Montreal Canadiens trade up to take Gleb Pugachyov at No. 26 after chasing Kirill Marchenko
Montreal Canadiens trade up to select Gleb Pugachyov at No. 26 after pursuing Kirill Marchenko; GM Kent Hughes says more roster moves are likely possible.
The Montreal Canadiens moved up in the first round of the NHL Draft to select Russian right winger Gleb Pugachyov at No. 26, a decision that followed a high-profile pursuit of Kirill Marchenko that ultimately did not materialize. General manager Kent Hughes engineered a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights to advance from 28th to 26th overall and take a player the club rated well above that slot. The pick reflects Montreal’s continued willingness to trade assets this summer to add size and immediate-impact talent to the roster.
Canadiens select Gleb Pugachyov at No. 26
The Canadiens sent the 28th overall pick and a 2027 third-round selection to Vegas to move up two spots and secure Pugachyov. Hughes said the organization had the winger ranked higher than their original position and made multiple efforts to climb the board before finalizing the move. Pugachyov, a physical power forward with a reputation for strength and competitiveness, was taken earlier than many draft prognosticators had expected.
Pugachyov has already logged top-league games in Russia, giving him rare exposure for a player coming out of that environment. Montreal’s staff described him as a mature prospect with a heavy game, combining size and hockey sense in a package they believe could be fast-tracked to pro minutes. The club also flagged contractual nuances in his KHL deal that might allow an earlier arrival to the NHL than the full term would suggest.
Montreal pursued Kirill Marchenko but came up short
Leading up to the pick, the Canadiens were reported to have made a strong push for Columbus Blue Jackets’ right winger Kirill Marchenko, who fits the profile of a six-foot-three scoring winger the team sought. However, Marchenko remained in Columbus after reports surfaced about his contract situation and his future in the organization, and Blue Jackets management indicated they had not been formally notified of a decision to decline an extension. Marchenko’s current contract carries an average annual value in the mid-to-high single millions and is set to make him a restricted free agent after the coming season.
Montreal’s interest in an established NHL scorer reflected the club’s urgency to acquire players who can help immediately, but the Pugachyov selection shows the front office elected to balance present needs with long-term upside. Hughes acknowledged the team kept exploring other avenues to add proven talent, saying he expected further activity in the days and weeks ahead.
Why Montreal viewed Pugachyov as NHL-ready
Scouting reports circulated inside the Canadiens’ war room highlighted Pugachyov’s frame and physical command as major selling points, along with an ability to play a forceful, engaged style without sacrificing positional instincts. Team officials said his play at high levels in Russia gave them confidence he understands the nuances of professional competition and can adapt to North American hockey. That combination of size, poise and competitive play factored heavily into the decision to move up for him.
Team leadership also cited internal evaluations that put Pugachyov closer to NHL readiness than many peers taken at that stage. Montreal’s coaching and pro scouts emphasized that while he may need seasoning, his baseline tools — including board play, net-front presence and the willingness to play in traffic — make him a desirable candidate to develop into a middle-six forward sooner rather than later.
Assets on hand and Montreal’s trade strategy
Hughes framed the pick as part of a broader asset-management approach that balances prospect depth with a desire to add established contributors. The Canadiens enter the summer with one of the deeper prospect pools and a surplus of NHL-ready defensemen, assets the management believes can be leveraged in trade negotiations. Hughes stressed the club is prepared to move prospects or role players, but only for returns that meaningfully improve the team now and sustainably into the future.
That stance comes amid a flurry of league activity this draft week, with numerous teams reshaping rosters through trades and signings. Montreal’s strategy, as articulated by the front office, is not to accumulate pieces for depth’s sake but to pursue transactions that deliver measurable upgrades, particularly in forward scoring and top-end playmaking.
Russian scouting access gives Montreal an edge
Montreal’s familiarity with Russian prospects helped shape its recent draft approach, with the club referencing prior selections and scouting relationships as differentiators. Co-director of amateur scouting Nick Bobrov’s experience and network in Russia were cited as reasons the Canadiens felt comfortable selecting multiple Russian players in recent drafts. That access allowed Montreal to evaluate prospects in an environment where many teams have had limited visibility.
The Canadiens’ continuity in scouting and their willingness to invest in international coverage has led to selections such as Ivan Demidov, Alexander Zharovsky and now Pugachyov, players the organization believes are undervalued by others due to limited exposure. Club officials noted that this pipeline will remain an element of their draft and development strategy going forward.
Looking ahead, Hughes signaled the Canadiens are still actively pursuing upgrades and will use their prospect depth and defensive assets to chase established players if the price fits the club’s timeline. The Pugachyov pick adds size and a potentially near-ready option to Montreal’s forward ranks, while the front office continues to weigh whether an immediate veteran addition or another calculated investment in youth better serves the team’s competitive window.
