The Montréal Canadiens have selected Hayden Paupanekis 69th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The 18-year-old was the 15th WHLer selected and second of the third round. Listed at 6'5", 202 lbs, Paupanekis is expected to play a big role for the Kelowna Rockets next season as they contend for a Memorial Cup. 

Paupanekis had a season to remember in 2024-25. He recorded 43 points in 71 games split between Kelowna and the Spokane Chiefs. Paupanekis is a physical, two-way center who projects as a fourth-line player at the NHL level. 

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