One of the most productive players in Canadian major junior-hockey this season is going to be rewarded for his efforts.
The deal will begin in 2026-27, Engels added.
Pickford, 19, is tied for fourth in WHL scoring with 44 points (25 goals, 19 assists) in 31 games for the second-place team in the league’s Eastern Conference. The Tigers currently are on a 14-game point streak.
After going undrafted in 2024, the native of Chauvin, Alta. was picked in the third round (81st overall) by the Canadiens this year.
Pickford had a huge post-season last year, notching 13 goals and 11 assists in 18 playoff games to help the Tigers win the WHL title. Medicine Hat went on to lose to the London Knights in the Memorial Cup final.
It was the second runner-up showing at the Memorial Cup for Pickford, who got to the 2023 final with Seattle after the Thunderbirds captured the WHL championship.
Pickford is having his best offensive season this year despite no longer being a teammate of Gavin McKenna. The star forward transferred to the NCAA prior to this season, joining Penn State.