Canadiens Rumors: Montreal Could Make Surprising Selection With 5th Overall Draft Pick

According to a recent report by Marc-Olivier Beaudoin, the Montreal Canadiens are potentially gearing up for a surprise in the upcoming NHL draft by eyeing Beckett Sennecke with their 5th overall pick.

Sennecke, a dynamic forward from the Oshawa Generals, has impressed many with his solid performance in the OHL, notching 68 points in 63 regular-season games and adding 22 points in 14 playoff appearances.

At 6'2" and 175 pounds, Sennecke fits the Canadiens' recent trend of selecting sizeable forwards, exemplified by previous picks like Juraj Slafkovsky and David Reinbacher.

Arpon Basu on the idea of Beckett Sennecke getting picked at #5;

"People need to get their heads around that possibility. It’s possible."#gohabsgo

— Knievel  (@fellachance) May 13, 2024

Despite not being widely ranked within the top seven prospects, Sennecke's rising draft stock and his physical presence coupled with scoring prowess make him an intriguing choice for the Canadiens.

The organization, under the guidance of GM Kent Hughes, has shown a propensity for making bold draft choices that align with specific team needs and player profiles that they value highly.

J'ai eu des discussions très intéressantes ce matin avec une personne près du dossier par rapport au repêchage qui s'en vient pour le #CH. Les grandes lignes ⬇️

- On cherche à ajouter du poids à tout prix avec le choix top 5-7. Pas de "p'tit joueur" à moins évidemment qu'Ivan…

— Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) May 3, 2024

Sennecke’s ability to perform under pressure, especially showcased during the playoffs, adds to his appeal as a potential cornerstone in Montreal's strategy to rejuvenate their forward lineup.

The habs are drafting 6’3 Beckett Sennecke over Tij Iginla if Demidov/Lindstrom are not available

Cry as much as you want about it but Sennecke is legit 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/AZOEmdvPqZ

— MTLCanadiensTalk (@talk_canadiens) May 13, 2024

Beaudoin's insights suggest that the Canadiens' interest in Sennecke is not just speculative but part of a deliberate strategy to secure a player who can significantly impact their offensive capabilities.

This potential selection could mark a significant deviation from conventional draft expectations and highlight Montreal’s willingness to prioritize unique talent and physical attributes over more traditional picks. Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports