As the dust settles on Montreal’s 2014-15 NHL season, the focus starts to shift to the upcoming entry draft. The Habs will pick 26th thanks to a strong showing by Carey Price during the regular season, meaning they won’t get a shot at some of the projected superstars, like Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel. However, that shouldn’t stop Trevor Timmins and Co. from finding a late-round gem, perhaps someone along the lines of Nikita Scherbak.
The 2015 NHL entry draft will take place over two days, June 26 and 27, at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida.
Montreal will pick 26th, 87th, 131st, 177th, and 207th.
They do not own a second-round or a fourth-round pick, as they were acquired by Edmonton in the Jeff Petry trade. Montreal’s fifth -ound pick belongs to Florida due to the Mike Weaver deal, however they re-acquired a fifth rounder in the trade that sent Daniel Briere to Colorado in exchange for P.A. Parenteau.
As you can see, it’s hit or miss when looking over the last decade of 26th overall picks, however it’s worth noting that quality players are generally available.
| 2014 | Montreal Canadiens | Nikita Scherbak | Stats |
| 2013 | Anaheim Ducks | Shea Theodore | Stats |
| 2012 | Vancouver Canucks | Brendan Gaunce | Stats |
| 2011 | Chicago Blackhawks | Phillip Danault | Stats |
| 2010 | Washington Capitals | Evgeny Kuznetsov | Stats |
| 2009 | Anaheim Ducks | Kyle Palmieri | Stats |
| 2008 | Buffalo Sabres | Tyler Ennis | Stats |
| 2007 | St.Louis Blues | David Perron | Stats |
| 2006 | Calgary Flames | Leland Irving | Stats |
| 2005 | Calgary Flames | Matt Pelech | Stats |
| 2004 | Vancouver Canucks | Cory Schneider | Stats |
International Scouting Service Top 30 – Central Scouting Service Top 30
The Habs need to fill several positional needs, although the most pressing concern this year seems to be adding a talented defenceman to the prospect pool. With Nathan Beaulieu in the mix, Greg Pateryn filling out the bottom pairing, and Jarred Tinordi on the cusp of graduating, there is a legitimate void of defensive prospects in the ranks.
That’s not to say that avoiding the best player available would be a wise course of action, although it may be possible to find both an organizational need, and the best player available with the same pick, a lot like Scherbak.
As the draft approaches we’ll start profiling players that should be available once the Habs make it to the podium. We invite you to stay tuned as we familiarize ourselves with the next potential Montreal Canadiens first-round draft pick.
Ideally, what type of player would you want the Habs to draft?
| Left Wing | 138 |
| Centre | 1064 |
| Right Wing | 416 |
| Defenceman | 338 |
| Goaltender | 35 |
