Scout’s Take: Inside the Montreal Canadiens’ Game-Changing 2025 NHL Draft Class…Read More…
Montreal, QC – July 6, 2025
The 2025 NHL Draft has come and gone, and as the dust settles, all eyes are on the Montreal Canadiens — a franchise that has sparked both curiosity and excitement with what many scouts are calling a “transformational draft class.” For a team that has flirted with rebuilding status over the last few years, the decisions made by general manager Kent Hughes and his scouting staff in Las Vegas might just have laid the foundation for a thrilling new era in Canadiens hockey.
From bold first-round moves to sneaky value picks in the later rounds, Montreal’s selections reflect a team with a vision: youth with high ceilings, character with leadership potential, and above all — speed, skill, and hockey IQ. And while only time will reveal how successful these picks ultimately become, scouts and analysts are already buzzing about what could be one of the most impactful hauls of the 2025 draft.
First-Round Masterstroke: Felix Bouchard (4th Overall)
With the fourth overall selection, the Canadiens selected Felix Bouchard, a silky-smooth, two-way center from the QMJHL’s Sherbrooke Phoenix. Standing 6’1″ and weighing in at 190 pounds, Bouchard blends elite skating, crisp playmaking, and an innate feel for the game. He was ranked as a top-five prospect by most major scouting services, and Montreal fans erupted in cheers as his name was called at the Sphere in Vegas.
What sets Bouchard apart, according to Canadiens head scout Martin Lapointe, is “his ability to make those around him better. He thinks the game at an NHL level already. He’s a player you can build around.”
Indeed, Bouchard put up 94 points in 60 games in his draft year and captained Team Canada’s U18 squad to a silver medal. With comparisons already being drawn to players like Elias Pettersson and Mathew Barzal, there’s a belief that Bouchard could anchor the Canadiens’ top line within a few years.
Stealing the Spotlight: Artyom Sokolov (Late First Round via Trade)
Not content with only one first-round pick, the Canadiens traded a future second and third to move back into the first round and select Artyom Sokolov, a Russian-born left winger with tantalizing offensive upside. Sokolov, who played in the KHL with Dynamo Moscow, is known for his wicked shot release and puck control in tight spaces.
The pick was considered a bit of a gamble due to the ongoing challenges with Russian players committing to the NHL, but Montreal did their homework. According to reports, Sokolov has already expressed interest in moving to North America and is expected to attend rookie camp in Brossard this fall.
Scouts have labeled him “a potential 30-goal scorer in the right system,” with one anonymous Western Conference scout calling him “the most underappreciated pure goal scorer in this year’s draft.”
Day 2 Gems: Smart Picks for Long-Term Impact
While the first-round picks turned heads, the Canadiens’ success extended deep into the later rounds. Notably:
- Round 2: Lukas Meyer (D) – A German-born right-shot defenseman with a booming slapshot and impressive gap control. Montreal’s staff believe Meyer can develop into a top-four blueliner with proper grooming.
- Round 3: Trevor Bain (RW) – A gritty, high-energy winger from the WHL who thrives in forechecking and penalty killing. His leadership as captain of the Vancouver Giants caught the attention of the Canadiens’ brass.
- Round 5: Mikael Koskinen (G) – Not to be confused with the former NHL goalie, this Finnish netminder impressed with his athleticism and poise under pressure during the U18 World Championships. Described as a “project,” but one with serious upside.
- Round 6: Calen Robichaud (C) – A defensive-minded center with elite faceoff numbers and a relentless motor. Could develop into a shutdown role player in a bottom-six role.
- Round 7: Zachary Rousseau (LW) – A local product from Laval who was praised for his work ethic and character. A longshot, but the kind of pick that excites the home crowd and boosts morale in the development pipeline.
What the Scouts Are Saying
To get a better understanding of the Canadiens’ 2025 draft class, we reached out to several NHL scouts and development experts. The consensus was overwhelmingly positive.
“Montreal didn’t just draft talent — they drafted identity,” said one veteran scout. “There’s a mix of skill, grit, and leadership in this class. If even half of them reach their potential, this draft could go down as the cornerstone of their next playoff run.”
Another added: “Felix Bouchard is the real deal. He’s NHL-ready in so many ways already. And Sokolov? That’s a guy who’ll sell jerseys if he hits.”
What This Means for the Franchise
The Canadiens have struggled with consistency and injury woes over the past two seasons, but the 2025 Draft signals a clear direction. With cornerstone players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield in place — and now supplemented by prospects like Bouchard and Sokolov — Montreal appears committed to building a fast, modern, skilled team that can compete in the increasingly competitive Atlantic Division.
The influx of young talent also injects life into the Laval Rocket, the team’s AHL affiliate, where development will be critical. The organization is expected to invest even more heavily in development coaches and sports science to ensure this class blossoms.
Looking Ahead
While fans should temper expectations for immediate impact, the future in Montreal looks far more exciting today than it did just a week ago. The Canadiens’ 2025 NHL Draft haul has been hailed as calculated, ambitious, and potentially franchise-altering.
General Manager Kent Hughes summarized the team’s mindset best in his post-draft press conference:
“We weren’t just drafting names — we were drafting futures. Our scouts, our development team, everyone had a vision for where we’re going. We believe this class reflects that.”
With momentum building, the Habs head into training camp with optimism, fresh faces, and renewed belief in the process. And for a fanbase hungry for greatness, this might just be the spark they’ve been waiting for.
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