Every NHL offseason brings a wave of anticipation and speculation, as fans eagerly dissect each move made by their favorite teams.

For the Montreal Canadiens, this summer has been marked by a series of intriguing acquisitions that have sparked both excitement and debate throughout the hockey community.

While much of the spotlight has shone on high-profile names and headline-grabbing trades, there are some decisions that might quietly shape the future of the franchise in profound ways.

Among these, the selection of Bryce Pickford stands out as a move that could pay significant dividends for years to come.

In a league where finding the right mix of skill, grit, and positional need can be a delicate balancing act, the addition of a promising right-shot defenseman like Pickford is a testament to the Canadiens’ commitment to building a well-rounded roster.

As the dust settles on the draft and attention shifts toward the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how these new pieces fit together—and whether this latest addition might just be the missing link Montreal has been searching for.

Photo credit: NHL

During this NHL offseason, we continue to look back at the various strong acquisitions made by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

Of course, much has been said about Zachary Bolduc and Noah Dobson, and there has also been quite a bit of discussion around the young Alexander Zharovsky.

That said, let’s now talk about another player acquired by Kent Hughes and the Habs during this 2025 offseason.

Bryce Pickford: finally a right-shot defenseman, rugged and highly productive, in the Canadiens’ system

With the 81st overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft (third round), the Montreal Canadiens selected young defenseman Bryce Pickford.

This pick has been praised by many experts as a very solid move by Kent Hughes and his team.

There have been various reports on young Bryce Pickford, but what’s important to know is that he finally fills a key organizational need in Montreal.

Bryce Pickford, 19 years old, is a 6-foot, 183-pound right-handed defenseman who recorded 47 points in 48 games this season in the WHL, including 20 goals, and posted a strong +34 rating.

In addition to winning a championship with his team and being a rugged, playoff-built player, Pickford tallied an incredible 24 points in 18 playoff games.

Let’s not forget – he’s a right-shot defenseman!

It’s safe to say he truly fills an important gap for the Canadiens.

Personally, I love this type of pick for the Montreal Canadiens, especially in the third round, because if it pans out, it could truly be a grand slam.

A right-shot defenseman, rugged, well-rounded, clutch in the playoffs, and productive.. Hard to ask for more!

I’m really looking forward to tracking his development over the coming years.