The Montreal Canadiens used their second‑round selection at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft to choose defense prospect Timofei Runtso, while the Toronto Maple Leafs sent veteran defenseman Brandon Carlo to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for two third‑round picks. Both moves were finalized on the second day of the draft, which took place in Buffalo, New York.
Runtso’s selection marks a new addition to the Canadiens’ prospect pool as the club looks to reinforce its defensive depth. The player was taken in the second round, the exact position within that round not disclosed, and will join the organization’s development system ahead of the upcoming season.
In a separate transaction, Toronto’s trade of Carlo to St. Louis brought the Blues two third‑round draft assets. The two picks will be used by St. Louis later in the draft, giving the Blues additional opportunities to add young talent. The trade was completed as part of a series of moves on the draft’s second day, a period in which teams often adjust rosters and acquire future selections.
The 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo featured a busy second day, with multiple clubs making both selections and trades. The Canadiens, Leafs and Blues were among the teams actively reshaping their lineups. While the Canadiens focused on adding a high‑profile defense prospect, the Maple Leafs opted to move an experienced defenseman for future draft capital, signaling a continued emphasis on building depth through later‑round selections.
Both transactions reflect each organization’s approach to roster management ahead of the 2026‑27 NHL season. The Canadiens add Runtso’s potential to their pipeline, the Leafs increase their pool of third‑round choices, and the Blues acquire a player in Carlo while securing additional picks to develop their prospect pool.
The draft’s second day concluded with teams finalizing their selections and trades, setting the stage for the upcoming season’s roster configurations across the league.