The Montreal Canadiens entered the 2018 NHL Entry Draft armed with a significant number of selections, including six within the top 90. This draft is increasingly viewed as one of the organization's best in nearly three decades, with several players from that class making a tangible impact at the NHL level. While opinions may vary on the ultimate success of each pick, the overall return on investment has undeniably bolstered Montreal's roster and prospect pool.
The Canadiens' first pick, Jesperi Kotkaniemi at third overall, remains a point of contention. While Kotkaniemi showed early promise, even debuting in the NHL at just 18 years old, his development wasn't linear. After a strong rookie season, he faced struggles with injuries and consistency, leading to a stint in the AHL. Ultimately, Kotkaniemi didn't reach his full potential in Montreal and was later signed by the Carolina Hurricanes after an offer sheet the Canadiens chose not to match. Despite this, Kotkaniemi has carved out an NHL career. As of late, Kotkaniemi's performance has been inconsistent, and he is still searching for his game. Some argue that Brady Tkachuk or Quinn Hughes, selected shortly after Kotkaniemi, would have been better choices for the Canadiens.
However, the 2018 draft class boasts other notable success stories for Montreal. Alexander Romanov, selected in the second round, has become a solid NHL defenseman. Jordan Harris, a third-round pick, has also established himself as a regular on the Canadiens' blue line. These players, along with Kotkaniemi, represent a significant return from a single draft, exceeding the typical expectation of finding two NHL regulars. Jesse Ylönen, another second-round pick, has also contributed to the Habs' lineup.
Looking back, the Canadiens' emphasis on centremen in the 2018 draft is evident, with eight centres selected out of 11 picks. While not all of these players have panned out, the focus on addressing a perceived organizational need was clear.
The success of the 2018 draft isn't solely measured by the players who remained with the Canadiens. The assets acquired from Kotkaniemi's departure, namely draft picks, have been used to further enhance the team's future prospects.
While it's still too early to definitively compare the 2018 draft to the Canadiens' legendary 2007 draft (which produced Max Pacioretty and P.K. Subban), the returns thus far are promising. If a few more players from this class can reach their projected potential, it could rival the impact of that earlier draft. Even with some players no longer with the organization, the 2018 draft continues to shape the Canadiens' roster and future. The drafting of Kotkaniemi may not have been the right choice, but overall the Canadiens had a very successful draft. They loaded up on centres and defence using every pick but one on those positions.
