Round 1
3rd Overall - Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Kotkaniemi didn't waste any time, joining the Canadiens as an 18-year-old for the 2018-19 season. He was the first person born in 2000 to play in North America's Big Four professional sports leagues. He scored his first goal on November 1st against the Washington Capitals, making him the second youngest goalscorer in Canadiens' history behind Mario Tremblay.
Kotkaniemi's first season with 34 points in 79 games was his best with the Canadiens. He had knee surgery at season's end but was back for the next season's first game. Kotkaniemi's injuries piled up, suffering a concussion in December.
Kotkaniemi was part of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final run, recording eight points in 19 games. He signed a one-year, $6.1 million offer sheet from the Carolina Hurricanes, which the Canadiens decided not to match. The Canadiens received a first and third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft as compensation.