The Canadiens had a chance at grabbing a franchise player at the 2022 NHL Draft.
They made a bit of a shock move in the process, selecting Slovakian winger Juraj Slafkovsky over.
The decision to take Slafkovsky over Shane Wright, a player tipped for the No. 1 selection for much of the past few seasons, will stick out for years to come. However, with a 6'3, 218-pound frame, Slafkovsky certainly has the size and strength to make an impact at NHL level soon.
The 18-year old scored five goals and five assists in 31 games playing against grown men in Liiga, Finland's top professional league. Slafkovsky shined at Olympic level, leading Slovakia to a bronze medal in the process.
Now, the Habs are hoping to pair the talented winger with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caulfield as they hope to rebuild a squad that struggled to recreate the success of their Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2020.
Here's a look at the Canadiens picks in the 2022 NHL Draft:
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Canadiens draft picks 2022: When does Montreal pick?
The Canadiens own two picks in the first round picking No. 1 overall and then again at No. 26 on day one of the draft. On Day 2, they're scheduled to make 12 picks. GM Kent Hughes will have enough picks to replenish the talent that was lost over the last year.
- Round 1, Pick No. 1: Juraj Slafkovsky, LW (Slovakia)
- Round 1, Pick No. 26: Filip Mesar, RW, Poprad (Slovak Extraliga)
- Round 2, Pick No. 33: Owen Beck, C, Mississauga (OHL)
- Round 2, Pick No. 62: Lane Hutson, D, USA U-18 (NTDP)
- Round 3, Pick No. 75: Vinzenz Rohrer, C, Ottawa (OHL)
- Round 3, Pick No. 92: Adam Engstrom, D, Rogle Jr. (Sweden-Jr.)
- Round 4, Pick No. 128: Cedrick Guindon, LW, Owen Sound (OHL)
- Round 5, Pick No. 130: Jared Davidson, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
- Round 6, Pick No. 162: Emmett Croteau, G, Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)
- Round 7, Pick No. 194: Petteri Nurmi, D, HPK (Liiga)
- Round 7, Pick No. 216: Miguel Tourigny, D, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
Canadiens 2022 NHL Draft order
The Canadiens will select No. 1 overall in the draft at home in front of their loyal fans. They'll also have pick No. 26 which they acquired from the Flames in the deal that saw Tyler Toffoli shipped to Calgary.
The Habs were able to acquire multiple picks via trades, here is where and when they'll pick in this year's draft.
| Round | Pick (Overall) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 |
| 1 | 26 (from Flames) |
| 2 | 33 |
| 2 | 62 (from Oilers) |
| 3 | 75 (from Ducks) |
| 3 | 92 (from Hurricanes) |
| 4 | 128 (from Lightning) |
| 5 | 130 |
| 6 | 162 |
| 7 | 194 |
| 7 | 216 (from Blues via Flyers, Coyotes) |
Canadiens NHL Draft biggest need
For the Canadiens, they have to address the need down the middle at center. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, the No. 3 pick from 2018, didn't develop to the likes of Montreal and eventually went to Carolina, thanks to an offer sheet. Nick Suzuki is going to be their No. 1 center, but behind him, there's not really anyone to bolster the depth.
Prospect Jan Mysak has played both center and wing, so there's the potential for him to fill a role. But let's face it: By owning the No. 1 pick in the draft, the Canadiens can take not only the best player available but the best center available in Shane Wright and immediately address their issue in the middle.
Canadiens first-round mock draft 2022
Here are the latest predictions for how the Canadiens will utilize their picks in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft.
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Shane Wright | C | Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) |
| 1 | 26 | Jagger Firkus | RW | Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) |
