The Montreal Canadiens weren't risking not getting Gleb Pugachyov.
Montreal traded up two spots to the No. 26 pick to select the Russian forward on Friday in the first round of the NHL Draft.
The No. 26 pick previously belonged to the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Canadiens sent Vegas the 28th overall pick and a 2027 third-round pick to move up two spots.
Pugachyov, 18, played 13 games in the KHL last season with Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo, recording two goals and one assist.
"A well-rounded, physical forward who forechecks with a purpose and plays with detail in all three zones," Sportsnet scout Jason Bukala wrote about Pugachyov in his final draft rankings.
