Habs targeting Despres?

An interesting rumor surfaced on Montreal radio earlier this morning, where Gainey (or whoever may be replacing him LOL ) is interested in trading to move up in the draft in the hopes of snagging the BEST French-Canadian player available in the first-round, Saint John Sea Dogs D-Man Simon Despres.

Being a fan of this kid as he plays for one of our local teams, I must say, I wouldn't be surprised if the Habs make a play to snag him; but considering how well this kid moves with his frame (6 foot 4; 212 lbs approx.) is astounding. His skating is fluid and he has grit and leadership to spare. Deep-down, I kind of hope Murray takes an interest too, as he could do WONDERFUL things for whoever snags him down the road.

Why would they move up to do that though? They'll be in the 17 area - and the drop off in talent between a Depres and guys going to be in their area should be very slight apparently.

Despres is a little too French for Montreal. Montreal radio should look at US High Schools and the USHL for their next 1st round pick.

I totally agree Heater, and in a way I'm not advocating for them to do this, nor am I saying they will do this 100%; just throwing what I heard on the radio.

And really, assuming the fan base is yelling for them to draft another French-Canadian, then it a way it makes sense, but mark my words, this Despres kid is a gem... He will greatly enhance the blueline of whoever selects him.

It would be a solid pick, but I question if they would be doing it for the right reasons.

Cronie wrote:I totally agree Heater, and in a way I'm not advocating for them to do this, nor am I saying they will do this 100%; just throwing what I heard on the radio.

And really, assuming the fan base is yelling for them to draft another French-Canadian, then it a way it makes sense, but mark my words, this Despres kid is a gem... He will greatly enhance the blueline of whoever selects him.

I started listening to Habs call-in shows some 20 years ago and the very players the fans yell for end up getting run out of town.

J.J. Daigneault, Sneaky Pete Turgeon, Vinny Damphousse... it goes on and on.

US High School, USHL, USA Hockey Under-18 that's where the Habs draft.

SeawaySensFan wrote:

Cronie wrote:I totally agree Heater, and in a way I'm not advocating for them to do this, nor am I saying they will do this 100%; just throwing what I heard on the radio.

And really, assuming the fan base is yelling for them to draft another French-Canadian, then it a way it makes sense, but mark my words, this Despres kid is a gem... He will greatly enhance the blueline of whoever selects him.

I started listening to Habs call-in shows some 20 years ago and the very players the fans yell for end up getting run out of town.

J.J. Daigneault, Sneaky Pete Turgeon, Vinny Damphousse... it goes on and on.

US High School, USHL, USA Hockey Under-18 that's where the Habs draft.

the habs monopoly on the franchophone players ended about 20 years ago or more did it not? figured that was a 60's/70's thing.

They should draft a big canadian forward instead. Kassian could be available, if they want their Lucic.

504Heater wrote:It would be a solid pick, but I question if they would be doing it for the right reasons.

Still a solid pick. The type of player the Habs could use.

Although I'm sure it's not purely coincidencidental they're interested in him.

marakh wrote:They should draft a big canadian forward instead. Kassian could be available, if they want their Lucic.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO i want a lucic, draft a skilled russian montreal