3 Forwards the Canadiens Could Target in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft

The Montreal Canadiens have done an excellent job building their prospect pool over the last few years. With young stars already in place at the NHL level and several high-end prospects still developing, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton now have the luxury of focusing on adding the best talent available rather than drafting strictly for organizational need. Holding the 28th overall pick, assuming they keep it, the Canadiens could have several intriguing forward options available when they step to the podium. Here are three forwards who could make a lot of sense for Montreal.

Tomas Chrenko

Whether Tomas Chrenko is still available at 28 remains another topic of discussion, but if he ends up being available, the Habs should be all over the young forward. Chrenko is not the biggest forward in this draft class, but what he lacks in size he makes up for with competitiveness and skill. He plays with a relentless motor, attacks pucks aggressively, and never seems to take a shift off. His skating is one of his biggest strengths, allowing him to create separation and pressure defenders all over the ice.

What really stands out is his hockey sense and vision. Chrenko sees passing lanes develop before most players do and consistently puts teammates in good positions to succeed offensively. He processes the game quickly and makes smart decisions with the puck.

The Canadiens have built much of their recent success around speed, work ethic, and puck possession. Chrenko’s style would fit perfectly with that philosophy. He may not be the flashiest prospect available, but he has the type of well-rounded game that often translates well to the NHL.

Simas Ignatavicius 

One of the most intriguing prospects in the draft is Lithuanian forward Simas Ignatavicius. Standing around 6-foot-3 and weighing close to 200 pounds, Ignatavicius already possesses NHL-level size. What makes him particularly interesting is that he has been developing against grown men in Switzerland’s top professional ranks rather than dominating younger competition.

Playing against professionals at such a young age often accelerates a player’s development, forcing them to learn details away from the puck and adapt to a faster, more physical style of hockey. Ignatavicius appears to have benefited greatly from that experience. He is a mature player who can impact the game in a variety of ways. Offensively, he has shown good hands and strong playmaking ability. Defensively, he understands positioning and isn’t afraid to put in the work required to win battles.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of his game is his physicality. He willingly engages along the boards, finishes checks, and uses his size effectively to protect pucks. In many ways, he already plays a pro-style game. The Canadiens have added plenty of skill in recent drafts, but adding another big forward who can skate and contribute in all three zones could be extremely valuable. Ignatavicius may not have the same offensive ceiling as some other prospects, but his combination of size, maturity, and versatility makes him a very appealing option.

Egor Shilov 

If Montreal wants to swing for pure offensive upside, Egor Shilov could be one of the most interesting names available near the end of the first round. Playing in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, the Victoriaville Tigres forward put together an outstanding season, recording 82 points in 63 games while consistently driving offence for his club. His production wasn’t accidental either. Every time he touched the puck, he looked capable of creating something dangerous.

Shilov’s greatest asset is his offensive creativity. He sees plays develop quickly and has the hands necessary to execute difficult passes in tight spaces. His vision allows him to create scoring opportunities for teammates, while his own finishing ability makes him a threat to score from various areas of the offensive zone.

He is the type of player who can change the momentum of a game with a single play. Whether it’s finding an open teammate through traffic or beating a defender one-on-one, Shilov possesses the skill set NHL teams covet. Of course, like many highly skilled young forwards, there are areas that still need refinement. His overall game away from the puck can continue to improve, and he will need to show he can consistently impact games when the offence isn’t flowing.

The Canadiens may ultimately trade their first-round pick in an effort to improve the current roster, but if they decide to make the selection themselves, those are three forwards who could become very interesting options on draft day. Each brings a different element to the table, but all three possess traits that fit what Montreal is trying to build for both the present and the future.