Double the Picks, Double the Promise: What Kind of Talent Could the Canadiens Land with the 16th and 17th Picks in the NHL Draft…see more…
The Montreal Canadiens are poised to make a serious splash at the 2025 NHL Draft, armed with two mid-first-round picks—16th and 17th overall. It’s a rare and golden opportunity for GM Kent Hughes and VP Jeff Gorton to reshape the Canadiens’ prospect pool and take advantage of a deep, talent-rich draft class.
So, what kind of players could Montreal realistically target at 16 and 17? And what would those picks mean for the long-term vision of a franchise still in the midst of a strategic rebuild?
Let’s break down the possibilities, priorities, and promising names on the radar.
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Draft Strategy: Best Player Available or Fill the Gaps?
There are two schools of thought in any NHL Draft war room: draft for need or take the best player available (BPA). Most successful rebuilding teams lean toward BPA, especially in the mid-to-late first round where value can swing wildly based on development paths.
For Montreal, the Canadiens boast strong young pieces like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovský, and promising blue-line names like Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher. However, they still lack high-end offensive depth down the middle and could use a scoring winger or a big, two-way defenseman. With picks at 16 and 17, they may be able to address both.
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Who Might Be Available at Picks 16 and 17?
The 2025 NHL Draft class is shaping up to be one of the more well-rounded groups in recent memory, with talent across all positions.
1. Michael Hage (C, Chicago Steel – USHL)
Hage has risen up draft boards due to his elite skating and puck-handling abilities. Projected by many as a late top-15 or mid-first-rounder, he fits Montreal’s mold of a fast, skilled center who can grow into a top-six role. His defensive play still needs polishing, but the upside is undeniable.
2. Sacha Boisvert (C, Muskegon Lumberjacks – USHL)
A Franco-Ontarian with a powerful shot and excellent compete level, Boisvert is a name that could excite the Habs’ local fanbase. With a 6’2” frame and a developing two-way game, he could become a reliable second-line pivot.
3. Cole Hutson (D, USNTDP)
Yes, he’s Lane Hutson’s younger brother. While slightly less flashy, Cole brings a more mature defensive awareness and still boasts the offensive creativity typical of the Hutson name. Having both brothers in the system would be a storybook angle for the franchise—and a potential blue-line duo of the future.
4. Emil Hemming (RW, TPS – Liiga)
A Finnish winger with a pro-ready shot and high hockey IQ, Hemming could be a steal at 16 or 17. He’s already showing he can compete against grown men in Finland’s top league. Montreal has historically done well drafting European wingers, and Hemming could follow in the footsteps of players like Artturi Lehkonen.
5. Adam Kleber (D, Lincoln Stars – USHL)
At 6’5″, Kleber is a right-shot defenseman who could anchor the Canadiens’ blue line in the future. While raw, his size and physicality stand out, and with proper development, he could fill a key need on the right side of the defense.
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Potential Scenarios and Draft Day Moves
Montreal’s back-to-back picks give them a level of flexibility not many teams have. They can afford to gamble on upside with one selection and go safe with the other.
Another possibility is a trade. The Canadiens could package one of these picks with a roster player or future assets to move up into the top 10 if there’s a particular player they covet. Names like Finnish phenom Veeti Väisänen or defenseman Henry Mews might be too tantalizing to pass up if they fall outside the top 10.
Alternatively, they could trade down from 17 to gain an additional second-round pick in a draft where scouts believe talent runs deep through the top 60.
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How These Picks Fit into the Habs’ Bigger Picture
The Canadiens are not in “win-now” mode. They’re in “build-for-sustained-success” mode. Getting two first-rounders in a strong draft is a strategic windfall.
If Montreal can land at least one NHL-ready or near-ready player, they could shorten the rebuild timeline considerably. But even if both prospects need more seasoning, the pipeline becomes significantly stronger—especially when combined with recent additions like Owen Beck, Filip Mesar, and the aforementioned Reinbacher.
With these picks, Montreal has a chance to address multiple future roster needs:
Center depth behind Suzuki
A scoring right-winger
A top-4 defenseman (right-shot preferred)
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Fan Reactions and Expectations
Naturally, fans are buzzing about what Kent Hughes might do. On social media, Canadiens Twitter has been filled with mock drafts, trade proposals, and wish lists.
> “If we can land Hage and Cole Hutson, that’s a home run for me. Imagine the Hutson bros lighting up the Bell Centre in 2027,” one fan tweeted.
> Another fan posted: “Would love to see Montreal swing for upside with both picks. Take Hemming and Kleber and let them marinate.”
The excitement is justified. Montreal hasn’t had two picks this high in the first round since 2007 when they selected Ryan McDonagh and Max Pacioretty—both of whom turned out to be major contributors.
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Final Thoughts: A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Canadiens’ future could be shaped significantly on draft night. Whether they opt for two high-upside forwards, a forward-defenseman combo, or make a bold trade, Montreal is in a position of strength.
The 16th and 17th picks represent more than just numbers—they’re foundational building blocks. With smart scouting and a little luck, the Canadiens can turn these selections into long-term contributors who help carry the torch of one of hockey’s most storied franchises.
When the dust settles, these mid-first-round picks might not carry the glamour of a top-three selection, but they could very well be the pieces that complete the Habs’ championship puzzle in the years to come.
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Stay tuned for full draft coverage on June 28 as the Canadiens look to double their future stars.
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