Here's why the Canadiens did not draft Matvei Michkov

Following the conclusion of the first round in June 2023, Canadiens fans were disappointed to see their team pass on a talented forward.

Instead, the team chose defenseman David Reinbacher with the 5th overall pick, as many will recall.

In an interview with Grant McCagg for "Recrutes.ca," one of the Canadiens' amateur scouts, Nick Bobrov, elaborated on the team's choice for 2023.

Why did the Canadiens opt for defenseman Reinbacher over forward Michkov? According to DansLesCoulisses, the reason is straightforward:

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The Canadiens were not interested in adding another 'small' player to their roster (Michkov stands at 5'10"), and this mindset is part of the new culture within the organization.

Since the arrival of the new management, the Canadiens have only selected one player under six feet in the first round, and that player is Filip Mesar (5'10").

Juraj Slafkovsky (6'3"), David Reinbacher (6'3"), Michael Hage (6'1"), and Ivan Demidov (6'0"). This also shows that the organization has a plan in place and is sticking to it.

- via Marc-Olivier Cook's article on DLC

In the end, the Canadiens waited a year to acquire a forward with similar, if not superior, potential to Michkov in Ivan Demidov.

We'll see in a few seasons who made the better choice. Matvei Michkov will join the Flyers this year, but Canadiens fans will have to wait until 2025 to see Demidov in action.

POLL
8 AOUT \| 185 ANSWERS Here's why the Canadiens did not draft Matvei Michkov Which of the two Russians would you choose?
Michkov	5	2.7 %
Demidov	180	97.3 %
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Here's why the Canadiens did not draft Matvei Michkov

Following the conclusion of the first round in June 2023, Canadiens fans were disappointed to see their team pass on a talented forward.

Which of the two Russians would you choose?