The Canadiens won the lottery for the first overall pick at the 2022 NHL Draft, which will be held at the Bell Centre on July 7 and 8. The Canadiens haven’t picked first since 1980 when center Doug Wickenheiser. However, let’s talk old Forum Ghosts and Guy Lafleur (RIP)…
Habs fans gave a 10-minute standing ovation in his memory
Habs last game of the regular season scored 10 goals, with 10 minutes remaining in the game
Habs jersey #22 (Caufield) scored his first career hattrick that very night
Guy Lafleur’s jersey number with the Remparts was #4
Guy Lafleur died April 22 (04-22)… #4 passes torch to #22
Guy Lafleur was the 1st overall pick in 1971 … 51 years ago
Shane Wright wears #51 with the Frontenacs
Shane Wright had 10 points in eight playoff games after the lottery was determined
Coincidence or Destiny???
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman presided over the 2022 NHL Draft Lottery earlier in the afternoon, which was later presented by Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly on TV. Bettman didn’t seem too happy that Montreal got the 1st pick. In previous years, he announced the winner with excitement, but this year he seemed a little disappointed. We all know that he wants the Arizona franchise to succeed, perhaps he was really rooting for them to get the pick. Watch and listen for yourself…
With the CHL Top Prospects Game in the rearview mirror, it felt like a good time to get into some 2022 draft rankings.
1. Shane Wright, C, Kingston (OHL): He plays a complete game already and if you need points, he can go on a spree. The type of No. 1 center who you want out on the ice in the last minute of play whether you’re up a goal or down a goal.
2. Logan Cooley, C, NTDP (USHL): High-end Minnesota commit combines speed and smarts to create turnovers and burn opponents with his offensive prowess. Still has some growing to do and scouts anticipate another pop in his skating once he does.
3. Joakim Kemell, RW, JYP (Fin.): Red-hot start to the season saw him blitz the Liiga in scoring. And though he was slowed by a shoulder injury, Kemell played in all situations for JYP. Wicked release and great compete level.
4. David Jiricek, D, Plzen (Cze.): Put on an absolute show early on in the Czech League season, proving he could bring offense, mobility and poise from the back end. Knee surgery has kept him on the shelf, but he was just named to the World Championship training camp.
6. Simon Nemec, D, Nitra (Svk.): Steady, all-around blueliner putting up numbers in Slovakian League after dominating at summer’s under-18 Hlinka-Gretzky tournament. Some scouts believe he’s the top blueliner in the class, so don’t be shocked if he gets picked before Jiricek.
7. Conor Geekie, C, Winnipeg (WHL): Scouts call him a “Big Rig” and his combination of size and skill is so tantalizing. Still developing on a loaded Ice squad, I wouldn’t be surprised if a team jumps at him early thanks to the long-term potential.
8. Matt Savoie, C, Winnipeg (WHL): Very skilled, very quick and he has an intense battle level that makes up for his smaller frame. Now, will Savoie be ultimately penalized for his height on draft day? Woe be the teams that pass on him, because they’ll give a rival a great prospect.
9. Cutter Gauthier, LW, NTDP (USHL): I like the versatility Gauthier has shown this year. The Boston College commit has proven he can also play center and has been great on the penalty-kill. His shot is lethal and he has great size to go with it.
