With the 2025 NHL Draft approaching, the Montreal Canadiens are staying tight-lipped about their plans. Their front office hasn’t said much, and there aren’t many clear signs about which players they’re watching closely. They’re hiding their plans so other teams don’t catch on.
Still, a few hints are starting to pop up. Some reports and quiet league chatter suggest that the Canadiens might closely watch a specific player. While nothing is confirmed, there’s growing talk that Montreal could have a “targeted interest” in a forward from the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League. It’s not a sure thing, but it’s something fans will want to watch as draft day approaches.
Canadiens Quietly Target Top Prospects Ahead of 2025 NHL Draft
The Canadiens are doing a great job of staying quiet. Their front office isn’t leaking any obvious hints, and there aren’t many scouting patterns to follow. But that doesn’t mean people aren’t talking. Behind the scenes, some signs are starting to surface, and they point to some particular players.
One name that comes up repeatedly is Carter Bear, a forward with the Silvertips. Reports suggest that the Canadiens have had their eye on him since the start of the season. A club member has reportedly visited the Silvertips nearly a dozen times. That’s not just regular scouting; it shows targeted interest.
In addition, Bear had dinner with Canadiens staff earlier this year, which means the team has gone beyond just watching him on the ice. They’re interested in who he is off the ice, too.
But Montreal isn’t just focusing on forwards. Another standout name connected to them is Kashawn Aitcheson, a high-scoring defenseman who made waves in the OHL this year. He’s known for being tough, physical, skilled, and mobile.
Aitcheson combines size and strength with strong puck-moving ability. He’s the kind of player who can join a rush or deliver a heavy hit, making him one of the most complete defensemen available. Hockey reporter Jesse Marshall shared this clip of Aitcheson playing on his X account.
Kashawn Aitcheson (D – Barrie) Round 1 Highlights vs. Niagara. A short sampling of some of his work in that series, including one of the more devastating hits you’ll see all year. Gonna be right in the wheelhouse of the Penguins. Special player. pic.twitter.com/PQdXJ7FBTr
— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof) May 8, 2025
Even though the Canadiens already have a solid group of left-handed defensemen, Aitcheson’s leadership and never-give-up attitude make him stand out. He fits the mold of the player that Montreal seems to value during their current rebuild.
Another name on the Canadiens’ radar is Lynden Lakovic, a 6-foot-4 forward with a powerful presence. He’s shown significant improvement this year, using his strength to win battles, score in tight areas, and wear down defenses.
Lakovic is not big on the flash, but his effectiveness in every zone and physical style of play would add real grit to the Canadiens’ lineup, especially in intense playoff-style hockey.
The Canadiens hold two first-round picks, and while there are whispers they could be traded, that will only happen if the right deal comes along. They’ll likely use both to add top-end talent. There’s also talk that prospects like Logan Mailloux and Joshua Roy could be included in trades to revamp the team and make it more NHL-ready.
Either way, the Canadiens seem focused, strategic, and serious about building a stronger, tougher team.
