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

The Montreal Canadiens have spent the last few years building one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL. With players like Lane Hutson, David Reinbacher and Noah Dobson already in the organization, the blue line looks promising for both the present and the future. That said, successful organizations never stop adding talent, especially on defence.

The Canadiens currently own multiple draft picks in 2026 and could once again look to strengthen their defensive pipeline. Here are three defencemen who could make a lot of sense for Montreal at next week’s NHL Entry Draft.

Nikita Shcherbakov 

If the Canadiens keep their late first-round selection, Nikita Shcherbakov could be a fascinating option. The Russian defenceman stands at an imposing 6-foot-5 and already possesses many of the tools NHL teams look for in a modern blueliner. While players of his size are often known more for their reach and physicality than their mobility, Shcherbakov is an excellent skater who moves remarkably well for a player his size.

His skating allows him to close gaps quickly in the defensive zone and recover when plays break down. He also uses his long reach effectively to disrupt passing lanes and separate opponents from the puck. What makes Shcherbakov particularly intriguing is the amount of raw potential still in his game. His offensive production may not jump off the page yet, but the physical tools are impossible to ignore. NHL scouts often talk about traits that cannot be taught, and size combined with mobility is near the top of that list.

For Montreal, adding another defenceman with top-four potential could be extremely valuable. The Canadiens have shown a willingness to bet on upside in recent drafts, and Shcherbakov certainly fits that mold. If he’s available near the end of the first round, he could be difficult for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton to pass on.

Juho Piiparinen 

If the Canadiens decide they have identified a player they truly love, moving up in the draft could become an option. One name that might justify that approach is Finnish defenceman Juho Piiparinen.

Piiparinen may not be the flashiest defenceman in this draft class, but he consistently does the little things that help teams win hockey games. Despite his young age, he already plays with the composure and maturity of a veteran. His positioning is excellent, he rarely gets caught chasing plays, and he makes smart decisions with the puck. Coaches love players they can trust, and Piiparinen is exactly that type of defenceman.

While his offensive ceiling may not be as high as some other prospects, that should not necessarily be a concern for Montreal. The Canadiens already have elite offensive weapons on the blue line with Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson. What they may eventually need are more dependable two-way defenders who can handle difficult defensive assignments and complement their offensive stars.

Ben MacBeath 

Not every successful draft pick has to come in the first round, and Ben MacBeath could represent excellent value if he is still available in the second round. The Calgary Hitmen defenceman brings a well-rounded game that should appeal to many NHL organizations. He is a solid skater, moves the puck effectively and shows a good understanding of the game in all three zones.

MacBeath may not possess one elite skill that immediately stands out, but he does many things well. Those types of players often develop into reliable NHL contributors because they have fewer weaknesses in their overall game.

Like many young defencemen, there is still room for refinement. His decision-making under pressure and consistency can improve, but those are areas that often develop naturally with experience and coaching. What makes MacBeath attractive for Montreal is the balance in his game. He can contribute offensively when opportunities arise while remaining responsible defensively. He also has the skating ability necessary to keep up with today’s fast-paced NHL.

The Canadiens have done a strong job developing defencemen in recent years, and MacBeath could be another player who benefits from that system. If he is available when Montreal makes a second-round selection, he could prove to be one of the better value picks in the draft.

The Canadiens have already assembled an impressive group of young defencemen, but there is no such thing as having too much depth on the blue line. As Montreal continues building toward long-term Stanley Cup contention, adding another promising defenceman to the prospect pool could be another smart step in the organization’s development plan.