The Montreal Canadiens may have made a significant draft choice with Bryce Pickford, a young and talented defenseman. Since the team’s rebuild began in 2022 under the leadership of Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens’ prospect pool has garnered significant attention across the NHL.
Bryce Pickford: A Rising Star
Bryce Pickford is a 19-year-old right-shot defenseman hailing from the Medicine Hat Tigers. He was selected in the third round, 81st overall, during the 2025 NHL Draft. His impressive play style and growing skill set have made him an intriguing prospect for the Canadiens.
2024-2025 Season Stats
During the 2024-2025 season, Pickford had a breakout performance. He recorded:
- 47 points overall
- 20 goals in 48 games
- 24 points in 18 playoff games
His efforts were pivotal in leading the Medicine Hat Tigers to the Ed Chynoweth Cup title and a spot in the Memorial Cup. This season, he continues to excel, tallying 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in just 27 games.
Player Profile
Measuring 6 feet 1 inch and weighing approximately 185 pounds, Pickford is known for his leadership skills, as reflected by his captaincy with the Tigers. His strong locker room presence and impressive statistics have positioned him among the most productive defensemen in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
His current season stats include:
- 15 goals
- 16 assists
- 31 points
- +26 plus/minus over 26 games
Future Prospects
Although Pickford’s rights are owned by the Canadiens, he has not yet signed an NHL entry-level contract. This provides management with flexibility regarding his development path. Discussions about his potential trajectory include a successful finish in the WHL followed by a possible transition to the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, to gain experience against professional competition.
The future holds promise for Bryce Pickford, whose skills could significantly impact the Canadiens’ defense as they continue to build a competitive roster.
