A 6-foot-3 right winger, Pugachyov recorded 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 33 games with Chaika Nizhny Novgorod of the MHL, Russia’s top junior league, during the 2025-26 season. Born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Pugachyov was named an MHL All-Star in 2025-26.
Pugachyov, 18, made his professional debut as a 17-year-old, collecting three points in 13 games with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod of the KHL, Russia’s top professional league. He added five points in 15 contests with Torpedo-Gorky NN of the VHL, the country’s second-highest professional league.
The NHL Central Scouting department said this about Pugachyov: “He is a big, strong top-line winger with smooth skating mechanics at top speed, strong puck protection, and the ability to drive play through size and skill. He can win pucks, backcheck hard, and create offense with quick passes, smart separation moves, and the ability to beat defenders 1-on-1. His shot is powerful, his hands are good in tight areas, and he shows natural instincts on the cycle, making him effective as a playmaker on the power play.”
Friday marked the fifth time in franchise history that the Canadiens selected 26th overall. The four previous instances came when Montreal chose Filip Mesar (2022), Noah Juulsen (2015), Nikita Scherbak (2014) and Claude Lemieux (1983) with the 26th pick at their respective drafts.
The Canadiens will enter Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft with seven remaining selections: Nos. 61, 93, 103, 125, 189, 221 and 225. The second day of the draft gets underway Saturday at 11:00 a.m. ET at KeyBank Center.
