On June 27, 2026, at the NHL Draft in Buffalo, New York, the Montreal Canadiens used their second‑round selection to acquire Russian forward Timofei Runtso. The pick adds a promising amateur to the Canadiens' prospect pool as the league’s annual draft continues.
In a separate transaction during the same event, the Toronto Maple Leafs sent defenseman Brandon Carlo to the St. Louis Blues. In return, Toronto received two third‑round draft choices, giving the Leafs additional assets for future selections.
The moves reflect the typical activity surrounding the draft, where clubs frequently exchange picks and players to address roster needs and build depth. The Canadiens’ choice of Runtso follows their strategy of bolstering forward depth with young talent, while the Leafs’ acquisition of extra third‑round picks provides flexibility for upcoming drafts or potential trades.
The trade involving Carlo marks his departure from Toronto after several seasons with the organization. The Blues, by adding a veteran defenseman, aim to strengthen their blue line ahead of the next campaign. The two third‑round selections now belong to Toronto, expanding their options in the later stages of the draft.
The 2026 NHL Draft continues to shape the league’s landscape, with teams like Montreal and Toronto leveraging both selections and trades to position themselves for future success. As the event proceeds, additional deals and picks are expected to further influence each club’s long‑term plans.