The excitement surrounding the Montreal Canadiens’ rookie camp is palpable, with fans and analysts eagerly anticipating the first glimpses of the team’s newest prospects hitting the ice in Brossard.

Amid the buzz and high expectations, a surprising development has quietly emerged, sending ripples through the organization and leaving supporters with more questions than answers.

While the spotlight was set to shine on several promising young talents, one name in particular had drawn considerable attention ahead of camp—an imposing forward whose recent draft selection sparked enthusiasm and hope for the future.

Yet, just as anticipation reached its peak, the Canadiens dropped their first unexpected announcement of the season, casting a shadow over the opening days of rookie activities.

Details remain scarce, but whispers from inside the team suggest a sudden setback has forced a major change in plans. The news, confirmed only moments ago, has left fans stunned and eager to learn more about what transpired behind the scenes. What could have sidelined such a highly anticipated player at this crucial moment?

How will this impact the Canadiens’ strategy moving forward? The answers are coming—and they may be more surprising than anyone imagined. Read on to uncover the full story behind this shocking twist.

Photo of Hayden Paupanekis

Photo credit: X/Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens’ rookie camp is now officially underway, and we’ve got action on the ice in Brossard!

Unfortunately, the Habs have just announced their first piece of bad news, as the big 6-foot-4 forward Hayden Paupanekis will unfortunately have to withdraw.

“Forward Hayden Paupanekis (mononucleosis) will not participate in the Rookie Camp.”

– Montreal Canadiens

He’s one of the players we were really excited to see in action, but it looks like we’ll have to wait a bit longer!

Forward Hayden Paupanekis will not participate in the Montreal Canadiens’ rookie camp due to mononucleosis

He must be so disappointed to miss this!

Paupanekis, just 18 years old, is a big power forward standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 196 pounds.

He was the Montreal Canadiens’ 3rd-round pick in 2025 (69th overall), and Kent Hughes even made a trade (at the draft) to move up a few spots in order to select him.

Last season in the WHL, Paupanekis collected 19 points in 32 games with the Kelowna Rockets and 24 points in 39 games with the Spokane Chiefs.

“Habs announce that centre Hayden Paupanekis, their third-round pick (69th overall) at this year’s NHL Draft won’t take part in rookie cap because of mononucleosis.”
– Stu Cowan

More details will follow, but he will certainly be one of the Tricolore’s prospects to watch closely in the coming months.