Montreal Canadiens trade up to select Gleb Pugachyov 26th overall

The Montreal Canadiens selected Gleb Pugachyov with the 26th overall pick at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo. To acquire this spot, the Canadiens traded their 28th overall pick and a third-round pick in 2027 to the Vegas Golden Knights. Pugachyov, a 6'3" forward weighing 225 lbs, had 10 goals and 14 assists in 33 games with Chaika Nizhny Novgorod in the MHL. This selection reflects the Canadiens' strategy to develop talent outside the top tier, having previously found success with later picks. Further analysis on Pugachyov's potential impact is expected to follow.

• 2:00 PMYahoo Sports — VIDEO: Watch Canadiens Prospect Pugachyov Obliterate Opponents
• 2:35 AMYahoo Sports — Canadiens Trade Up, Draft Prospect Pugachyov 26th Overall