Latest news with #HaydenPaupanekis
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL's new rule could let Canadiens fast-track a 19-year-old prospect to AHL
NHL draft pick Paupanekis could join AHL at 19 (Image via: Getty Images) A major rule change in the NHL's new collective bargaining agreement is about to reshape the way teams manage young talent and the Montreal Canadiens could be among the first to take full advantage. Starting in the 2026–27 season, NHL clubs will be allowed to send one 19-year-old CHL player directly to the AHL, accelerating development for top prospects. Canadiens eye AHL spot for Hayden Paupanekis under new NHL rule allowing 19-year-old CHL prospects Under the old rule, CHL players were ineligible to play in the AHL until age 20, leaving many in limbo if they weren't ready for the NHL but had outgrown junior hockey. That's about to change. The new clause allows each NHL team to assign one under-20 CHL player to its AHL affiliate—meaning a player like Hayden Paupanekis, Montreal's third-round pick in 2024, could skip his final CHL season and join the Laval Rocket, if he dominates this year and earns a contract. This option gives the Canadiens (and other NHL teams) greater control over high-potential players who need tougher competition but aren't NHL-ready. However, with only one slot per team per season, the bar will be high and only the most NHL-adjacent CHL stars will get the nod. CHL talent drain: Top NHL Draft picks choosing NCAA route While the CHL tries to retain elite talent, the NCAA is gaining ground fast. Gavin McKenna, projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, is leaving the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers to play at Penn State. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo He's part of a growing trend of top prospects shifting south. Joining him are Keaton Verhoeff (North Dakota), Cayden Lindstrom (Michigan State), and others like Luke Misa and Jackson Smith, all abandoning the CHL in favor of NCAA hockey's development model and schedule flexibility. This CHL-to-NCAA migration could reshape the NHL Draft landscape in the coming years. Also Read: NHL Dress Code 2025: League ends Suit requirement, Fans curious about bold fashion policy change The NHL's new AHL rule may slow that tide by offering CHL stars a faster route to pro hockey but with just 32 league-wide spots available each year, it's a premium path few will qualify for. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
CBC
04-07-2025
- Sport
- CBC
2 First Nations players from Manitoba drafted to NHL credit family support
Two First Nations hockey players from Manitoba were selected in last week's National Hockey League draft. "I can't put it into words, that's a dream come true," Carter Bear said. Bear, a member of Peguis First Nation, and Hayden Paupanekis, a member of Norway House Cree Nation, were among three First Nations players drafted, the other being new Philadelphia Flyer Jack Nesbitt of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory in Ontario. The Detroit Red Wings selected Bear in the first round, 13th overall, while Paupanekis was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round, the 69th overall pick. Bear, a former Everett Silvertips star, says he hugged his mom and dad after getting off stage in Los Angeles, the site of this year's NHL Draft. He said his parents are his role models. "It's family for me and I gotta do it for my family and community," he said. Paupanekis, a former Kelowna Rocket, also says his parents' support was crucial. "They helped me through all the ups and downs, you know, just my journey, moving away at 16, they've been there whenever I need them, no matter what," he said. Peter Woods, executive director of Hockey Manitoba, said he was proud of the Manitoba hockey scene's showing at this year's draft. "There was eight players that we got drafted out of our province, which is about twice the number that we usually get drafted and then also on top of that when you get two Indigenous players," he said. "That's very exciting." Woods had words of encouragement for players from the province cutting their teeth in local rinks and junior leagues. "You might have a setback at one point but don't give up," he said. "Continue to work hard, put your best foot forward and make sure you're a team player and then no doubt the success will come." Currently, there are five First Nations players under contracts to NHL teams, not including Bear, Paupanekis, or Nesbitt. CBC Indigenous asked the players what separates their game from anyone else. Bear said, "I just want to win every shift." "I don't like to take a shift off at all. I don't want to be lazy so I think it's just me not taking a shift off and I wanted to win every battle, every shift." The 6-foot-5 Paupanekis challenged stereotypes of being a player of size. "Everybody thinks I'm just a big guy and a lot of people think big guys are just supposed to be physical," he said. "That's part of my game, but I also have a really skilled game and I'm a skilled forward, too." Bear and Paupanekis hope to follow in the footsteps of other First Nations players from Manitoba who have hoisted the Stanley Cup, like Reggie Leach of Berens River First Nation and Zach Whitecloud of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.
