With the NHL Draft just weeks away and anticipation building in Montreal, all eyes are on Kent Hughes and the Canadiens as they prepare to make two crucial selections in the first round. Holding the 16th and 17th overall picks, the team has a golden opportunity to add impactful young talent to their roster.

While fans are buzzing about the possibility of drafting local stars, a new name has emerged that could capture the imagination of the entire fanbase. Carter Bear, a dynamic winger from Minnesota, has quickly become one of the most intriguing prospects linked to Montreal. Drawing comparisons to NHL agitator Brad Marchand, Bear’s style of play and competitive edge have scouts and insiders alike speculating about his potential fit with the Canadiens. As the draft approaches, the possibility of Bear donning the iconic red, white, and blue is fueling excitement and debate throughout the hockey community.

Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

The NHL Draft will take place in a few weeks in Los Angeles, and speculation is running high about which players the Canadiens will select.

Let’s not forget that Kent Hughes holds the 16th and 17th overall picks in the first round.

Many Canadiens fans would love to see Hughes use those picks to bring in Quebec-born talent, particularly by selecting forward Justin Carbonneau from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. But there’s another player who could make everyone happy.

TVA Sports journalist Nicolas Cloutier published an excellent article about the prospect Carter Bear.

Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, the left-handed winger playing for the Everett Silvertips is being pursued by several teams-including the Canadiens. His general manager, Mike Fraser, even compared him to one of the Canadiens fans’ all-time favorites.

A Future Brad Marchand for the Montreal Canadiens?

Now that’s intriguing.

“He’s a bit of a pest.

He’s got some Marchand in his game.

He can get under opponents’ skin, but he backs it up with his play.”

– Mike Fraser

You can, of course, sense the irony in all this, and Bear himself said he was a little surprised by his GM’s comments.

As for his own NHL role model, Bear pointed to a forward from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“That’s the first time I’ve heard that. I guess it’s not too bad.

Personally, my role model is Brandon Hagel.

But both of those guys are pretty good.”

– Carter Bear

According to many experts, Carter Bear would be an ideal pick for the Montreal Canadiens. The only problem? The odds of him still being available at 16th or 17th overall are pretty slim, based on most mock drafts.

Definitely something to watch closely!