The Montreal Canadiens traded up to 57th overall from their pick at 61st, adding their fourth-round pick at 125th overall to the package to do so.
With the pick, they selected defenceman Timofei Runtso from the Victoria Royals of the WHL.
Runtso is a right-shot defenceman who had a productive draft season, netting 44 points in 68 games. The California native completed his only season in the WHL, as he will join Miami University for the 2026-27 season.
Scouts liked the improvement he showed throughout his year in Victoria, and that’s been a factor the Canadiens have targeted in the past couple years. He is an all-around player, with few weaknesses in his game. They’re betting on his trajectory continuing to rise through his NCAA career, and hoping he blossoms into an NHL talent once that development is complete.
