I really liked the first round of the NHL draft on Thursday at the Bell Centre. A round full of surprises, the main one being the selection by the Canadian of Slovak Juraj Slafkovsky. I'll have to get used to pronouncing his name!

I have an expression to describe athletes like Slafkovsky: he looks like a hockey player.

That's the impression I got when I saw him on the ice at the Olympics. There is also Jaromir Jagr who says that the game of the Slovak resembles his, at the same age. Phew! This statement does not come from just anyone...

The Canadian finished 32nd overall last season. It's obvious that Slafkovsky will be on the ice for the opener in October. Stop that, the "we'll see at training camp".

The Canadiens are the worst team in the NHL. If the very first choice does not play for the big club from the start, there is a problem somewhere... Especially since he seems to have all the qualities required. A big winger, good skater with a great throw.

However, I will wait before falling into the game of comparisons. We did it too much with Jesperi Kotkaniemi. I heard so many people say that he was going to be an extraordinary player, that you had to be patient.

I'm sorry, but it's not exceptional. I haven't waited for three years. And to think that the Canadian could have selected Brady Tkachuk, who would have been his concession player and maybe even his captain.

The CH did things big

However, I was disappointed to see the Canadian choose only one Quebecer in this draft: Miguël Tourigny, a 20-year-old defender who was selected in the last round.

It does something to me. Each new manager in Montreal says that with equal talent, the team will draft the Quebecer. But in the end, only one was called by the Canadian. And all Quebec players dream of wearing the colors of CH.

The chief recruiters do not live in Quebec. They see fewer QMJHL games than, for example, Martin Madden Jr. of the Ducks, who is the only head scout in the league from Quebec.

It is therefore no coincidence that he selected three Quebecers: he often spied on them. There is a relationship that is created between Madden Jr., the general managers and the coaches of the QMJHL teams.

Also, I feel bad for the two Canadiens scouts in Quebec, Serge Boisvert and Donald Audette. I always have the impression that they are seated at the end of the table and, from experience, I know that the recruiters installed there, we do not make much of it.

Since the repechage was taking place in Montreal, I would have liked us to put a little emphasis on Quebec talent. Not just on that, of course, but let's choose more.

I also know that some people think that when the team wins, the nationality of the players who compose it does not matter.

But there, the Canadian does not win for a long time.

– Interview by Jessica Lapinski

IT'S NOT OVER FOR THE CANADIAN

I think Kent Hughes has not finished improving his team, especially with the departure of Alexander Romanov. The free agent market opens Wednesday. But, of course, the Canadian is no doubt hoping to hear from Mr. Price, who is slow to give an official answer regarding his future.

We always have the impression that the direction that CH will take depends on what Carey Price decides.

It will also be interesting to follow teams like the Maple Leafs and the Oilers.

These are formations that aspire to the Stanley Cup, and their best players, the Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid, arrive in their prime, as we say in the jargon.

Toronto released goaltender Petr Mrazek. Edmonton has parted ways with Zack Kassian. The general managers are trying to free up space on the payroll in order to find the player they are missing to win the top honors.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MANON RHEAUME!

Kings president Luc Robitaille hasn't forgotten where he comes from. He knows Manon Rhéaume or, at least, he has often heard of this pioneer of women's hockey.

Manon runs a hockey program in Detroit. And now, the former Quebec goaltender will act as an advisor to hockey operations and team prospects in Los Angeles.

Kudos to her!

WE WILL SEE DUCHARME AGAIN

I attended the Dominique Ducharme golf tournament this week and found him to be in good shape. It is obvious that Dominique has been in contact with several organizations of the National League.

I think he will take his time before choosing his next destination. He will want to make the right decision. But for me, it is obvious that we will see him again behind the bench of a team.