he said. Carey Price made me a goalie. Being part of this organization is incredible.”
DIDIER DEBUSSCISSORS/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Kent Hughes hadn’t lied. During selection camp in Buffalo, the Canadian’s general manager had mentioned that he was considering using an early selection to sign a goalkeeper. He made it with his third-round pick (Fowler), who was the team’s first on day two.
In the fourth round (128th) with Miller and in the fifth round (144th) with Volokhin, the Canadian continued his search for goalkeepers.
The Larionov link
The Canadian finished shopping in the country’s capital with nine choices. Among them is an elected official of the QMJHL, but also two interested parties from Russia.
It should also be noted that four of the team’s nine picks were not in their first year of draft eligibility.
With one of the three decisions in the fourth round, CH defender Bogdan Konyushkov secured himself. Konyushkov, 20, played for Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo in the KHL. In 64 games he had 25 points (2 goals, 23 assists).
“I often spoke to Igor Larionov, his coach in the KHL,” said Lapointe. We loved him on video but I also trust my former Wings teammate. He spoke to me about him as a very good young defender.
Another Xhekaj
Arber Xhekaj could one day share the Habs dressing room with his younger brother. Florian Xhekaj, a 19-year-old winger, met his fate in the fourth round (101st).
The Hamilton Bulldogs forward of the Ontario Junior League was ranked 131st in NHL Central Scouting in North America.
Like many team picks, he wasn’t in the stands in Nashville.