A Draft Built on Bulk and Grit
Montreal’s front office embraced a bold vision for the 2026 NHL Draft, zeroing in on size and physicality as the cornerstone of its rebuilding plan. By trading up the order, the team secured a trio of towering prospects, including a 6‑foot‑2 defenseman and a 6‑foot‑3 blueliner, to address the club’s need for a more imposing presence on the ice.
The first major selection was Timofei Runtso, a 6‑foot‑2 defenseman who entered the draft ranked 48th among North American skaters. Shortly after, Cooper Cleaves, a 6‑foot‑3 defenseman from Dartmouth College, was chosen at pick 93, bringing a blend of reach and defensive acumen.
Brayden Klimpke, a 6‑foot left‑shot defenseman, followed at pick 117, while Parker Trottier, grandson of Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier, arrived at pick 189. Wesley Royston, a 6‑foot‑4 winger, was selected at 190, adding depth to the forward ranks.
The seventh round added Jean‑Samuel Daigneault and Tyler Deakos, completing a draft class that blends collegiate experience, major‑junior pedigree and prospects from the Western Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey League.
General manager Kent Hughes emphasized that the moves are part of a broader effort to fill specific gaps, noting that the organization is looking for pieces that can contribute in the near future. He highlighted the importance of building a roster that can compete physically while developing talent through established pipelines.
The draft also underscores the Canadiens’ collaboration with key developmental bodies such as the National Hockey League, the Western Hockey League, the North American Hockey League and the United States National Team Development Program, all of which serve as feeders for the club’s future stars.