Inside Canadiens’ Bet On Gleb Pugachyov: Scouts See Rare Upside

The Canadiens have made it clear over the past several drafts that they are not simply looking for talent. They are looking for rare combinations of traits.

When the organization selected Gleb Pugachyov with the 26th overall pick, it was not just drafting another big winger. Montreal was betting on one of hockey’s most difficult player types to find: a physically imposing forward who can skate at a high level while possessing legitimate offensive upside.

Montreal had identified Pugachyov as one of the players it hoped would still be available if it kept its late first-round selection. It is believed that the Canadiens had Pugachyov comfortably inside the top 20 on their draft board.

Despite Betting lines like Sportaza online sportsbook had a 75% chance that Kent Hughes would succeed in his trade options involving the pick, the Canadiens’ interest in the Russian winger was genuine.

It is easy to understand why.

At 6-foot-3, Pugachyov already plays a pro-style game. He finishes checks, protects the puck, wins battles along the boards and drives play with his strength. Unlike many power forwards, however, his skating is considered one of his greatest assets, allowing him to pressure defenders, recover quickly and play with pace.

That combination has become increasingly rare in today’s NHL, where teams are constantly searching for players capable of impacting games physically without sacrificing speed.

Whether Pugachyov ultimately develops into a middle-six winger or something more, the Canadiens clearly believe they have added one of the draft’s more intriguing long-term projects.

The common thread among scouts is easy to identify: Everyone sees an NHL player. The only real debate is whether Pugachyov tops out as an effective third-line power forward or develops into the type of top-six winger every contender covets.

For NHL.com’s Mike Morreale, the offensive upside is very real.

“He’s a big, strong top-six winger. Smooth skater, good puck protection and can drive play through his size and skill. He backchecks really hard and has the ability to beat defenders one-on-one. Real powerful shot and exhibits natural instincts on the cycle. Good playmaker on the power play, plays big minutes.”

Mark Edwards of Hockey Prospect loved both the player and the fit in Montreal, admitting he was surprised Pugachyov lasted long enough for the Canadiens to select him.

“I thought Montreal would be a great landing spot but didn’t think he would slide out of the top 20. They obviously jumped on him when he got within reach. He is more skilled than given credit for, and it’s so hard to find these hard-hitting guys now. Love the fit. Made me think back to Tom Wilson in his draft year, but I feel like Pug is slightly ahead of Wilson skill-wise at the same stage of their development. I loved the pick. Give him two more years, and he will start creating some havoc and space out there for the Habs’ big guns.”

Anthony Donati of Draft Hockey Pros projects Pugachyov into Montreal’s lineup a little differently, believing the Canadiens’ depth may ultimately dictate his role more than his ability.

“I see him as a third-line right wing on the Habs because they already have everything. But he has real upside and could be a top-six player on another team.”

Several NHL scouts echoed similar sentiments, viewing Pugachyov as a player with one of the safer floors in this year’s draft because of his skating and physical maturity.

One public scout described him as a player who already projects as a valuable NHL contributor while leaving the door open for considerably more.

“Our scouts saw him as a premium third-liner in the NHL. At the 26th pick, that’s a very interesting gamble, considering his physical tools and his skating. If the skills can be further developed, watch out.”

Another evaluator came away impressed not only by Pugachyov’s game but also by the person behind the player.

“He was impressive in the interview we had with him, and he plays with such force that you can feel confident in his floor being an NHL player. But that shot is heavy, and his skating will make him a handful to deal with.”

Others believe the ceiling is even higher.

One NHL source believes Pugachyov has the potential to become the type of player contenders spend years trying to acquire.

“Top-six upside for me, and if he hits his ceiling, he’s the kind of player teams sacrifice good assets to acquire as they try to contend.”

Another NHL scout also referenced Tom Wilson when describing Pugachyov’s development curve while adding another intriguing comparison.

“I see bottom-six potential with upside. Remember, Tom Wilson didn’t have the best offensive metrics in his draft year either. He has the shooting and skating ability to fall somewhere between a Tom Wilson and a Mason Marchment.”