Last updated: 1:16 p.m. ET
BUFFALO – Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft is underway at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY.
Friday night, the Canadiens selected forward Gleb Pugachyov with the 26th-overall pick, marking the third straight year Montreal has used its top selection on a highly touted Russian prospect, following Alexander Zharovsky, chosen 34th overall in 2025, and Ivan Demidov, selected fifth overall in 2024.
Speaking to reporters following Friday’s first round, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said the scouting staff compares the 6-foot-3 Pugachyov stylistically to Tom Wilson.
Montreal entered Saturday with seven selections, but for the second year in a row, the Canadiens made a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, acquiring the 57th-overall pick in exchange for 61st and 125th overall picks in this year’s draft.
As it stands, the Canadiens hold the 57th, 93rd, 103rd, 189th, 221st and 224th picks on Saturday.
Follow along below for live updates from Buffalo as the Habs continue to add to their prospect pool throughout Day 2 of the draft.
Round 2, Pick 57: Timofei Runtso, Defenseman, Victoria Royals (WHL)
Montreal used their first pick on Saturday to select right-shot defenseman, Timofei Runtso, from the Victoria Royals in the Western Hockey League. A native of Los Angeles, CA, Runtso lead the Royals in goals, assists and points by blueliners in 2025-26 with 11-33––44 totals in 68 games played. The 18-year-old is committed to Miami University (Ohio) for the 2026-27 campaign.
NHL Central Scouting on Runtso: Good sized, right-shot defenseman that has stepped in and been the go-to guy in Victoria as a first year player. Smart and skilled with the puck. Very good on the power play where he plays the top. Distributes the puck well to all areas. Jumps down from the point effectively to get into scoring position. Has the speed to get up on the rush. More of a distributor off the rush than leading the charge. Good, active stick defensively. Takes away passing lanes and space. Very good vision and transitions the puck up ice quickly and effectively. A player that has continued to improve and is an impact player in Victoria.
Round 3, Pick 93: Cooper Cleaves, Defenseman, Dartmouth College (NCAA)
The Canadiens selected defenseman Cooper Cleaves with the 93rd-overall pick. Passed over in each of the previous two NHL Drafts, the overage blue-liner spent the 2025-26 season at Dartmouth College, recording 10 points (4G, 6A) in 30 NCAA games. At 6-foot-3, Cleaves became Montreal’s third straight selection standing that height.
