Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens exchange first-round picks

Montreal, already holding the 5th draft pick, has now advanced an additional five spots later in the first round. Last year, the Canadiens selected Austrian defenseman David Reinbacher from Swiss club Kloten with the fifth overall pick.

TSN's Darren Dreger reports that Montreal may continue to explore trades, aiming to further advance into the first round and potentially secure an additional top-ten pick. However, they remain open to the possibility of trading down from their current fifth overall pick.

Montreal remains active in fielding calls ahead of tonight's draft, with various options swirling around their current picks. The Canadiens are reportedly interested in Russian standout Ivan Demidov, who impressed teams with a strong private showing, dispelling concerns about the 'Russian Factor.' Last year, Montreal selected defenseman David Reinbacher with the fifth overall pick.

The first round of the NHL draft begins tonight at 7 p.m. EST, with the San Jose Sharks holding the first overall selection. Center Macklin Celebrini from Boston University is widely expected to be their choice to start the draft.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Los Angeles Kings and the Montreal Canadiens swap first round picks