On June 27, 2026, the second day of the NHL Draft in Buffalo, New York, the Montreal Canadiens added forward Timofei Runtso to their roster, while the Toronto Maple Leafs completed a trade that sent defenseman Brandon Carlo to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for two third‑round draft picks.
The Canadiens’ selection of Runtso came as part of their effort to bolster the team’s depth ahead of the upcoming season. The pick was made during the second round of the draft, a stage where clubs often target players they view as having the potential to develop into regular contributors.
In a separate transaction, the Maple Leafs moved veteran defenseman Brandon Carlo to St. Louis. In return, Toronto received two third‑round selections, giving the organization additional assets to use in the current draft or future deals. The trade was finalized during the draft weekend, reflecting both clubs’ desire to adjust their lineups and acquire draft capital.
The 2026 NHL Draft, hosted in Buffalo, provided a venue for teams to reshape their squads through both selections and trades. With the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs each making notable moves, the event underscored how franchises are positioning themselves for the next campaign.
Both moves illustrate the strategic planning typical of draft week, as clubs balance immediate roster needs with long‑term development goals. Montreal’s addition of Runtso and Toronto’s acquisition of extra third‑round picks highlight the varied approaches teams employ to improve competitiveness ahead of the new season.