Montreal Canadiens 2020 Draft Class: Kaiden Guhle and Luke Tuch Headline Strong Group
The 2020 Draft Class could eventually see three full-time players in the NHL for the Canadiens if Luke Tuch and Sean Farrell make the jump.
Round 1
16th Overall - Kaiden Guhle
Guhle averaged nearly a point per game in the 2021-22 season in the WHL, showing some offensive upside. He won a silver medal with Canada at the World Juniors, kickstarting his rise to the Canadiens' lineup. Guhle went to his first training camp as a pro in 2022 with no expectations of making the Canadiens roster but made the team out of camp and spent the full season with the NHL squad.
Guhle has 40 points in 117 games with the Canadiens and is a valued piece of their defensive corps. Guhle's name appeared in some trade talks, with the Habs likely moving on from some of their defense to add more scoring. However, Guhle's success at his Men's World Championship debut in 2024 could add even more value for the Habs.
Round 2
47th Overall - Luke Tuch
Tuch finally signed his entry-level contract this year, committing to the Habs for the next two years. Tuch had a good career at Boston University, culminating in 30 points in 39 games in his Senior season. He won a Hockey East Championship with the Terriers in 2022-23.
48th Overall - Jan Mysak
Mysak didn't fully live up to the hype in 88 games with Laval since making his professional debut, recording only 29 points. The Canadiens felt like Mysak could use a change of scenery at this past season's trade deadline, moving him to the Anaheim Ducks for Jacob Perreault.
Round 4
102nd Overall - Jack Smith
Jack Smith hasn't shown much offensive upside since getting drafted in 2020, meaning the Habs may not end up signing him when the time comes. The Habs are limited with their contract slots, and a non-offensive forward wouldn't benefit them right now. Smith scored 16 points in 57 USHL games and 17 in 58 games with Minnesota-Duluth in the NCAA.
109th Overall - Blake Biondi
Blake Biondi looks like the better Minnesota-Duluth player from this round, playing with Smith for the last two seasons in the NCAA. Biondi had 58 points in 119 games at Minnesota-Duluth and hit the transfer portal this year to join Notre Dame for the 2024-25 season. Biondi is another player who will likely test free agency after his NCAA career ends.
124th Overall - Sean Farrell
Farrell is another player from the 2020 draft class who made his NHL debut. Farrell played six games with the Habs last season after leaving Harvard but didn't get called to the big club this season. He spent the entire year in Laval, tallying 28 points in 47 games. Farrell has been a valuable offensive performer at every level, and development to that at the NHL level would help solve the Habs' scoring concerns.
Round 5
136th Overall - Jakub Dobes
Dobes starred with Ohio State in 2021-22, winning the Big Ten's Best Goaltender, First All-Star Team, Rookie of the Year, and All-Rookie Team. He was an honorable mention in 2022-23 for the All-Star Team, but he still needed to prove himself professionally. Dobes did that this season in Laval, posting a .906 save percentage and a 2.93 goals-against average. He is a player to monitor, but the Habs have some goaltending depth in the system, and it will become even more crowded when Jacob Fowler turns pro.
Round 6
171st Overall - Alexander Gordin
Gordin is still unsigned, spending last season with Vyadin in the VHL. He performed well, scoring 40 points in 53 games. He played 20 games in the KHL with Sochi and one game with SKA St. Petersburg over his last three seasons, recording just three points.
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