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The Habs really aren’t afraid of meeting prospects who will come out well before the 16th rank

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 6:51 PM ET

With the draft fast approaching, we’re starting to wonder about the Canadiens’ two first-round picks.

The Habs hold the #16 and #17 picks… but that doesn’t mean we’ll be hearing from the club at those two ranks either.

There is a possibility that Kent Hughes could trade a pick – or his picks – to advance or get his hands on a player who can help next season.

But what we’ve noticed is that the Habs aren’t really afraid to meet prospects who will come out well before the 16th rank.

For example?

They met with James Hagens, Caleb Desnoyers and Porter Martone, three guys who are likely to go out very quickly in the first round.

James Hagens

-Met with the Canadiens at the Combine. It was the first time he’d spoken to the team this season.

-Admits that playing for the Islanders and Patrick Roy, “a legend”, would be extremely special. Thinks he deserves to be #1.

-“People look at the..

– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) June 6, 2025

Caleb Desnoyers was met by the Habs in Moncton earlier this year and is set to meet with them again here in Buffalo.

Why should the Habs draft him?

“For sure, the pride of playing for your local club makes you have a little more to..

– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) June 6, 2025

Porter Martone met with the Canadiens 20 minutes ago.

“Definitely one of the most intense interviews of the lot.”

Mentioned sensing good interest from club this season. @TVASports

– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) June 5, 2025

There’s been talk for months that the Canadiens could trade their first-round picks.

But with the quality of the prospects in the first round, maybe that complicates things for the Canadiens too. Because at 16th and 17th, there are some guys with really interesting potential.

Carter Bear (among others) is a popular name in Montreal at the moment, and if the Habs feel they have a chance of selecting him with one of these two picks, it could change things.

All in all, in a way, it’s normal for the Canadiens to meet a lot of prospects at the combine. Managers want to get a better idea of players’ personalities, and if there’s one in particular the club is interested in, it may also prompt the Habs to go up and select the guy they really want.

But, at the same time, it also shows that Kent Hughes and his group are aware that there’s talent in the pile of prospects who’ll be coming out in the first round.

And that’s why we shouldn’t fall out of our chairs if the Canadiens decide to draft a player at No. 16 or No. 17, contrary to what we’ve been saying for some time now.

Overtime

– Why not?

He’s coming out of retirement to play in a semi-pro league pic.twitter.com/liD1J4JU7L

– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) June 6, 2025

– Logical choices.

With the first window opening 48 after the end of the Stanley Cup Final, seven contract buyout candidates for 2025:https://t.co/4XN69QZAwZ

– Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 6, 2025

– They have great chemistry.

It’s the wonderful dilemma Oilers coaches have dealt with for years.

McDavid and Draisaitl. Draisaitl and McDavid. Do you play them together… or not?@PierreVLeBrun has more: https://t.co/WlNkiXfj3K pic.twitter.com/JtjVSQAATd

– The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 6, 2025

– Wow!

Kasperi Kapanen and his dad Sami Kapanen had nearly identical first ever Stanley Cup Final games

(H/T @reporterchris) pic.twitter.com/EyobXSDctv

– BarDown (@BarDown) June 6, 2025