The Montreal Canadiens executed a bold maneuver by moving up in the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26, sparking excitement. They used a trade to secure forward Gleb Pugachyov at 26th overall, a skilled forward, enhancing their roster. That spot arrived two picks ahead of where Montreal originally stood at 28th.
They additionally made a big push for defenseman Artem Marchenko, an experienced defender. Reports described the offer massive, indicating a push.
If this trade goes through, Montreal secures an older, bigger defenseman to help its blue line, adding depth.