Fans of the Montreal Canadiens are becoming increasingly optimistic about the team’s chances of securing a top pick in the upcoming draft, potentially within the top three selections.
Currently, much attention is being paid to American player James Hagens, who competes alongside Jacob Fowler for the Boston College Eagles. Porter Martone is also a notable contender, but defenseman Matthew Schaefer is gaining traction as a sought-after name.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Schaefer is noted for his exceptional skating and versatility as a true two-way player, excelling offensively—a rarity for defensemen. Some even consider him to be the best defensive prospect since Cale Makar, a significant accolade.
Although the draft is still some time away, it appears the Canadiens have a strong likelihood of selecting one of these talented players.
NHL prospect analyst Simon “Snake” Boisvert rates Schaefer highly, placing him ahead of Hagens, who has accumulated 20 points in 16 NCAA games. Boisvert believes Schaefer could be the defenseman that leads the team to a Stanley Cup within the next six years.
In a recent episode of the Processus podcast, Boisvert shared an intriguing insight regarding the Habs’ draft strategy. He suggested that if the Canadiens do not land a top-two pick, they should consider trading down for more value. He argues that if they can’t choose Hagens or Schaefer, it may not be worth using a high pick on another player, including Martone.
If I were in the Canadiens’ position during the 2025 draft with the third overall pick, I would certainly select at least one of Schaefer, Hagens, or Martone. All three stand out to me, in contrast to Snake, who primarily highlights Schaefer and Hagens.
While Boisvert’s expertise is undeniable, I believe Martone would also be a strong pick at number three. He is not only 6 feet 3 inches tall and nearly 210 pounds, but he has also amassed 54 points—21 of which are goals—in just 26 games.
One thing is certain: the Canadiens will have ample opportunity to make a significant selection in this upcoming draft.
