Defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson #77 of Team CHL celebrates his delayed third period goal against Team USA during the CHL USA Prospects Challenge (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
As the 2025 NHL Draft draws closer, the Montreal Canadiens are making a point of keeping things quiet. With little chatter coming out of their front office and few obvious scouting patterns to follow, the organization is clearly doing what it can to keep other teams guessing.
While some early signs and league chatter have started to surface, it’s important to note that nothing is set in stone. What follows is a look at some of the information that’s trickled out—hints and observations that may or may not reflect how things play out on draft day.
Carter Bear: Quiet Star, Loud Potential
While the Canadiens have done an impressive job of masking their draft intentions, it’s no secret within scouting circles that Carter Bear has been on their radar since the start of the season. A member of the club visited the Everett Silvertips nearly a dozen times, which isn’t just routine coverage—it’s targeted interest. Earlier this year, Bear was also treated to a dinner with Canadiens staff, to get to know him better. It goes to show that the organization has had their eye on Bear from the early stages of the season.
Despite a productive season and a strong two-way presence, Bear’s draft stock has become a point of contention among NHL scouts. Some teams have reservations due to his late birth year and, more significantly, a partial Achilles tendon laceration he suffered midseason. However, Bear is expected to fully participate in development camp in a month, which may alleviate medical concerns and remind teams of his smooth skating, puck control and high hockey IQ. For the Canadiens, who are prioritizing smart, competitive forwards that can fit into a layered rebuild, Bear could become a value pick if he slides. If Montreal keeps both of its first-round selections, Bear could easily be in play as their second pick.
KaShawn Aitcheson: Rugged Skill on the Blue Line
Montreal’s prospect interest isn’t limited to forwards. Another name connected to the organization is KaShawn Aitcheson, a rugged, high-scoring defenseman who turned heads in the OHL this year. He’s built a reputation for combining size, mobility and a nasty edge—traits the Canadiens are clearly valuing more under their current rebuild strategy.
Aitcheson posted impressive offensive totals this season, becoming one of the highest-scoring defensemen in the OHL while maintaining a punishing physical style. He’s the kind of player who’s just as comfortable leading a rush as he is finishing a check along the boards. That blend of puck-moving ability and hard-nosed defensive responsibility has made him one of the more complete blue-line prospects in this draft class. While the Canadiens already have a glut of left-shot defensemen, Aitcheson’s relentless compete level and leadership qualities have set him apart.
Adding to the intrigue is Aitcheson’s connection to Quartexx Management, the player agency co-founded by Canadiens GM Kent Hughes. While that doesn’t guarantee selection, it provides an extra layer of familiarity and trust that other prospects might not have. The Habs have made multiple scouting trips to observe Aitcheson this year, indicating genuine interest. His aggressive style and offensive instincts mirror some of the qualities the Canadiens have recently prioritized in their defensive pipeline. If they’re aiming to build a mobile, hard-to-play-against blue line, Aitcheson could be the exact kind of player they add, even if he is a left-shot.
Lynden Lakovic: Power Meets Precision
Another name that continues to surface in relation to Montreal is Lynden Lakovic, a 6-foot-4 forward who combines power, reach and deceptive skill. Lakovic’s game has grown by leaps this season, showcasing his ability to dominate down low, win puck battles and disrupt defensive structures with his frame and finish. While not always flashy, his ability to contribute in multiple zones and apply relentless pressure aligns with the Canadiens’ desire to become a tougher team to play against—especially in tight-checking, playoff-style games. RG sources have noted that Montreal has checked in on Lakovic at multiple points this season, which suggests real, ongoing interest.
What makes Lakovic even more appealing is his versatility. He can be deployed on the wing or at center, offering lineup flexibility, and his straight-line speed has improved noticeably. He might not be a high-octane scorer, but his projection as a power forward with middle-six potential makes him a smart organizational fit. The Canadiens have focused on adding players who combine upside with coachable tools, and Lakovic fits that mold to a tee. Should Montreal retain both of its first-round picks, Lakovic could be considered a longer-term development piece who brings immediate intrigue to their prospect pipeline.
Will the Canadiens Trade Their Picks or Stay the Course?
The Canadiens enter the draft with two first-round picks, and both have reportedly been floated on the trade market. But unless a clear-cut deal emerges that accelerates the team’s timeline, all signs suggest Montreal is more likely to draft twice in the first round than trade away both selections.
That said, Montreal isn’t ruling out moves to upgrade the roster. Around the league, there’s a growing consensus that the Canadiens might leverage prospects like Logan Mailloux and Joshua Roy to acquire an age-appropriate top-six forward or a right-shot defenseman—two glaring needs in their lineup. With both players having shown flashes of NHL readiness, they could be the centerpieces of hockey trades aimed at adding immediate help without sacrificing future draft capital.
Strategy Over Speculation
In a year when Montreal has made deliberate choices about its rebuild path, it’s clear the Canadiens are leaning into a strategy of discipline, internal development and calculated risk. Whether they stick with both first-round picks or package players like Mailloux or Roy for NHL-ready talent, their choices at the 2025 NHL Draft will send a strong message about their competitive timeline.
Until then, don’t expect too many clues from the Canadiens’ camp. The silence might just be their loudest message.
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
