Only the most optimistic believed the Montreal Canadiens would be in the playoff mix this year. The first two months of the season proved the pessimists right, but December, one of the team’s best months since Martin St. Louis took over, appears to be a turning point for the organization. This improvement in the standings has consequences for the Canadiens’ future draft position in the 2025 NHL Draft, and we will explore which prospects might interest them.
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Tank enthusiasts and prospect fans might have preferred that the team continued sliding in the standings. This would have increased the odds of drafting a high-potential prospect with a greater chance of having a long-term impact on the roster. Clearly, we will have to let go of dreams of Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, Porter Martone, and others and aim for another tier of prospects.
With Calgary’s pick and their own, the Montreal Canadiens are currently on track for two selections between the 10th and 20th spots in the next NHL Draft. Even within this range, there are excellent young players who could fill organizational needs for the Canadiens if their development reaches its potential. Montreal’s prospect pool is very deep but lacks elite or top-tier talent. Therefore, I would aim for high-upside, « home run » picks while targeting profiles that the team’s organizational structure currently lacks.
Potential Canadiens Target at the NHL Draft: Carter Bear
Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 176 pounds, Carter Bear is having an exceptional season with the Everett Silvertips. His 54 points, including 26 goals in 31 games, give a sense of the impact he has on his team. However, it’s his playing style that stands out. The left-handed forward lives up to his last name with the ferocity he brings to every shift. He is a tireless player who applies relentless pressure on opponents at both ends of the ice. This makes him effective both on the forecheck and backcheck, limiting enemy options.
His coaches don’t hesitate to trust him with key defensive assignments in critical moments, in addition to relying on him to score clutch goals. For professional hockey, I don’t expect him to produce at the same level he is currently achieving with the Silvertips, as his creativity and shooting arsenal are not necessarily elite. However, his overall skill set suggests significant potential. His playing style should translate seamlessly to the next level, and he could make a meaningful impact. If Carter Bear falls outside the top 10—a possibility, even though many see him climbing into the draft’s upper tier—the Canadiens’ scouts should make him a priority.
Potential Canadiens Target at the NHL Draft: Lynden Lakovic
If the Canadiens are looking for a high-upside prospect with the potential to make an impact in their top six, Lynden Lakovic is a name to watch. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound left winger presents an enticing profile for NHL scouts. He has everything to become a power forward thanks to his size, mobility, devastating shot, and hockey IQ. The challenge lies, unsurprisingly, in his consistency and effort level.
His effort isn’t always there every night, and Lakovic tends to play on the perimeter offensively. He’s a player capable of driving to the net and imposing his physicality with his strength and mobility, but he needs to do so more frequently. One factor that hasn’t helped his production this season is the departure of Brayden Yager in a trade, which has left Lakovic largely carrying the offensive load alone. His 39 points, including 17 goals in 31 games, are respectable but could be higher with some support. There’s a risk in drafting Lynden Lakovic, but with two mid-first-round picks, he’s a gamble worth taking.
Potential Canadiens Target at the NHL Draft: Radim Mrtka
Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 198 pounds, Radim Mrtka caught my attention last year. After a mixed start to the season in the Czech Republic—likely due to his desire to leave—Mrtka joined the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. In 14 games, he has accumulated 11 points. His dynamic presence on the ice and high involvement in play make him stand out. Mrtka is a giant with smooth mobility and elevated confidence. While he isn’t quite at the skating level of Anton Silayev from the 2024 NHL Draft, he’s not far behind.
With or without the puck, Mrtka usually makes an impact for the right reasons. However, he is prone to « brain cramps » on the ice—not due to a lack of hockey IQ but rather his tendency to overdo things. He’s a player who wants the puck and wants to make a difference, but he needs to learn to calm down. Fortunately, Canadian junior hockey is the perfect environment for him. He will get plenty of ice time and opportunities to refine his robust style without being penalized for every big hit, as is often the case in European leagues.
Potential Canadiens Target at the NHL Draft: Kashawn Aitcheson
If you’re looking for the « bully » of the 2025 NHL Draft, Kashawn Aitcheson is the name to know. The 6-foot-1, 198-pound left-handed defenseman is a force in the OHL. He is a physical presence who will punish opponents at the net, along the boards, and even in open ice if they’re caught unaware. His style leans more toward defense, but he complements it with above-average mobility and a powerful shot.
Aitcheson can take on significant responsibilities for his team. His 25 points in 33 games, including 10 goals, reflect his overall impact. His progression has been evident throughout the season, as he’s been given more opportunities and responded brilliantly. While the Canadiens don’t necessarily need another left-handed defenseman of this profile, I personally wouldn’t hesitate to draft him. You can never have too many intense players like him.
Potential Canadiens Target at the NHL Draft: Justin Carbonneau
At the start of the season, Émile Guité of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens seemed like a potential mid-first-round pick for NHL teams, but the young forward has regressed since last year. Meanwhile, another Quebecois player who could surprise with his draft position is Justin Carbonneau. The 6-foot-1, 192-pound winger for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada has been dominant since the start of the QMJHL season.
With 24 goals and 24 assists in 36 games, Carbonneau has impressed scouts with his speed, physicality, work ethic, and dynamism. While he can get distracted by minor execution errors, he is generally effective. He has also taken on defensive responsibilities, carried the puck, and created scoring opportunities for his teammates. His coaches clearly have his NHL future in mind, which bodes well for his career.
Other Potential Target at the NHL Draft for the Montreal Canadiens
The list of potential targets is long for the Canadiens, especially with two mid-first-round picks. However, the names mentioned above should be available in this range. Other options include Logan Hensler or Malcolm Spence if they slip outside the top 10. For smaller but feisty and skilled players, Cameron Schmidt is a strong choice, as is defenseman Cameron Reid. From Europe, Jakob Ihs-Wozniak shows high potential for the NHL, as does Victor Eklund, though the latter is likely to be selected earlier.
