One thing has been clear from the Montreal Canadiens through the first two rounds of the 2026 NHL Draft: the Canadiens are drafting specifically for need, and that need is size and strength – no matter what the position. The first round was, of course, the 6’3”, 225lb Gleb Pugachyov, and in Round 2, 57th overall, taking the 6’3”, 196 right-shot defenseman Timofei Runtso.
Runtso is the second-highest right-shot pick in the current Canadiens pipeline, behind, of course, David Reinbacher at fifth overall in 2023.
“We’re not just looking to accumulate more talent, and then we’ll figure it out.” Hughes said during his press conference after round one of the draft. “it’s great to continue to add talent, but we need it to help us in certain positions or in certain places.”
Runtso helps strengthen a clear need for Montreal; he fills out the size factor, adds a skilled right-shot on the blue line, and slots in well with their puck-moving identity. Runtso put up 11 goals and 33 assists in 68 regular-season games with the Victoria Royals in the WHL last season and is committed to play with Miami University in Ohio next season. He’s a good skater with smooth hands and is excellent at reading the play.
If the highlight reel had favorites, this would be one. 🎞️⭐
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) January 2, 2026
Timofei Runtso wins it in overtime for the @victoriaroyals!#NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/4QtlRssla3
Runtso is also comfortable running a power-play, putting up 4 four of his 11 goals on the power play last season. He’s no stranger to shooting the puck as a blueliner either, averaging 2.39 shots per game in the WHL last season.
Where does Timofei Runtso fit within the Montreal Canadiens?
Pretty much wherever the Canadiens need him to be on the right side. The timing is great as well. By the time Runtso joins Montreal at the pro level (likely in Laval) David Reinbacher will have hopefully moved up to the Canadiens, leaving Pickford and Runtso to run the right side of the back end with the Rocket.
Depth in this facet gives Montreal options, not just by playing for the organisation in the future, but on the trade market as well. Remember how Montreal got Bolduc? They traded Mailloux, an area of excess, to fill an area of need. This could be an option in the future for the newest Canadiens addition.
Overall, Timofei Runtso is an excellent selection from the Canadiens and is a precision pick in this year's draft.
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