On June 28, Kent Hughes, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, made a significant impact by selecting 18-year-old Russian forward Ivan Demidov with the 5th pick in the NHL Draft.
This choice bolstered the team's already impressive prospect pool. Additionally, through a strategic trade,
Hughes exchanged his second first-round pick to acquire Michael Hage, a promising center often compared to a future elite offensive center.
According to the Journal's ranking of the NHL's top prospect pools, the Canadiens are now placed second, just behind the San Jose Sharks. The selection of Demidov, who could become a major star, has reignited excitement among Canadiens fans.
