AnalysisCanadiens president Jeff Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes. Bruce Bennett / Getty ImagesJune 26, 2026 6:00 am EDT Updated The Montreal Canadiens have eight picks in the 2026 NHL Draft: Nos. 28, 61, 93, 103, 125, 189, 221, 224. Here’s what to expect.View from the beatThe Canadiens will always target skill in the first two rounds, but they have consistently looked for size and compete to fill out their forward group. Despite that, the need still exists, as the last playoff run demonstrated. — Arpon BasuPronman’s team needsMontreal has amassed incredible skill on the wings. Juraj Slafkovský brings a special combination of size and strength, and Ivan Demidov possesses elite, game-breaking puck skills. After trading their 2025 first-round picks to the Islanders, the Canadiens still need to find a premium, high-end center prospect with the vision and playmaking to consistently distribute the puck to their elite wingers.
Names to watchIn recent mock drafts, Corey Pronman has projected the following picks:28. Casey Mutryn, RW61. Tomas Chrenko, C93. Michal Orsulak, G103. Lucian Bernat, RW125. Michael Berchild, LW189. Dylan Dean, C221. Hunter Aura, D224. Jiko Laitinen, CJun 26, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
