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The Canadiens have focused on toughness with their recent acquisition on offense.
With his 26th overall pick in 2026, Gleb Pugachyov, Kent Hughes managed to add a forward who truly loves playing a physical style of hockey.
Nicolas Cloutier of TVA Sports shed some light on the young player’s profile, now that the dust has settled following the draft a few weeks ago.
A source in the KHL described him as a true “steamroller.”
The image speaks for itself. We’re talking about a player who drives hard, throws his weight around, and hates giving up even an inch of ice.
His time in the KHL this season left a good impression.
Pugachyov looked good there, an encouraging sign for such a young player who hopes to become a regular in the National Hockey League in a few years.
This type of profile is not common among Canadiens prospects.
A very physical forward. A source in Russia described him to me as a “steamroller.”
Gleb Pugachyov, a rare physical profile among Canadiens prospects
Drafting such a player at 26th overall could turn out to be a major move.
The Canadiens bet on a rare quality rather than a safer pick, but one that would have less upside if it works out.
Pugachyov is already making a name for himself on the other side of the Atlantic.
His name is being talked about as much for his physical style as for his underrated offensive abilities.
Beyond his size, it is his attitude that is getting people talking.
A young player who fears no one brings contagious energy to a locker room, and that could be excellent for Martin St-Louis’ group.
Remember the message he sent regarding the physical Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals.
However, there is no reason to get carried away too quickly. A late first-round pick remains a long-term project, not a guarantee, but it is promising.
His development will continue through the KHL for now. That is where he will have to turn his intensity into consistency and discipline.
Pugachyov still has years of work ahead of him before reaching Montreal. But if the steamroller lives up to expectations, the Canadiens will have a unique player in their organization.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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The Canadiens may have landed a true ‘steamroller’ with their latest first-round pick
Which one has the brightest future with the Canadiens, in your opinion?