The Montreal Canadiens have once again made waves in the hockey world, pulling off a headline-grabbing trade during the 2025 NHL Draft that has left fans buzzing with anticipation.

In a move orchestrated by general manager Kent Hughes, the Canadiens struck a deal with their storied rivals, the Boston Bruins, to climb up the draft order and secure one of the most intriguing young prospects available: Hayden Paupanekis.

Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5 and weighing 200 pounds, Paupanekis is the kind of player who immediately captures attention—not just for his physical presence, but for the raw potential he brings to Montreal’s lineup.

The Canadiens’ determination to land him speaks volumes about their vision for the future, and the excitement surrounding this acquisition is palpable.

As the dust settles from this high-stakes exchange, fans and analysts alike are eager to learn more about the newest addition to the Habs’ roster and what his arrival could mean for the team’s long-term ambitions.

With the spotlight now firmly on Paupanekis, the stage is set for a new chapter in Montreal’s ongoing quest for hockey greatness.

Bruins and Canadiens

Photo credit: HabsFanatics/NHL

A trade completed between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins during the 2025 NHL Draft allowed the Habs to acquire young Hayden Paupanekis.

We’re talking about a big 6-foot-5 center who impressed at the Canadiens’ most recent development camp-yet another player acquired through a Kent Hughes trade.

Clearly, they really wanted him!

Let’s talk a bit about Hayden Paupanekis.

Hayden Paupanekis: The Big Center Acquired via a Trade with the Boston Bruins on the Draft Floor

The goal here is to help you get to know one of the team’s newest prospects a little better. I have a feeling he’ll quickly become a fan favorite in Montreal.

Journalist Stu Cowan also published a very interesting article about the Canadiens’ acquisition of Hayden Paupanekis.

Moments before the 69th overall pick of the 2025 draft was announced, the NHL revealed that the Boston Bruins had traded the pick to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a third-round and a fourth-round selection in the same draft.

Kent Hughes made the deal to move up in the draft order and select Paupanekis.

Thanks to this trade with Boston, Montreal selected this 6-foot-5, 200-pound right-handed center, who has the potential to become a true NHL power forward.

In 32 games last season with the Kelowna Rockets, Paupanekis recorded 19 points, including 11 goals.

We’re excited to see what the future holds for him, but personally, I really trust the Habs on this one. The fact that Kent Hughes traded with the Bruins to move up and get him shows just how much the Canadiens truly wanted him.