Ten underage first-round picks

For the first time since 1980, the Canadiens will have a great opportunity to talk first line at the next NHL draft on July 7 in Montreal.

The Habs, who will have to rebuild after the 2021-2022 season and finish last in the regular standings, probably won’t be asking a very talented offensive player to add to their group, whether it’s Shane Wright, Juraj Slafkowski or Logan Cooley.

Regardless, Kent Hughes and the staff of the organization have no room for error. Because the last time it had the first pick of the draft, the Montreal organization has the gift of losing a target during this auction, which is very decisive for the team’s sporting future. It seems like for every good shot, there are three bad ones. And it hurt because the team hadn’t won anything in almost thirty years.

To give you an idea of ​​what we’re talking about, here are the top ten picks that missed the boat from the Canadiens since 1980 and remind you of the importance of doing your homework and adequately surrounding the younger elements of the organization:

Nikita Scherbak, a winger, went 26th overall in 2014

The Russian forward never reached 30 goals in the junior ranks, but he is seen by the organization as someone who could make a real offensive impact in the NHL. Recalled for the first time by the big club in January 2017, Scherbak scored a nice first NHL goal… and that’s pretty much it. Throwing two more seasons between the American League (he never broke anything) and the NHL, the Russian was claimed by the Los Angeles Kings, with whom he did nothing worthwhile. He found himself in the KHL, where he shook the ropes three times in 31 games. He has too