NHL insider Marco Normandin disclosed today that the Montreal Canadiens did not plan on drafting one of the 2023 draft’s top players, a fact that may not shock many fans. This particular player, Matvei Michkov, has been seen as the most controversial figure in this draft class. Although the Philadelphia Flyers selected him 7th overall, his potential drop on draft day had been hinted at due to skepticism from several teams regarding his character and playing style.
According to Mathias Brunet of La Presse, the Canadiens were among those teams that chose not to consider drafting Michkov. Instead, they indicated a preference for Ryan Leonard or Dalibor Dvorsky if David Reinbacher had not been available. Brunet noted, “I can tell you that, rightly or wrongly, the Canadiens’ management had decided not to draft Matvei Michkov. Even if David Reinbacher had not been available, they would have favored Ryan Leonard or Dalibor Dvorsky.”
Leonard eventually went to the Washington Capitals and has since recorded 12 goals and 19 points this season at Boston College, where he will serve as Team USA’s captain at the World Junior Championship. Dvorsky was drafted by the St. Louis Blues and is playing in the AHL, amassing 11 goals and 20 points in 25 games—also notable numbers for a 19-year-old.
In contrast, Michkov is currently leading all NHL rookies with 27 points, including 11 goals, through 31 games, making him the frontrunner for the Calder Trophy. Some teams may already be regretting their decision to pass on him.
