How Swede it is, Montreal finds a Forsberg

MONTREAL – The Montreal Canadiens were once the greatest name in all of hockey. They are the franchise with the most Stanley Cups in NHL history. The last time the Canadiens won the cup was back in 1993 against the Los Angeles Kings in five games. With the Kings now back in the Cup Finals, it serves as a reminder of the once proud franchise’s glory days. On June 22^nd the Habs will pick third overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Oh how the mighty have fallen.
 
Montreal finished 19^th in scoring and 11^th in defense. The power play was 28^th and second on the penalty kill. Face-offs were once again an issue ranking 25^th.
 
Montreal got most of its scoring from the left wing position with Max Pacioretty leading the way along with Erik Cole putting up over 30 goals each. The centers and defense added some of the scoring punch but only one right winger had over 10 goals (Rene Bourque with 18). Needless to say the Habs need help on all three forward positions but right wing is the top priority going into the draft.
 
Filip Forsberg would fit that bill to a T, especially since he can play both left win and center, so could Teuvo Teravainen but Forsberg is considered the better prospect. Alex Galchenyuk would be another welcome addition which is why word out of Montreal is that both are considered to be the Habs top pick.
 
The defense is solid if nothing else, led by P.K Subban and Tomas Kaberle, they did well offensively but Kaberle was a -18 for the year. Josh Gorgas led the team in plus/minus (+14). Nathan Beaulieu and Jarred Tinordi are waiting in the wings and could get a shot at making the roster. The Canadiens could draft the top defenseman in the draft if Ryan Murray isn’t taken by either Edmonton or Columbus. He could man the Habs blueline for years to come so don’t be surprised if he’s there Montreal doesn’t take advantage of it come draft day.
 
Montreal also needs another goaltender in the system but one won’t be taken this high. Look for the Habs to take one in either the second or third rounds.
 
In PHN’s mock draft, the Habs have several good options. We feel it is a three horse race between Forsberg, Galchenyuk, and Murray but when push comes to shove, the Habs will make the following call come draft day.
 
“With the third overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, the Montreal Canadiens select, from Leksand, Sweden, Filip Forsberg”
 
To learn more about Filip Forsberg click here .
 
Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohckeynews.com Contact the photographer at Lewis.Bleiman@prohockeynews.com Follow us on Twitter at @prohockeynews