The Habs’ picks, Rounds 3-7

Although the Habs were very busy in the early stages of the draft with four
selections in the first two rounds, they also had four selections in the final
five rounds of the draft (two in the third plus a pick in rounds four and six). 
Here is a look at who the team selected with each of their remaining picks,
highlighted by some players that weren’t selected in their first year of
eligibility.

71st overall: Connor Crisp, LW/C, Erie (OHL)

After going with a smaller selection with Artturi Lehkonen, the Habs went off
the board a little bit with their first of two picks in the third round, the one
acquired as part of the trade for Erik Cole.  At 6’3 and 225 lbs, Crisp
plays a power forward game and had a vastly improved 2012-13 season after
missing most of the prior year to injury.  In 63 games with the Otters, he
had 22 goals and 14 assists to go along with 139 PIMS and a -31 rating (the
Otters had a really rough year).  Included in those 139 PIMS was a double
digit number of fights.  If you think the name sounds familiar, he gained
some notoriety after being forced to play goal for a game last year when
injuries struck Erie’s goaltending; he made over 30 saves in that contest in a
losing effort.  Former NHL coach Terry Crisp is Connor’s uncle.  This
was his second year of eligibility after not being selected last year.  As
a result, he’ll be eligible to join Hamilton in the AHL next season.

Rankings

Hockey Prospect: 97, the rest NR

From the Scouts

Hockey Prospect: "It will take
a great deal of work for him to get his skating up to average. It likely will
never be an asset, but this is a major area of improvement for Connor. He has
the high end upside of a low end top six power forward. He plays the game he
would need to in order to be effective in that role. He knows how to use his
size and has the ability to score some goals."

Stats

Fight Highlight

86th overall: Sven Andrighetto, RW/LW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)

For the second straight pick, the Habs picked a player who was passed over in
2012 although unlike Crisp, size isn’t a strength for the Swiss winger as he’s
listed at just 5’9.  He was a dynamic point producer in the Quebec league
this past year, collecting 31 goals and 67 assists in just 53 games.  Even
more impressive was his playoff performance where he collected over two points
per game (8 goals and 22 assists in just 14 games, good for fourth in the league
in scoring).  At 20 years of age, he is eligible to be signed right away
and assigned to the AHL.  Although he’s a skilled offensive forward, his
two-way game needs some work.  If the Habs don’t decide to do that right away,
he will not return to junior as he has inked a contract with Geneve-Servette of
the NLA for next year although the deal is believed to have an out clause.

Rankings

Hockey Prospect: 83   ISS: 147   Hockey Prospectus: 84  Hockey News: 76

From the Scouts

ISS: "A smaller crafty player with
tremendous quickness and very opportunistic offensive skills."

Hockey Prospect: "An
effortless skater who loves to rush the puck in the offensive zone. Makes the
players around him better thanks to his great playmaking ability. Beautiful
skater, very agile on his skates."

Hockey Prospectus: "He is an above-average skater, arguably high end,
and he accelerates very well. His ability to gain the zone with his speed is
quite impressive. While speed is his best offensive skill, he is also a
creative, instinctual passer who hits his targets well, makes good saucer
passes, and generally makes the right decision."

Stats

Highlights

116th overall: Martin Reway, LW, Gatineau (QMJHL)

For the second straight selection, the Habs turned to their backyard to
select an import from the QMJHL.  For the second straight selection, size
was certainly not a concern as Reway, a Slovakian, stands just 5’8 and 158 lbs. 
He is a strong skater whose best asset is his passing.  He also protects
the puck well for his size and his defensive game showed improvement as the year
went on.  One of the biggest knocks on his play is that he plays primarily
an East-West game due to his size; he tends to stay on the perimeter as well. 
Unlike the previous selections, this was Reway’s first foray into the draft. 
He was the 4th overall pick in last year’s CHL Import Draft, the second player
drafted into the Quebec league.

Rankings

Hockey Prospect: 175   ISS: 118   Hockey Prospectus: 112  
NHL CSB: 91 (NA Skaters)

From the Scouts

Hockey Prospect: "A dynamic
and creative puck-handler, he has quick hands and is able to find space where
there doesn’t seem to be any. He loves to use his offensive skills to create
fancy plays, cross-ice passes, behind the back feeds and risky but spectacular
plays. He plays an attractive brand of hockey and you have to live with the
downside of some of it."

ISS: "Plays much bigger than his size
suggests he should and displays quality leadership skills. A respectable
goal-scorer with a quick, accurate release and intriguing PP upside."

Future Considerations: "Reway is a competitive, two-way forward that
plays more competitive than his size would usually dictate. The import is
consistently hard on the puck, possesses a good shot and isn’t shy to try to
make the skilled play."

Stats

Highlights

176th overall: Jeremy Gregoire, C, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

The Habs selected their third straight skater from the QMJHL in Gregoire
although this was the first one that didn’t have import status.  Although
Gregoire isn’t the biggest player (6’0, 190 lbs), he’s a very feisty, hard working
player and one that is willing to drop the gloves when necessary.  His
offensive upside is somewhat limited although he does well getting the ‘dirty’
goals, the ones in front of the net.  His maturity and leadership are both
encouraging while he is a good defensive player.  Scouts are varied in
their thoughts on his skating, some call it a strength while others consider it
a weakness.  He spent the first part of the 2012-13 season playing
alongside fellow Montreal prospect Charles Hudon before being dealt to
Baie-Comeau.

Rankings

Hockey Prospect: 108   ISS: 153   Hockey Prospectus: 137  
NHL CSB: 79 (NA Skaters)  Hockey News: 92

From the Scouts

ISS: "Strong two-way game with a deceptive wrist shot."

Hockey Prospect: "Possessing a
great work ethic, Grégoire is willing to hit and take a hit from an opponent to
make a play. He generates scrums, pushing and shoving with his intensity, he
likes to agitate and provoke his opponents. Grégoire can drop the gloves and is
a fairly accomplished fighter at only 17 years old."

Stats

Highlights

206th overall: The Habs traded this pick to Florida in exchange for
the Panthers’ 7th rounder in 2014.