The Montreal Canadiens took to the 2026 NHL Entry Draft with a clear mission: bolster their organizational depth with a focus on size, competitiveness, and long-term potential. General Manager Kent Hughes wasn't shy about making moves, trading up in the first round to nab a player the franchise clearly coveted. From big-bodied forwards to towering defensemen and some intriguing late-round projects, the Canadiens zeroed in on players with impressive physical attributes and promising development trajectories.
Gleb Pugachyov
The Canadiens made a splash by trading up in the first round to select Russian forward Gleb Pugachyov. At 6-foot-3 and tipping the scales at over 200 pounds, Pugachyov is already built for the NHL.
He plays the kind of rugged game that Canadiens fans adore, using his size to finish checks, win board battles, and carve out space offensively. But don't be fooled by his physical style; Pugachyov is also an exceptional skater, fully capable of keeping pace with today’s NHL tempo.
Montreal has been on the hunt for more size and grit up front, and Pugachyov fits that mold perfectly. While he's a work in progress, he possesses all the tools to evolve into a top-six power forward who can contribute in all facets of the game.
Timofei Runtso
In the second round, Montreal grabbed Timofei Runtso, a right-shot defenseman from the Victoria Royals of the WHL. After being overlooked in 2025, Runtso bounced back with a stellar season, racking up 44 points in 68 games and taking on key roles at even strength and on special teams.
Right-handed defensemen are always in demand, and Runtso’s knack for offensive contributions combined with solid defensive play makes him a compelling prospect. His journey underscores the importance of patience in player development, and the Canadiens were clearly impressed with his progress over the past year.
Cooper Cleaves
The Canadiens kept their focus on size by selecting Cooper Cleaves in the third round. At 20 years old, Cleaves is another overage pick who brings a wealth of experience.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 203 pounds, the Dartmouth College alum developed into a reliable defender capable of handling tough assignments. While his offensive upside might be limited, his maturity and physicality make him a player to keep an eye on in the coming seasons.
Brayden Klimpke
One of the more intriguing picks was Brayden Klimpke. The Saskatoon Blades defenseman tallied 47 points in 68 WHL games, showcasing a strong offensive acumen from the blue line.
Klimpke excels at making the first pass but is also adept at carrying the puck when opportunities arise. His mobility allows him to join the rush without neglecting his defensive duties, and his hockey IQ helps him decide when to attack and when to play it safe.
With his well-rounded skill set, Klimpke could evolve into a reliable two-way defenseman at the professional level.
Parker Trottier
In the sixth round, the Canadiens picked Parker Trottier, grandson of Hockey Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier. The 18-year-old left winger has been honing his skills with the U.S.
National Team Development Program and is set to start his NCAA career at the University of Notre Dame. The Canadiens will have ample time to monitor his development before making any decisions about his professional path.
Wesley Royston
Montreal also selected Wesley Royston, another player who fits the team’s recent trend toward bigger forwards. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 190 pounds, Royston has the physical tools that make him an intriguing project. Like many late-round picks, he's a long-term investment, but his combination of size and athleticism provides a promising foundation.
Jean-Samuel Daigneault and Tyler Deakos
The Canadiens wrapped up their draft by adding two more prospects. Defenseman Jean-Samuel Daigneault is a stay-at-home blueliner who notched five assists in 47 games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL. While offense isn’t his forte, his defensive reliability offers a solid base to build upon.
Finally, Montreal selected Tyler Deakos, a 19-year-old forward who posted 17 points in 19 USHL games this season. His offensive output in a limited sample size hints at potential growth as he continues to develop.
The Canadiens’ 2026 draft class followed a familiar blueprint under Hughes and Jeff Gorton. Montreal added size across the board, picked up several players who showed notable development over the past year, and continued to reinforce its defensive pipeline with some intriguing blueliners.
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Berards path now comes with a little more intrigue than the average trade pickup. The ceiling is still being sorted out, but the read is that he could settle in as a useful bottom-six NHL option or become a dependable presence in Laval, which is the sort of internal competition the Canadiens have been trying to build as they sort out their next wave of contributors. [Read more 🡒]
Kent Hughes Just Sparked A Canadiens Draft Debate Fans Know Well
Kent Hughes has already given Canadiens fans something to chew on after talking about the clubs first-round draft pick and the kind of player Montreal believes it may have added. The general manager said the scouting staff sees Pugachyov as a versatile piece with strong hockey sense, the sort of prospect who can fit into different roles as his game develops.
The part that will keep the debate going is how that comparison is being framed, because Hughes made clear it was about style rather than a forecast of where the players career ends up. For a fan base that has spent years dissecting draft fits and identity picks, that distinction matters, even if it does little to quiet the conversation around what Montreal thinks it found. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Suddenly Have A Real Shot At A Star Winger
The Canadiens suddenly find themselves mentioned in a very different kind of star-winger conversation, one that speaks as much to the clubs changing reputation as it does to the player himself. According to Franois Gagnon, Jason Robertson would reportedly be open to landing in Montreal, a notable turn for a team that has spent years trying to rebuild its image around the league and make itself a more attractive destination.
Even so, the fit is hardly simple. Montreal is not believed to be eager to blow up its internal salary structure to make the deal work, and that could keep this from moving beyond intriguing speculation. For now, the story is less about a completed pursuit than it is about the Canadiens suddenly being credible enough to enter the conversation at all. [Read more 🡒]