Filip Mesar: The Canadiens' plan B? The intricacies of a controversial selection

The first, overall, was used to select Juraj Slafkovsky, while the 26th pick (acquired from the Flames in the Tyler Toffoli trade) was used to pick his compatriot, Filip Mesar.

However, according to Mathias Brunet, Kent Hughes attempted to move up a few spots at the end of the first round, a strategy that did not pan out.

This attempt raises questions: Did Hughes and his team have another player targeted? Were they concerned about Mesar's availability?

The selection of Mesar remains debated today because he has yet to meet expectations, delivering performances below his potential.

Despite acquiring Kirby Dach early in the first round, Hughes's aggressive approach to bolstering the team remains evident, even behind the scenes.