We’re all aware of the extraordinary seasons enjoyed by Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky, the Canadiens’ two top-tier forward prospects.
And on defense, we’re still pinning our hopes on David Reinbacher, and we’ve had a glimpse of Adam Engstrom’s potential.
However, the prospect who is currently topping everyone in terms of performance is, without a shadow of a doubt, Bryce Pickford.
The 19-year-old defenseman, drafted by the Habs in the third round (81st overall) at the last auction, has simply been extraterrestrial this season.
He’s scoring goals and producing like he’s one of the WHL’s top forwards, when in fact he’s a defenseman.
And last night, he scored his 33rd goal (!!!) of the season, which is a modern-day record for a WHL defenseman.
GRAB THAT RECORD-SETTING PUCK!!!
Bryce Pickford scores his 33rd goal of the season, setting a new WHL record for goals by a defenseman in a single season during the internet era! #GoHabsGo | @CanadiensMTL pic.twitter.com/gCJOnL2K6Z
– Medicine Hat Tigers (@tigershockey) January 17, 2026
33 goals and 61 points in 40 games puts Pickford first among WHL scorers and third among all scorers.
That’s more than impressive, and it’s starting to raise some serious questions for the Canadiens about their future.
There’s no doubt that Pickford is extremely talented, and above all, he represents a rare commodity, given that he’s a right-handed defenseman.
The Habs therefore have the most productive defenseman in the junior leagues, and will have to decide what to do with him in the coming months.
Given that there’s already a large cohort of defensemen in Montreal, space is limited, and will be even more so if Reinbacher and Engstrom end up graduating.
So is Pickford’s value in Montreal or in a trade?
This is where Kent Hughes will have to be extremely careful, as he will have to maximize Pickford’s value whatever he decides to do.
At present, Pickford will finish his season in the WHL, and then join the Laval Rocket for the next two seasons, as indicated in the contract he has signed.
We’ll see if the Habs give him a chance to prove himself in the pros before making a decision.
Because it’s clear that on the trade market, Pickford would be a very interesting addition to a trade to improve the club right now.
But this kind of decision will have to be made in the hope of not regretting it, because Pickford is showing great potential right now.
In short, this is a big file to follow very closely.
Overtime
– A very interesting case to follow.
Things can develop quickly. However, sources say 4 teams remain in the mix for Flames Dman, Rasmus Andersson. Two teams in the east and two in the west. Boston and Vegas are strong contenders. Unless there’s progress, there’s a decent chance Andersson plays today for Cgy.
– Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 17, 2026
– Whew.
Not good for Binnington this close to the Olympics https://t.co/6eTFPPJaC9
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) January 17, 2026
– To be continued by the Oilers.
If Oilers waive Pickard maybe not the end of the world?
Ungar is getting it done and has played his way into being a solid NHL backup option. https://t.co/HrxhBcA8GJ
– David Staples (@dstaples) January 17, 2026
– Really cool.
A couple of crazy comebacks and Newmarket, ON, Liam Draxl has earned a spot at his first career Grand Slam main draw at the #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/7FJx2i8vrq
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 17, 2026
– To be continued.
These are the two most aggressive teams right now. https://t.co/lJqpAUREes
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) January 17, 2026
