Scott Wheeler has delivered unwelcome news for Montreal Canadiens fans already investing hope in Kent Hughes’ latest first-round selection.
Gleb Pugachyov, taken 26th overall in the most recent draft, sits outside Wheeler’s top 100 drafted prospects ranking published by The Athletic. The big Russian forward appears neither in the top 100 nor among the analyst’s honourable mentions—a notable omission that underscores early skepticism surrounding the pick.
The absence is consistent with Wheeler’s earlier assessment. He had already ranked the Canadiens among the draft’s losers, citing the selection of Pugachyov as a primary reason. Wheeler projects the forward as nothing more than a third-line player, a ceiling that, in his evaluation, keeps the prospect well clear of the top-100 threshold.
Canadiens prospects rise while another name is overlooked
Several of Montreal’s recent high picks have already graduated from prospect status. Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky, all recently signed to long-term contracts, no longer qualify for the list.
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Among those still eligible, the organization fares considerably better. Wheeler ranked Michael Hage 21st overall, placing him as the seventh-best prospect from the 2024 draft class. Alexander Zharovsky follows at No. 33, while David Reinbacher lands at No. 48. The cluster of high placements reflects a solid broader prospect pipeline.
One omission, however, has raised more eyebrows than Pugachyov’s. Adam Engstrom, still eligible for consideration, appears neither in the top 100 nor among the honourable mentions. The exclusion is especially striking given that Bryce Pickford received an honourable mention. At 22 and approaching full-time NHL readiness, Engstrom’s absence has been viewed by some as an under-valuation.
For Pugachyov, the message from one of the industry’s more respected prospect analysts is unambiguous. Selected in the first round and immediately projected as a bottom-six forward, the young Russian now carries the burden of proof. Whether he can exceed the third-line ceiling Wheeler has assigned him will determine if the early reality check becomes a temporary setback or a lasting verdict on the pick.