Rebuilding Team Reportedly Desperate to Move Into the Top-Four at the Draft

The Montreal Canadiens currently hold the 5th overall pick in the 2023 NHL entry draft. They have the fortunate predicament where they are picking high enough to where they can get one of the best players in the draft but not high enough to get their guy.

Habs GM Kent Hughes has a close relationship with top prospect, Will Smith. Smith is widely considered the best American of this year's draft and is projected to go as high as 3rd overall. Hughes was the coach of Smith when he was playing for the Boston College Jr. Eagles and they have maintained their relationship.

While Smith could go as high as 3, he could fall to Montreal at 5 but that possibility is highly unlikely given how San Jose is rumored to like Smith a lot.

Fans are upset with this possibility because it is projected that Matvei Michkov would be available at 5th overall.

While it is no guarantee that they will select Michkov, being rumored to be interested in David Reinbacher, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Smith's linemate Ryan Leonard. Trading up for Smith gives the Habs their guy and ensures that they get a top 5 quality player with a top 5 pick.

To MTL:
4th Overall (Will Smith)
36th Overall

To SJS:
5th Overall (Matvei Michkov)
31st Overall
69th Overall