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The Habs ended up picking in the early post-lottery section of the draft last year after trading up to acquire the selection used on Michael Hage, and I would be rather surprised if they don’t wind up there in this upcoming draft. Should Calgary’s strong start continue, this might be where the lesser of the two potential picks ends up, never mind what Kent Hughes is likely to find as a prize for some of the expiring contracts on the current team.
#17 – Sascha Boumedienne
Boston University (NCAA) – LD
A lean left-handed defender who reads the play well and makes great plays with the puck. At 6’2, it’s a nice profile, but considering his assets and his position of play, I think some other team will be far more interested and draft him ahead of this rank, and that should not be the Habs.
#18 – Kashawn Aitcheson
Barrie Colts (OHL) – LD
One of the older players in the draft, it seems like his offensive upside is limited while he promises to be very physical while being able to deliver huge minutes without much trouble. I believe Montreal should stay away from left-handed defenders in general. Having said that, this mean type of defender might be needed to balance the high-skill high-risk style that too many defenders currently have in the system.
#19 – Joshua Ravensbergen
Prince George Cougars (WHL) – G
The top goaltender on this year’s list. He’s 6’5’’ which might make him a rare breed to actually get selected in the first round. Teams are that high on him coming into his draft season. Unless the Habs end up with a third pick and Ravensbergen falls to the late-first, early-second round, I’d be surprised to see the Habs select him. Jacob Fowler makes this a redundant pick in my eyes.
#20 – Radim Mrtka
HC Ocelari Trinec (Czechia) – RD
A massive defender (6’6’’) who plays very physically but still handles his skating and the puck quite well. Don’t be surprised to see him jump up the rankings over the course of the season. If not, this would be a great pick for the Habs at his current rank.
#21 – Emil Guite
Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) – LW
A tall and skinny winger who needs to add muscle but already has an NHL-ready shot. This would represent the player type needed in Montreal right now. He’s a player of interest for me.
#22 – Jackson Smith
Tri-City Americans (WHL) – LD
This year’s Carter Yakemchuk in that he does absolutely everything right on the ice while not having a crazy stand-out skill. We’ve seen some very nice promise out of Yakemchuk in Ottawa after the draft. Smith might not climb the rankings for internet scouts who often look at ceiling more than floor, but I bet one team really falls in love with him and surprises.
#23 – Milton Gastrin
MODO (J20) – LW
A 200-foot player that really drives possession. Call me crazy, but I’m still looking for more home run swings for the Habs and this doesn’t seem to be it.
#24 – Adam Benak
Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) – C
Benak put up 21 points in five games at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. He’s very small but has incredible skill. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him climb the rankings and then fall at the draft. A very intriguing player that I’m not sure fits what the Habs are looking for.
2025 Draft Early-Season Preview: Round 2
2025 Draft Early-Season Preview: 25-32
