Two years after the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas, it's becoming clear that the Montreal Canadiens' draft haul, led by Kent Hughes, is reshaping the franchise. With ten picks, including two in the first round, this draft class is proving to be one of the most impactful of the rebuild era.
The Canadiens, who held the fifth overall pick after the 2023-24 season, utilized their position effectively and leveraged assets to acquire another high-level talent. Looking back, this draft class stands out as a significant achievement.
Ivan Demidov: The Centrepiece Delivers
Ivan Demidov, the cornerstone of the 2024 draft, has lived up to expectations rapidly. After leading SKA St. Petersburg with 49 points in 65 KHL games and setting a new record for points by a player under 20, Demidov signed his entry-level contract. He briefly joined Montreal before embarking on his first full rookie season.
His debut season saw him score 62 points (19 goals, 43 assists), solidifying his status as one of the most skilled European prospects in years. Demidov's ability to control the pace of play in the fast-paced NHL has been a consistent highlight. While the playoffs presented challenges, his talent remains evident. A crucial power-play goal in Game 5 against the Buffalo Sabres, coupled with an assist, demonstrated his impact and ability to lift the team.
Michael Hage: The Quiet Jewel of the Class
Michael Hage's path to the Canadiens is a compelling story. The team acquired the 21st overall pick by trading three selections, a move that has since proven masterful. Hage amassed 75 points in 54 USHL games before committing to the University of Michigan.
His sophomore season was exceptional, leading the nation in assists and finishing third in points. He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors and topped the 2026 World Junior Championship scoring with 15 points in seven games. This performance has made him an untouchable prospect within the organization, with strong confidence in his long-term potential to address the team's center depth.
Aatos Koivu: The Best Third-Round Pick No One Is Talking About
The selection of Aatos Koivu at 70th overall sparked both emotion and skepticism due to his family name, but Montreal drafted him on merit. His rookie season in the Finnish Liiga was modest (eight points in 32 games for TPS), compounded by mononucleosis. However, his performance in one of Europe's top professional leagues, combined with his skating, hockey sense, shot, and two-way awareness, indicated strong potential.
A strong showing at the Summer Showcase before his second pro season silenced many doubts. Koivu led the tournament in goals with six in five games for Finland, showcasing poise, vision, and defensive awareness. After missing the 2024 World Juniors due to illness, his resurgence has positioned him for a significant role in the upcoming tournament. For a third-round pick, this development trajectory is highly promising.
The Rest of the Class
Beyond the top prospects, the 2024 draft class includes players in the early stages of development. Owen Protz, a physical defenseman from the OHL, was selected 102nd overall. Ben Merrill, a forward committed to Harvard, went 166th. The Canadiens also drafted Russian winger Makar Khanin 210th overall, who has shown offensive promise in the VHL and MHL.
While these later-round picks may not garner immediate headlines, they are crucial for building organizational depth and potential future surprises. Logan Sawyer, a physical forward taken in the second round, and Tyler Thorpe, developing with the Laval Rocket, are also intriguing secondary picks. The contributions from this draft class are still unfolding, but the top three selections alone make it a memorable one.
Two Years In, the Grade Is Already an A
The true evaluation of a draft class comes after the players have competed. Two years after the 2024 draft, this group is proving its worth. Demidov has become a legitimate NHL contributor and a Calder Trophy finalist. Hage is poised for one of the most anticipated college-to-pro transitions in franchise history. Koivu is developing into a strong mid-round find. Kent Hughes masterfully structured this draft, significantly strengthening the rebuild's foundation.
While the Sphere in Las Vegas provided a spectacular backdrop, the progress being made by these players on the ice is even more impressive.
