Montreal Canadiens NHL Draft picks tracker: Grades, fits and analysis

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Corey Pronman details what to expect from the Montréal Canadiens’ new prospects and how they fit into the farm system. This page will be updated throughout the 2026 NHL Draft.

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Draft Class

26. Gleb Pugachyov, RW, Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)

March 25, 2008 | 6′ 3″ | 198 pounds

Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: High-end

Player comparable: Lawson Crouse

Analysis: Pugachyov is a big, heavy winger who skates well and has good offensive skills. The pure tools in his game jump out at you, and when you add that he plays with some bite, it’s an exciting combination of traits. There are minor questions about his sense and how creative he is with the puck, but he’s so athletic and competitive that it’s easy to see an NHL coach feed him a ton of minutes.

Pick grade: A

Thoughts on the pick: I think he’s the best power forward in the draft. He’s had two really good playoffs with Torpedo in the MHL. A great pick. He’s a top-six winger for me.