The Montreal Canadiens made a trade during the first round of the NHL Draft in Buffalo, moving up two spots to select Gleb Pugachyov. The team sent their 28th overall pick and a 2027 third-round pick to the Vegas Golden Knights to secure the 26th overall selection. This move allowed them to draft Pugachyov, a Russian winger, who was ranked ninth among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes described Pugachyov as a physically mature player with strong hockey sense and a robust playing style. Hughes noted that Pugachyov was considered the best available player by the team’s scouts at that draft position. The 18-year-old winger has experience playing in Russia’s top league, the KHL, with Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo, and also played in the Russian junior league with Nizhny Novgorod Chaika.
The selection of Pugachyov marks the third consecutive year the Canadiens have chosen a Russian player with their first pick in the draft. This trend is partly attributed to Canadiens co-director of amateur scouting Nick Bobrov, who is Russian and maintains extensive hockey connections in the country. Bobrov‘s frequent visits to Russia provide the team with access and insights into Russian prospects, which helped in forming a comprehensive opinion on Pugachyov.
Despite the draft activity, Hughes indicated that the Canadiens are still actively exploring the trade market. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make further moves in the coming days, weeks, or months to strengthen the roster. Hughes emphasized that the team’s substantial pool of prospects and proven NHL defencemen provides valuable assets for potential trades.
The Canadiens had been linked to speculation regarding Kirill Marchenko, a Russian right winger from Columbus. Reports suggested Marchenko was not interested in extending his current contract, which expires in one year, making him a restricted free agent. Hughes acknowledged that the team had made significant efforts to acquire Marchenko, and their interest in other established players across the league remains.
Hughes stated that the team is willing to part with some of its prospects for the right player or players, but only if such a move would significantly benefit the team immediately and for a considerable period. He highlighted that the Canadiens are not merely looking to accumulate talent but are seeking specific players to address particular needs, such as a second-line centre, a big top-six forward, or a right-shot defenceman.
The general manager also noted that the current market for established players capable of making an immediate impact requires a substantial price, a prospect that does not deter the Canadiens. The team’s strategy includes proactively approaching other teams about players they might not have considered trading, aiming to present offers that could prompt consideration.
Canadiens president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton commented on the increasing frequency of first-round picks being traded across the league, observing a shift where picks are moving more often than in the past. This trend was evident in the recent draft, where 17 of the 32 first-round picks were traded, including the pick the Canadiens used to move up.
The NHL free-agent market is scheduled to open on July 1, presenting another avenue for the Canadiens to acquire immediate assistance for the upcoming season. Gorton confirmed that the team has identified potential fits within the free-agent pool. Hughes reiterated his belief that the Canadiens are in a strong position to make beneficial moves when the timing is right.
The Canadiens have one pick in the second and third rounds, two picks in the fourth round, one in the sixth round, and two in the seventh round for the remaining rounds of the NHL Draft.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
