Surprise Steal? Craig Button Reveals Shocking Talent Who Might Slip to the Canadiens…Read More…
In the run-up to the 2025 NHL Draft, anticipation is building across hockey markets, but nowhere is the excitement more palpable than in Montreal. With the Canadiens holding a crucial top-10 pick, all eyes are on who will be donning the bleu-blanc-rouge come draft day. And now, longtime NHL analyst and former Calgary Flames general manager Craig Button has added fuel to the fire — revealing a potential shocker who could fall right into Montreal’s lap.
During a segment on TSN’s “Draft Countdown,” Button suggested that highly-touted Swedish center Elias Sjögren — once considered a lock for the top five — could slide down the board due to recent concerns about his physical readiness for the NHL.
“Some teams are growing hesitant,” Button explained. “Not about his talent — that’s unquestionable — but his weight, his conditioning, and how quickly he can adapt to the North American game. That hesitation could benefit the Canadiens in a big way.”
A Hidden Gem with First-Line Potential
Sjögren, just 18 years old, lit up the Swedish Hockey League this past season with Djurgårdens IF. His elite skating, silky hands, and exceptional hockey IQ made him a favorite among scouts early in the season. At one point, he was even considered a top-three candidate, alongside power forward Mason Price and Canadian defenseman Nolan Hartley.
But a nagging lower-body injury in late February, followed by what some scouts called “underwhelming” combine interviews and body testing, has reportedly caused his draft stock to wobble. While some see that as a red flag, others — like Craig Button — see a potential windfall for a rebuilding team like Montreal.
“This kid has the tools to be a franchise player,” Button emphasized. “He reminds me a lot of Elias Pettersson when he entered the league — same body type, same skill package. And look how that turned out for Vancouver.”
Canadiens’ Draft Dilemma: Play It Safe or Swing Big?
Montreal GM Kent Hughes and Executive VP Jeff Gorton now find themselves at a critical crossroads. The Habs have spent the last few years rebuilding through the draft, with notable selections like Juraj Slafkovský, David Reinbacher, and Lane Hutson already beginning to shape the team’s identity. But there’s still a glaring need down the middle — a true offensive catalyst to eventually replace or complement Nick Suzuki.
If Sjögren indeed falls to their draft slot, the temptation to take him might be too strong to ignore. But is it worth the risk?
“He might not be NHL-ready next season,” said Canadiens insider Marc-André Dumont. “But if the Canadiens are serious about long-term success, they need to bet on upside. And Elias Sjögren has elite upside.”
Fans React: Hope or Hesitation?
Canadiens fans are famously passionate and opinionated, and the mere possibility of landing Sjögren has ignited fiery debate on social media.
“I’d take him in a heartbeat,” tweeted user @HabsPulse. “The kid’s ceiling is higher than anyone else outside the top 3.”
Others were more cautious: “We don’t need another ‘project,’” wrote @MTLWatchdog. “Take someone who’s ready. Enough waiting.”
Still, the idea of adding a player compared to Pettersson or Mathew Barzal at a lower draft slot is tantalizing, especially for a team that continues to preach patience and development.
A Draft Full of Twists
Craig Button isn’t one to throw out hot takes for no reason. His draft projections have historically been among the most accurate in the business. If he sees Sjögren as a possible slip, it’s likely based on solid scouting intel and insider knowledge from league front offices.
“Every year, we see it,” Button said. “A guy everyone had penciled into the top five ends up sliding to seven, eight, or even lower. Teams overthink things. And Montreal could be the benefactor.”
Other names potentially on the Canadiens’ radar include American winger Lucas Brandt, Finnish sniper Teemu Vainio, and OHL defenseman Cam Blake. But none of those names carry the same sizzle or star potential as Sjögren.
The Final Word
Draft day is always a whirlwind of emotion, suspense, and surprises. For the Montreal Canadiens, this year’s event could mark a turning point — one that hinges on how the rest of the league views a slightly underweight but immensely talented Swede.
If Elias Sjögren does fall, and Montreal is wise (or bold) enough to grab him, fans might one day look back at 2025 as the year they found their next franchise cornerstone — not at the top of the draft, but where patience, courage, and vision intersect.
As Craig Button put it best: “Sometimes, the stars align for the right team at the right time. The Canadiens just need to be ready to seize that moment.”
Only time — and the ticking clock of draft night — will tell.
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