The Montreal Canadiens moved up in the 2026 NHL Draft to select defenseman Timofei Runtso with the 57th overall pick.
Montreal acquired the selection from the Carolina Hurricanes by sending their 61st and 125th overall picks to Carolina.
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The trade marked the second consecutive year the two franchises completed a draft-day deal.
Runtso, an 18-year-old right-shot blueliner from Los Angeles, California, played for the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League during the 2025-26 season.
He recorded 11 goals and 33 assists for 44 points in 68 games.
The defensive prospect has committed to play for Miami University in Ohio for the upcoming 2026-27 collegiate campaign.
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Draft Weekend Moves
Runtso's selection followed Montreal's first-round pick of forward Gleb Pugachyov with the 26th overall pick on Friday.
The Canadiens have now drafted highly rated Russian prospects in the opening rounds for three consecutive years.
Prior to the trade with Carolina, Montreal held seven draft choices for Saturday's rounds.
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After the deal, the Canadiens' remaining picks included the 93rd, 103rd, 189th, 221st, and 224th overall selections.
