​Editor’s Note: This article was written by special contributor Tyler Major-McNicol. You can follow him on X by clicking here. When the Montreal Canadiens stepped to the podium for the 26th overall selection at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, choosing Gleb Pugachyov felt like a strategic hit on two fronts. The pick was widely regarded as the best available talent by the Habs, while also addressing a clear organizational need. During Montreal’s run to the Eastern Conference Final, one recurring criticism of the young squad was a noticeable lack of bite and physical edge. From a talent perspective, the roster projects to be competitive with players like Lane Hutson, Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Ivan Demidov. Yet beyond Juraj Slafkovsky, Josh Anderson, and Arber Xhekaj, there is room to bolster the physical presence game in and game out, especially as the playoffs arrive and the ice tightens.
Enter Pugachyov. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 234 pounds, he brings a imposing frame and a willingness to engage physically. Unlike Slafkovsky, he doesn’t need coaxing to throw his weight around, and he is known for delivering punishing body checks and protecting the puck effectively. In short, Pugachyov is a tough player to corral.
The 18-year-old forward hails from Almaty, Kazakhstan, and shares the same agent, Dan Milstein, as other Canadiens prospects Demidov (selected fifth overall in 2024) and Alexander Zharovsky (34th overall in 2025). While Demidov and Zharovsky are celebrated for their offensive flair and elite puck-handling ability, Pugachyov brings a different set of strengths to the table. His game is still developing on the offensive side; in 33 games for Chaika Nizhny Novgorod of the MHL, he registered 10 goals and 14 assists. His ceiling offensively may not reach the same lofty heights as those teammates, but his overall potential remains enticing.
Pugachyov’s profile is underscored by his high-end skating and his effectiveness on the forecheck and in transition. He demonstrates a strong work ethic and a commitment to refining all facets of his game, which bodes well for his long-term trajectory. Physically, he already projects as NHL-ready, a key consideration given his two remaining seasons under contract in the KHL. Those years will also give him time to further develop his offensive game, while his defensive awareness and ability to leverage his physical gifts are already evident.
How far Pugachyov can climb remains an open question, but the pick suggests general manager Kent Hughes believes there is more to come than a bottom-six role. He is a player who could eventually make a meaningful impact for head coach Martin St-Louis, possibly lining up alongside Demidov and Zharovsky in the future. In the near term, the Canadiens’ management team—led by Hughes and Jeff Gorton—will watch and await Pugachyov’s progression in Montreal with patience and optimism. As Montreal charts its path forward, the organization will be mindful of the long arc of development, hoping this selection pays dividends down the line as part of a broader strategy to inject physicality, depth, and versatility into the lineup.