Montreal Canadiens face criticism for draft strategy and selections
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 7:30 PM
Last updated Jun 28, 2026
At the NHL Draft held over the weekend, the Montreal Canadiens prioritized selecting larger players with physicality. Scott Wheeler from The Athletic labeled them among the draft's 'losers', questioning the value of their picks, such as Gleb Pugachyov and Cooper Cleaves. In contrast, Canadiens’ scouting directors expressed confidence in their choices, praising Pugachyov's readiness after competing in the KHL. They detailed their focus on organizational depth, specifically in defensemen. The Canadiens hope their drafted players will soon make an impact.
- •Scott Wheeler calls Canadiens one of the draft's losers.
- •Montreal focuses on size and grit in recent selections.
- •Canadiens praise first-round pick Gleb Pugachyov's potential.
- •Team aims to enhance depth, particularly in defensemen.
- •Scouting directors optimistic about players' readiness.
- 7:30 PMYahoo Sports — Were The Canadiens Draft Losers?
"The Athletic's Scott Wheeler wasn't impressed with the Montreal Canadiens recent crop of prospects. Was he right to label them draft losers?
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