2025 Midseason Draft Preview: Picks 17-24
The Habs picked in this section last year, and it would be rather surprising if they didn’t in this upcoming draft. While the Habs have fallen, the Flames remain in the thick of the playoff picture in the Western Conference. Montreal’s pick will be slightly higher should the Flames miss out, but it seems more and more likely that they are for real and that the Canadiens will pick someone in this group of players.
#17 – Justin Carbonneau
Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL) – RW – Start of season rank: 29
An unpredictable player with the puck who skates well and likes to score goals. His most appealing attribute for NHL teams remains his power game which increases the likelihood of his play translating at the next level. He’s scored 73 points in 50 games and has managed to climb up the rankings despite playing in the Q which is usually not a scout’s favourite league. The Habs should be keeping tabs here.
#18 – Brady Martin
Soo Greyhounds (OHL) – C – Start of season rank: 27
While his 50 points in 45 games do not jump off the page, it is said that to truly appreciate his game, one must watch him play multiple times. This would indicate that he’s a player who handles the small details of the game with great consistency, meaning a high-floor selection more so than a home run swing for ceiling. He’s most often referred to as a spark plug. Martin might be a safe pick, but it might be an attitude type that is needed on the team. An intriguing player to keep an eye on for the Canadiens.
#19 – Cameron Schmidt
Vancouver Giants (WHL) – RW – Start of season rank: 35
Speed, acceleration, edges, and a wicked shot. This undersized winger has shot the lights out with 63 points in 48 games thus far and projects as a very Caufield-DeBrincat-like professional if he can round out his game away from the puck. The Habs are already on the smaller side of things up front, so the fit with Montreal might not be the best, but the talent seems to be there.
#20 – Cameron Reid
Kitchener Rangers (OHL) – LD – Start of season rank: 46
A strong 46 points in 56 games in the OHL was slightly hurt by a few rough games in the OHL showcases for Reid who was rated a little higher in December. Overall, a 25-rank improvement since the preseason rankings show that he’s being noticed, and that’s thanks to being a smart player in all three zones. He’s not really in the Habs wheelhouse here, both in profile and position.
#21 – Ivan Ryabkin
Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) – C – Start of season rank: 5
Described as a dangler and a cerebral tactician, the biggest knock against Ryabkin is mostly that teams haven’t been able to watch him play much this season. After destroying the MHL last year, he started the season in the KHL only to be returned to the MHL. Not happy with that situation, he was stuck in a bit of a soap opera trying to get over to North America. He’s now played 12 games and scored 15 points, but scouts will need some time to see him in the USHL before being able to properly assess where he belongs on this list. At least one thing is certain, there won’t be any question surrounding his availability to NHL teams now.
#22 – Braeden Cootes
Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) – C – Start of season rank: 36
48 points in 47 games for Cootes who is said to be a responsible centre who always gives his utmost effort on every shift. A high-floor pick with a questionable ceiling that I’d rather not be using a first-round selection on. Should he remain available in the early second round, then the discussion changes for the Habs.
#23 – Joshua Ravensbergen
Prince George Cougars (WHL) – G – Start of season rank: 19
The top goaltender on this year’s list. He’s 6’5 and might be a rare breed of goaltender to actually get selected in the first round. Teams are that high on him coming into his draft season. Unless the Habs end up with a third pick and Ravensbergen falls to the late first or early second round, it would be surprising to see the Habs select him with Jacob Fowler already on board.
#24 – Cole Reschny
Victoria Royals (WHL) – C – Start of season rank: 16
A diminutive centre who plays with a great motor and skills. Again, many of the internet scouts that focus mostly on ceiling are likely to vault this player higher than where he ends up being selected due to size issues continuing to be a consideration amongst NHL teams. The Habs are amongst those teams that have been rather honest in wanting to add sized skill so he’s unlikely to end up in Montreal despite his 76 points in 51 games.
Previous Rankings
25-32
Second Round