The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have selected Timmy Runtso with the 57th overall pick in the second round of the NHL Draft, a move that underscores the club’s continued focus on bolstering its defensive depth.
College Commitment and Future Plans
Runtso has committed to playing his freshman season with the Miami University RedHawks in the 2026‑27 campaign, a decision that aligns with his development trajectory and academic goals.
During the previous WHL season with the Victoria Royals, he recorded 44 points across 68 games, showcasing his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Earlier in the 2024‑25 season, he earned the NAHL Central Division Rookie of the Year honor while skating for the St. Cloud Norsemen, a testament to his rapid ascent in the junior ranks.
Coaches and analysts alike note that his blend of size, skating ability, and hockey sense positions him as a potential candidate for a full‑time NHL role in the coming years, especially as he transitions to the collegiate stage.
The Canadiens’ drafting strategy has increasingly emphasized players who can adapt to both North American and European styles of play, a philosophy that Runtso appears to embody as he prepares for the next phase of his career.
With the draft now behind him, Runtso will join a Miami University program that has produced several NHL talents over the years, and his performance in the upcoming season could further cement his trajectory toward the professional ranks.