Canadiens focus on physicality in eight draft picks over the weekend

The Montreal Canadiens made eight selections during the NHL Draft, emphasizing size and physicality with players all standing over 6'0". Key picks include Gleb Pugachyov at No. 26 and Timofei Runtso at No. 57. Montreal also submitted a significant trade offer for Columbus forward Kirill Marchenko but did not execute any major trades. Pugachyov, described as a skilled heavy hitter, predicts a two-year timeline before reaching the NHL. Scouts are optimistic about the potential of the Canadiens' draft class, particularly regarding a possible future trio of Pugachyov, Ivan Demidov, and Alexander Zharovsky.

• 11:00 AMYahoo Sports — Habs Daily: Canadiens Draft Picks, Focus On Physicality, Trades