The excitement surrounding the upcoming NHL Entry Draft continues to build, especially for Montreal Canadiens fans eager to see how their team will shape its future. With anticipation mounting and speculation swirling, all eyes are on the prospects who could make a transformative impact in Montreal.

Among the names generating the most buzz is Caleb Desnoyers, a dynamic forward whose name has quickly risen up draft boards and captured the attention of hockey insiders and fans alike. As the Canadiens currently hold the 16th and 17th picks, the possibility of landing a top-tier talent like Desnoyers appears slim—unless bold moves are made.

Recent comments from respected voices around the league have only intensified the conversation, fueling debate over whether Montreal should consider a significant trade-up to secure a player many see as a future cornerstone. With the stakes higher than ever, and the pressure mounting on management to deliver results, the question remains: will the Canadiens make the daring decision to pursue one of the draft’s most coveted prospects, or will they stay the course and hope for a hidden gem later in the first round?

Photo of Caleb Desnoyers

Photo credit: DobberProspects

As of today, the Montreal Canadiens will draft at the 16th and 17th spots in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. They will be picking far too late to hope to get their hands on young Caleb Desnoyers..

According to many, the Moncton Wildcats forward will likely be selected in the top 5 at the upcoming NHL Draft this June.

If the Canadiens want to land him, they will need to move up to have a chance at selecting him.

In recent days, former NHL defenseman Philippe Boucher stated that this avenue should be seriously considered by the Canadiens’ management.

Caleb Desnoyers: An Ideal Acquisition for the Montreal Canadiens

Here’s what he said on the JiC show on TVA Sports:

“For me, there’s a forward I would do everything to get, and it’s him. I have a little bit of inside information, my son [Matthew] knows some people in junior hockey. He’s exceptional in his interviews with teams and doesn’t lack confidence in his abilities.”

– Philippe Boucher

It’s an acquisition that several experts have also suggested for the Montreal Canadiens.

Caleb Desnoyers: A Future Number One Center According to Simon Boisvert

All season long, the colorful Simon “Snake” Boisvert has heavily praised the now 18-year-old.

He has great belief in the young Quebecer’s potential.

He even thinks that the young man could soon become a very important asset for the Canadiens.

“If the Canadiens draft Caleb Desnoyers, he becomes the team’s number one center within 2-3 years!”

– Simon “Snake” Boisvert

Check out the full clip:

It’s no surprise then that Nick Bobrov, Serge Boisvert, and Martin Lapointe have all been spotted at several of the young man’s games.

We now know that the Canadiens are highly interested in Desnoyers; the only question is whether they’re willing to pay the price to move up in the draft to acquire him.

As for Boucher, he would be ready to pay a hefty price to see him wear the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge uniform.

However, he is realistic and knows it would be surprising to see Kent Hughes overpay to move up in the draft.

“He’s exactly what the Canadiens need.

The 16th pick, 17th pick, and more, plus plus.. Could he become the Canadiens’ second-line center as early as next year?

I don’t know, but I would be ready to pay.”

“Unfortunately for the Canadiens, players like this aren’t easy to find in a draft.

I don’t think we’ll want to move the pick and miss out on a player like him.”

– Philippe Boucher

In 56 games this season in the QMJHL, Desnoyers recorded 84 points, including 35 goals.

He added 30 more points in 16 playoff games at the time of writing.