The Montreal Canadiens, boasting a league-leading 24 Stanley Cups, have faced challenges in maintaining consistent success, partly attributed to their NHL Entry Draft performance, particularly in the 2010s. While some selections during this period contributed to on-ice improvements, a significant number of picks didn't pan out as expected.
Several players drafted by the Canadiens in the 2010s failed to live up to their potential, becoming what many consider "draft busts." These players, selected with high hopes, did not translate their skills into consistent NHL success. Here are a few of the Canadiens' biggest draft disappointments from that decade:
Jarred Tinordi (2010, 22nd overall)
The Canadiens traded up to select the big defenseman Jarred Tinordi from the U.S. National Team Development Program. The son of former NHL defenseman Mark Tinordi, Jarred was drafted with the hope that he would develop into a top-four shutdown defenseman. However, he struggled to establish himself in the NHL, playing only 46 games for Montreal, recording just six points and zero goals. Tinordi was later traded to the Arizona Coyotes in 2016. While he has managed to carve out a career as a depth defenseman, bouncing around several teams, he never lived up to his initial expectations. The Canadiens passed on players like Kevin Hayes, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Charlie Coyle, and Brock Nelson.
Michael McCarron (2013, 25th overall)
Likely attracted by his size, the Canadiens selected Michael McCarron, a potential power forward from the USNTDP. McCarron played 69 games for the Canadiens, scoring just two goals and six assists. He was traded to the Nashville Predators in 2019. McCarron has struggled to establish himself as a consistent NHL player.
Nikita Scherbak (2014, 26th overall)
The Canadiens drafted Nikita Scherbak with the 26th overall pick in 2014. While he showed promise in the AHL, he struggled to translate that success to the NHL level, totaling just eight points in 37 career games. After being waived by the Canadiens, Scherbak briefly played for the Los Angeles Kings before leaving the NHL.
Louis Leblanc (2009, 18th overall)
While technically drafted in 2009, Louis Leblanc's impact (or lack thereof) was felt in the 2010s. Selected 18th overall, Leblanc failed to make a lasting impact with the Canadiens.
The Canadiens have made missteps in drafting, but recent selections like Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky offer hope for the future. As of January 2025, the Canadiens have one of the youngest teams in the NHL and a top-five farm system, providing opportunities for young players to develop. With improved drafting strategies, the Canadiens aim for better results in the years to come.
