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Montreal Canadiens 2018 Draft Class: Depth Players Highlight Big Group of Prospects

Jordan Harris and Jesse Ylonen remain in the Habs' lineup while other players have parted ways.

By Nate Duffett

Tampa Bay Lightning v Montreal Canadiens
Tampa Bay Lightning v Montreal Canadiens / Minas Panagiotakis/GettyImages
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Jesperi Kotkaniemi
2018 NHL Draft - Jesperi Kotkaniemi / Tom Pennington/GettyImages

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.

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