First round: Scott Wheeler sees the Habs drafting a left-handed defenseman and a winger

Which position does the Canadiens currently have the most (quality) depth in?

If you answered left defensive end, you have two points. Or three, if we use the soccer scoring system.

Kaiden Guhle (23), Mike Matheson (31), Lane Hutson (21), Arber Xhekaj (24), Jayden Struble (23) and Adam Engstrom (21) are all under contract with the big club.

Yet the most recent trade rumor involving the Montreal Canadiens suggests that Nicolas Hague, a left-handed defenseman, is currently being targeted by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton with a view to improving Montreal’s defensive brigade. And several people have mentioned the Habs’ interest in Kashawn Aitcheson, an 18-year-old left-handed defenseman..

Second question: which position does the Canadiens most need toupgrade over the summer? Center. Everyone’s got that one.

Despite the depth on the blue line and the glaring lack of talent at center, Scott Wheeler believes the Canadiens will draft a left-handed defenseman and a winger with their two first-round picks. Need I remind you that Scott Wheeler is a prospect specialist who writes for TheAthletic?

New: 2025 NHL Mock Draft 2.0 at @TheAthletic!

Here’s where I think everything stands after the Combine.

Packed with news, notes, and nuggets:https://t.co/JZaIDJtikY pic.twitter.com/aFp8rUD7IH

– Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) June 9, 2025

At #16 in his annual mock draft, Wheeler placed the name of Cameron Reid. Reid, who stands 6’0 and weighs 183 pounds, is a player the Canadiens like a lot, from what they hear.

He has 54 points in 67 OHL games and added five more in 14 playoff games.

At #17, Wheeler sees the Habs wavering this time between Lynden Lakovic (left winger), Carter Bear (left winger) and Justin Carbonneau (right winger).

“Even if they need a center, I don’t think they necessarily have to select Braeden Cootes or Cole Reschny (who I see coming out at 18th and 19th).” – Scott Wheeler

What does Scott Wheeler’s mock draft tell us about the Canadiens’ short-term intentions?

1. Clearly, the team’s two first-round picks won’t fill its need at center of the second line. At least, not in the short or medium term..

2. At the draft, it’s better to draft the best player available, not the one who best suits our needs. Remember that the Canadiens turned up their nose at Brady Tkachuk because they wanted to draft a center (Jesperi Kotkaniemi) in 2018..

3. Hague, Reid… there’s reason to wonder whether Arber Xhekaj will still be in Montreal in September, and if so, whether he’ll still be used on the blue line.

4. In analyzing all this, the option of trading a first-round pick or two for reinforcements or to move up should be studied. In the middle of the first round, you start gambling. And I’m not sure gambling is the best solution for the Habs, given their recent success on the ice.