Welcome to this edition of the 2025 WHL Prospect Pools. Throughout the 2025 off-season, we will be taking a look at current or recently graduated WHLers who have either been drafted or signed by NHL clubs. Today's organization is the Montréal Canadiens, which has three WHLers in its prospect pool.
The Canadiens added two WHLers to their prospect pool during the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. They selected Kelowna Rockets' forward Hayden Paupanekis in the third round, before drafting Medicine Hat Tigers defenceman Bryce Pickford just a few picks later. Montréal also selected Vancouver Giants forward Tyler Thorpe in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, adding size and speed to their prospect pool.
Starting with Paupanekis, he was productive during his second WHL season. The 28-year-old split the year between the Spokane Chiefs and the Rockets, recording 43 points in 71 games. Listed at 6'5", 203 lbs, Paupanekis will be a key player for Kelowna during their 2026 Memorial Cup run.
Next up is Pickford, who was one of the best defensemen in the WHL this season. After recording 47 points in 48 regular-season games, the 19-year-old produced 24 points in 18 playoff games and helped the Tigers make it all the way to the Memorial Cup Final. Listed at 6'1", 183 lbs, if unsigned before the start of the season, Pickford will most likely return to the WHL next season.
Last up is Thorpe, who continues to grow into a solid prospect. The 19-year-old recorded 52 points in 68 games and made his AHL debut this year. Listed at 6'5", 220 lbs, Thorpe will most likely spend next season as a full-time AHLer.
Bryce Pickford of the Medicine Hat Tigers (Photo Credit: Randy Feere/Medicine Hat Tigers/WHL)Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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