Hughes admits in latest interview that everyone wanted Michkov before Reinbacher, but there was a problem

In a recent interview with the outstanding Radio-Canada journalist Marc Antoine Godin, Kent Hughes revisited the Matvei Michkov case.

It’s not a huge surprise, but it’s still interesting to note that the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens publicly admitted for the very first time that the management was well aware that Matvei Michkov was the popular choice in 2023.

Indeed, the vast majority of fans wanted Hughes and company to select Michkov with the 5th overall pick in 2023.

Kent Hughes Aware Fans Wanted Matvei Michkov

See the relevant excerpt.

“He is so confident,” said Hughes about Kapanen. “David’s personality is different. First of all, the way he was welcomed in Montreal was tougher for him since everyone wanted Matvei Michkov, while Kapanen is coming in more calmly.” – Marc Antoine Godin

This is an interesting passage.

We highly recommend the full article (Kent Hughes feels relieved for Patrik Laine and excited about Oliver Kapanen).

Does Reinbacher simply lack confidence? Let’s just say that Michkov’s success in Philadelphia may not necessarily help him feel like he’s the right man for the job, and to top it off, the terrible injury he suffered against the Toronto Maple Leafs adds another layer.

One can only feel for the young man, and we truly hope he can come back stronger in 5 to 6 months and progress (in his own way) until then.

If the Canadiens felt there was an issue with Michkov, particularly regarding his attitude (according to some sources), let’s trust the process.

These are two players who are still so young.