The moment Bryce Pickford steps onto the ice, you can practically feel the electricity crackle through the arena—a 6-foot-1 force of nature, stick raised, eyes blazing with the kind of defiance only the overlooked truly understand. In a world where NHL prospects are often polished, reserved, and wary of controversy, Pickford is a breath of fresh, bracing air. He’s not just playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers; he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder the size of the Memorial Cup itself, and it’s already turning heads all the way from the WHL rinks to the heart of Montreal.

When Kent Hughes and the Canadiens called Pickford’s name with the 81st overall pick in the most recent NHL Draft, few outside the organization paid much attention. The spotlight, as always, lingered on the high-profile names—David Reinbacher, Adam Engstrom, and the usual suspects. But beneath the surface, something remarkable was brewing: a right-shot defenseman with a nose for the net, a relentless motor, and an attitude that refuses to be ignored. This season, Pickford’s numbers speak for themselves—27 points in 25 games, including a jaw-dropping 13 goals from the blue line. And if that wasn’t enough, his playoff heroics last spring, racking up 24 points in just 18 games, helped propel Medicine Hat to the Memorial Cup final.

Yet, what truly sets Pickford apart isn’t just his stat line—it’s his story. Overlooked by all 32 teams in the 2024 NHL Draft, he received an invitation to the Detroit Red Wings’ camp. For many young players, this would have been a dream opportunity. Not for Pickford. “I was angry. I had already planned to spend the week at Darryl Belfry’s camp, the best skills coach in the world. I told them: ‘You didn’t draft me. You don’t want me that much. So I’m not coming,’” he recounted to TVA Sports’ Nicolas Cloutier, his words as sharp as his slap shot. It’s a glimpse into the mindset of a player who isn’t afraid to bet on himself—and who expects others to do the same.

Now, with the Canadiens seizing the opportunity to draft him in his second year of eligibility, Pickford stands on the cusp of a new chapter. His confidence is unwavering. “I can play at that level right now. I’m very confident. I believe I would do very well,” he asserts, already eyeing a spot with the Laval Rocket in the AHL once his WHL campaign concludes. For a franchise still searching for the next great offensive defenseman, Pickford’s arrival could prove to be a masterstroke—one that slipped under the radar, but may soon be impossible to ignore.

As Montreal’s fanbase buzzes with cautious optimism, the question lingers: have the Canadiens uncovered another hidden gem, a player with the talent and tenacity to rewrite his own narrative? With Pickford’s attitude, skill, and hunger, the answer may come sooner than anyone expects. One thing is certain—this is a story you won’t want to miss.

Photo of Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford

Photo credit: NHL

The Montreal Canadiens likely selected their future right-shot offensive defenseman at the most recent NHL Draft.

With their third-round pick, 81st overall, Kent Hughes set his sights on Bryce Pickford, who was in his second year of draft eligibility.

Pickford, who plays for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, is off to an excellent start this season with 27 points, including 13 goals and 14 assists in 25 games. He was also a key piece for his team last year during the WHL playoffs.

He posted an impressive 24 points, including 13 goals, in 18 games and helped lead his team all the way to the Memorial Cup final, held in Rimouski this past spring.

However, few experts mention Pickford when discussing the Canadiens’ top defensive prospects. Many focus solely on David Reinbacher or Adam Engstrom, which pushed a well-known journalist to go meet him in recent days.

An acquisition that already seems like a success for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens with Bryce Pickford

Nicolas Cloutier of TVA Sports spoke with the 19-year-old, and it’s clear he doesn’t hold back when something doesn’t sit right with him.

After the 2024 NHL Draft – where he was overlooked by all 32 teams – he was invited to the Detroit Red Wings’ camp. Let’s just say he didn’t mince words.

“I was angry. I had already planned to spend the week at Darryl Belfry’s camp, the best skills coach in the world. I told them: ‘You didn’t draft me. You don’t want me that much. So I’m not coming.’”

– Bryce Pickford

The Canadiens took advantage of his renewed eligibility in 2025 to select him in the third round, and Bryce Pickford could very well develop into a true offensive dynamo in the coming years. Furthermore, after his WHL season, Pickford is expected to join the Laval Rocket in the AHL, and he says he’s more than ready for the challenge.

“I can play at that level right now. I’m very confident. I believe I would do very well.” – Bryce Pickford

Yes, it’s already fair to say that Kent Hughes and the Canadiens may have struck gold again with the acquisition of Bryce Pickford