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The name Bryce Pickford is making a strong return in Canadiens news.
Drafted in the third round in 2025, 81st overall, Pickford is a defenseman with the Tigers in the WHL. That pick was already starting to catch the eye, but it’s especially his recent progression that stands out. Nothing complicated here: we’re talking about pure production, game after game.
During the 2024-2025 season in the WHL, Pickford played 48 games and totaled 47 points. Within that total were 20 goals and 27 assists. He also finished that season with a +34 rating.
This year, he is making a much stronger statement, which raises eyebrows for a defenseman.
Bryce Pickford and a progression that jumps off the page
“The incredible story of Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford continues!
He recorded his second hat trick of the season yesterday, in addition to picking up 2 assists.
He now has 31 goals (!!) and 27 assists for 58 points in 37 games (+44).
Reminder: He’s a defenseman. And right-handed, to boot.”
– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin
Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they do tell something very clear.
The other concrete element is that the Canadiens targeted him specifically for that profile: a right-shot defenseman drafted 81st overall. When you go from a 17-point season to a 47-point season, it becomes a file that sticks to fans’ fingers.
Call it a surprise, call it a steal, but people are talking – and not quietly.
On December 24, 2025, the organization announced a three-year entry-level contract for Pickford. From that point on, every update on his production in the WHL is going to draw a reaction.
A prospect who gets people talking because of his statistics is often the best kind of news around the Montreal Canadiens.
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Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford is doing something you rarely see from a defenseman
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