2025 Draft Early-Season Preview: 25-32
While it is unlikely that the final rankings several months from now will feature these eight players exactly in these spots, it is worth noting that the chances that Habs pick here is quite high. Whether that’s with the Calgary, Florida, or an acquired pick, I would wager they end up with a pick here at some point.
#25 – Luka Radivojevic
Orebro HK (Swedish U20) – RD
An undersized defender which is a likely pass for the Habs at this point in their rebuild.
#26 – Conrad Fondrk
USNTDP (USHL) – LR
Another sub six-foot player isn’t all that interesting for the Habs, but his combination of speed and ability to create plays might be.
#27 – Brady Martin
Soo Greyhounds (OHL) – C
He’s most often referred to as a spark plug. Martin might be a safe pick, but it might be an attitude type that is needed on the team making him an intriguing player to keep an eye on for the Habs.
#28 – Reese Hamilton
Calgary Hitmen (WHL) – LD
Another left-handed defenceman with a rather intriguing profile that I’m hesitant to identify as a follow for Habs fans just because it’s just about the one position where the team seems to be really filled with talent.
#29 – Justin Carbonneau
Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL) – RW
Unpredictable with the puck and likes to score goals and skates well. He does all these things while being recognized as a power forward. Carbonneau has a pretty decent pedigree too as his dad was the last captain to hoist Stanley for this very franchise. I’m very interested if I’m the Canadiens.
#30 – Viktor Klingsell
Skelleftea AIK (J20) – LW
A smaller perimeter player who wows the crowd in a junior setting. I think the Habs have enough of this type of player for the time being.
#31 – Artyom Vilchinsky
SKA St Petersburg 1946 (MHL) – LD
A giant six-foot-six defender that skates well and plays physical while rarely getting in trouble for it. While the profile is interesting, I’m not sure that selecting a LD is in the cards again this season.
#32 – Jack Ivankovic
Brampton Steelheads (OHL) – G
Ivankovic was a stand-out at just 16 years of age so it is promising. He’s likely not a first-round selection when the draft comes around in June, but he should be on many team’s radars. Montreal’s? That depends on how high the team is on Jacob Fowler.