Insider reveals surprising name suddenly appearing in 1st overall conversation

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S. Harper
July 6, 2022 (6:46 PM)

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All eyes of the hockey world are on Montreal ahead of tomorrow's NHL Entry Draft at the Bell Centre. This year's draft has no clear cut pick for first overall but much of the hockey world believes Kingston Frontenacs' captain, Shane Wright will be selected first overall.

However, TSN's Bob McKenzie who has an impressive 15 year streak of picking the correct player first overall has Slovak, Juraj Slafkovsky as the first overall pick instead Wright. There has also been a fair share of hockey insiders who also believe Slafkovsky is the first overall pick. This has even caused a possible trade between the Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils who have the 2nd overall pick but with all the centers the Devils have they want Juraj Slafkovsky could be willing to pay to trade up, to get their man.

The Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes knows he has all the power with the first choice. However there were three players that were believed could go first overall this year, and Habs reporter TSN's Jonh Lu has reported that the Canadiens and New Jersey Devils have recently shown interest in picking US born Logan Cooley. Lu believes if the Canadiens don't select Cooley the Devils will.

Cooley is the dark horse pick he hasn't received the coverage that Wright or Slafkovsky received this year, but he is projected by some to have the highest ceiling. Cooley scored 13 goals and 23 assists in 24 games in the USHL this season. Ultimately the only one that knows who the Canadiens are going to select is Kent Hughes. But if Hughes can make an extra deal on top of getting the player he wants, it would be a steal for the Habs.