There was a time when Montreal’s center position was so weak that the Canadiens selected Jesperi Kotkaniemi third overall in the 2018 draft. The former management believed he would be the team’s savior, but as years passed, it became evident that it was a poor decision.
Currently, the team’s future core consists of Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, and Michael Hage, who are all expected to have successful NHL careers. However, analyst Simon Boisvert remains skeptical about Suzuki being the top center. While he appreciates Suzuki’s abilities, he suggests that general manager Kent Hughes might target a center in the upcoming draft, as discussed in the latest episode of Processus.
Boisvert views Suzuki, Dach, and Hage as a 1A, 1B, and 1C line that could work well together, but he proposes that one might be shifted to a wing position in the top six to accommodate a true number one center.
Who could that center be?
Although it’s early for a 2025 mock draft, the Tankathon Mock Draft shows six centermen ranked in the top 12: James Hagens (1st), Anton Frondell (3rd), Michael Misa (5th), Ivan Ryabkin (6th), Caleb Desnoyers (11th), and William Moore (12th). Given that Montreal, despite their recent win, is likely to secure a top-10 pick once again, they have numerous forward prospects to consider.
In my view, the team’s offensive future looks promising, and I don’t anticipate them using a top-10 pick on a forward. While a forward could be traded for a defenseman, if I were in management, I’d focus on acquiring either Logan Henslert or Charlie Trethewey, both highly regarded right-handed defensemen in the top 10.
Beyond David Reinbacher, Montreal lacks elite right-handed defense prospects, and with David Savard potentially departing after this season (though I would personally offer him another affordable contract), the right side of the defense appears to be a concern for the future. Additionally, Reinbacher’s prolonged absence this season raises doubts about his role in the lineup for the 2025-2026 season.
