Major information on two potential targets for the Canadiens fifth pick

Now that the lottery is over and we know the fate of the Habs, who will be selecting in the fifth round of the NHL draft, speculation has begun as to which player might be the ideal candidate.

We love it! It's a great opportunity to have some great hockey discussions and hear other people's opinions on different prospects. However, none of it is really credible. That's when it's time to get down to business.

An inside source at the Habs, quoted by Marco D'Amico of Mtl Hockey Now, says that two players stand out from the pack for the fifth position. They are Will Smith and Ryan Leonard:

"I spoke to a couple of privileged members of the Montreal Canadiens who were very vocal about Ryan Leonard and Will Smith at the U-18s," said the source, who asked to remain anonymous.

"They were waiting to see if Leonard would take his game up a notch, and he did. He's a player to watch, who is on Montreal's radar, if Smith leaves early."

While Smith is a name that comes up often, Leonard's is not as popular. Let's just say Will even has a real shot at breaking into the top 4, while Leonard is not part of the same discussions at all.

The #GoHabsGo have been hard at work preparing for the 2023 NHL Draft, but a handful of players have already grabbed their attention.https://t.co/9b6piMNxvz- Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) May 13, 2023

If Smith was ever unavailable at No. 5 and Leonard is really the other option for Kent Hughes and his team, there is always the option to trade the fifth pick to move back in the ranks somewhat and select Leonard, plus acquire another pick or prospect in the deal.

Previously on HockeyLatest

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Major statement about Matvei Michkov, Nathan MacKinnon and Auston Matthews

Flames Defenseman Takes a Shot at Gary Bettman and ESPN on Social Media

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15 MAI \| 39 ANSWERS Major information on two potential targets for the Canadiens fifth pick In your opinion, can the Habs afford to back out of the draft if a coveted player is listed lower?
Yes	11	28.2 %
No	28	71.8 %
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