The next Sidney Crosby linked to the Canadiens at the draft?

Naturally, we're all eager to see which player Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will select with the CH's first-round pick, as the organization is expected to benefit from a selection among the top seven rounds of the draft.

Personally, knowing that the defensive squad is full of very talented prospects (David Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux, and Adam Engstrom), I really hope that the Habs will focus on a top forward such as Cayden Lindstrom, Ivan Demidov, Cole Eiserman, or Berkly Catton.

However, we must not forget that the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge also has eleven other selections, including two in the third round. In particular, one name is currently attracting the interest of many scouts, whose value is certainly on the rise.

Indeed, it is Quebecois forward playing for the Drakkar de Baie-Comeau, Justin Poirier. After gathering 48 points last year, the right winger from Valleyfield completely dominated the QMJHL this season, surpassing the incredible 50-goal mark (and 31 assists), in just 68 games.

Moreover, Justin Poirier is only 17 years old, making this achievement even more impressive. In fact, the last player to hit the 50-goal mark at this age in the QMJHL was none other than Sidney Crosby in 2004-2005. This extraordinary season notably allowed him to win the Mario Lemieux trophy, awarded to the top scorer in the Quebec junior league.

Projected to be selected in the third round of the draft this summer, Justin Poirier could prove to be a very important addition for the Montreal Canadiens. The organization has seemed somewhat indifferent to the idea of drafting players from here in the past, but the undeniable talent of the forward could potentially force the management's hand.

Honestly, knowing that the CH needs to add some «punch» to the offense, the idea of acquiring an forward of Justin Poirier's caliber seems very attractive. It's not every season that a player, who has broken a 20-year-old record, is available, and Kent Hughes must absolutely seize this opportunity.

Do you think the Montreal Canadiens should draft Justin Poirier if he is still available in the third round?