With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft fast approaching, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves in a promising position to bolster an already deep and exciting prospect pool. Armed with two mid-first-round selections (16th and 17th overall) the Habs have flexibility to either swing for upside or add polished, NHL-ready depth to their system.
How They Got Here
Pick #17 is Montreal’s own.
Pick #16 comes from the Calgary Flames, originally acquired in 2022 when Montreal took on Sean Monahan’s contract as a cap dump. Notably, the Canadiens then flipped Monahan to Winnipeg for another first-round pick, highlighting savvy asset management.
Although this year’s draft is considered weaker than usual by many scouts especially at the very top there’s still solid value available in the middle of the first round. Here are some potential targets who could be in play for Montreal:
Potential Targets at Picks 16 & 17:
Michael Misa – C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Misa was granted exceptional status to enter the OHL early and has shown flashes of brilliance. While he didn’t dominate the OHL like Connor McDavid or John Tavares did at the same age, Misa’s skill, vision, and skating remain high-end.
If he slides due to inconsistency or size concerns, he’d be a high-upside pick at 16 or 17.
Adam Benák – LW, HC Plzeň (Czechia)
One of the most electrifying offensive players in Europe this draft cycle. Benák plays with a ton of flair and is creative in the offensive zone.
He’s drawn comparisons to David Pastrňák in terms of style though not ceiling and could fill a future top-six scoring need for the Canadiens.
Zayne Parekh – RD, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
If Parekh falls due to concerns over defensive play, Montreal could jump at the chance to add a high-octane offensive defenseman. His puck skills, skating, and quarterbacking ability are elite.
Might not drop to 16 or 17, but if he does, it’s a no-brainer.
Teddy Stiga – LW, U.S. NTDP
Stiga is an energy player with strong two-way instincts. While not as flashy as others, he’s consistent, versatile, and projects as a solid middle-six NHL winger. Could complement Montreal’s skilled centers like Nick Suzuki or Owen Beck in the future.
EJ Emery – RD, U.S. NTDP
Emery is one of the top shutdown defensemen in this class. He’s not flashy, but he plays a poised, composed game and has NHL tools.
With Lane Hutson already in the system as an offensive D-man, Emery could provide a perfect stylistic complement.
🏒 Canadiens Draft Strategy Outlook
General Manager Kent Hughes and VP of Hockey Ops Jeff Gorton have shown a clear preference for high-IQ, modern-style skaters who bring pace and playmaking. Whether they choose to trade up, trade back, or stand pat, the Canadiens are well-positioned to walk away from the 2025 Draft with two players who could become foundational parts of their rebuild.
With David Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, Oliver Kapanen, Filip Mesar, and Joshua Roy already in the pipeline and Juraj Slafkovský beginning to blossom this draft could mark yet another key step toward building a perennial contender in Montreal.
Would you like a projected mock draft for the Canadiens or a deeper breakdown of one of the prospects mentioned above?
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