Vancouver Sun
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Cowan: Canadiens have big hopes for towering prospect Hayden Paupanekis
When Hayden Paupanekis's grandparents speak Cree he has no idea what they're saying. 'I still need to learn it,' the 18-year-old Paupanekis said at this week's Canadiens' development camp in Brossard after being selected in the third round (69th overall) of last weekend's NHL Draft . While the 6-foot-5, 203-pound centre doesn't speak Cree, he is very proud of his First Nations heritage. His father, Mike, is from Norway House Cree Nation , which is about an eight-hour drive north of Winnipeg, where Paupanekis was born and raised. 'A lot of First Nations communities, the little kids, they look up to me,' said Paupanekis, who had 22-21-43 totals and 57 penalty minutes in 71 games last season split between the WHL's Spokane Chiefs and Kelowna Rockets. 'I love to inspire them. … That's kind of what I like to do, I like to give back to the community. I go do hockey programs up north where my dad's from and that's kind of what I love the most being First Nation. I'm proud of it. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'That's kind of my main goal is letting the little kids know — and even the older people — you can always change who you are and your goals if you really want them you can accomplish them,' Paupanekis added. 'Look at myself. I always wanted to play in the NHL. I got drafted and I just want to keep on pushing to do that. It kind of plays over to the little kids. They look up to me and they think anything's possible, too. Just being a role model for everybody.' Hayden Paupanekis s'échappe et crée l'égalité Hayden Paupanekis scores on a breakaway to tie the game ⚪ 2 - 2 🔴 #GoHabsGo | Under Armour Paupanekis wasn't in Los Angeles for last weekend's draft, instead staying home to watch on TV with his family, including his parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts. The Canadiens moved up in the draft to select him, acquiring the 69th overall pick from the Boston Bruins in exchange for the 79th and 108th picks. 'It was kind of a weird moment,' Paupanekis said. 'It was a commercial break during the draft and then out of nowhere Montreal's picking and I was like, 'What the heck's going on?' And then I hear my name. Once I learned they traded up for me it meant a lot. They didn't think I was going to be there at 79. The 6-foot-5, 203-pound Hayden Paupanekis with shootout goal at end of #Habs development camp scrimmage. 'I was glad that I stayed home with my family and took that moment in with them and celebrated with them,' he added. 'It was crazy. I didn't really expect anybody. I just wanted to know who it was going to be and then once I found out it was Montreal everybody was screaming. Just a lot of excitement. My mom was crying.' There's a lot to like about Paupanekis, starting with his size and the fact he plays centre, a position where the Canadiens lack depth. The Canadiens are hoping Paupanekis can follow a similar trajectory to 6-foot-5, 212-pound right-winger Tyler Thorpe , who they selected in the fifth round (130th overall) of last year's NHL Draft. After last year's development camp, Canadiens management told Thorpe they wanted him to return to the WHL's Vancouver Giants and show he could play a physical game. He responded by posting 27-25-52 totals with 69 penalty minutes in 68 games and was rewarded with an NHL entry-level contract. Thorpe played one game with the AHL's Laval Rocket at the end of last season and picked up two assists. 'He's got some work to do, but he's young,' Rob Ramage, the Canadiens' director of player development, said about Paupanekis. 'He's in Kelowna, they're going to host the Memorial Cup (next season). I have not seen him until today and yesterday, for that matter. But, apparently, he's going to be their go-to guy. Once again, with so many of these guys it's maturity, physically growing into their bodies. But he's got a big frame, so it's just going to be a matter of time for him. 'It's going to be a big year for him,' Ramage added. 'With the Memorial Cup coming he's going to be one of the focus guys. So hopefully they build a good team around him.' Living in Winnipeg, Paupanekis said he has learned a lot about protecting the puck, using his size and going to the net by watching the Jets' Adam Lowry — a 6-foot-5, 210-pound centre — in action. Paupanekis added that versatility is the strongest part of his game at this point with him able to play on the power play, the penalty kill and in the last two minutes of a game, whether his team is winning or losing. 'I have lots to grow still,' he said. 'I'm still young, I still want to gain weight, get stronger. I think once I do that I'll have a really good chance at making the NHL and staying in the NHL and that's the goal for me, obviously. 'You dream of that stuff,' he added about putting on a Canadiens sweater for the first time at development camp. 'At a young age I never really thought I'd be in this position. To finally see myself to be wearing the logo, it's an honour. I'm just super-excited for what the future holds for me.'
CTV News
28-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Canadiens draft forward Alexander Zharovsky in second round
The Montreal Canadiens were active in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, trading their two first-round picks and moving up in the second round. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press) The Montreal Canadiens did not make a selection in the first round of the NHL Draft, but quickly made a trade to improve their position in the second round on Saturday and select a player they clearly had their eye on. The Habs set their sights on forward Alexander Zharovsky with the 34th overall pick. To do so, they traded the 41st and 49th picks to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for the 34th and 189th picks. Zharovsky, who played for Ufa Tolpar in the Russian junior league, was ranked fifth among international skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. A 6-foot-1, 163-pound left-handed right winger, Zharovsky scored 24 goals and 26 assists in 45 games last winter. The NHL Central Scouting Bureau noted his exceptional progress during the last campaign. The Canadiens also made a trade with the Boston Bruins to move up to 69th overall in the third round. They sacrificed their 79th and 108th picks and selected right-handed centre Hayden Paupanekis of the Kelowna Rockets. The 6-foot-5, 202-pound powerhouse scored 22 goals and 21 assists in 71 games last winter with the Spokane Chiefs and Rockets. He was ranked 38th among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. It notes that he is not afraid to get physically involved, but adds that he can be considered a 'project,' meaning he will need time to develop. At 81st overall, the Canadiens selected right-handed defenceman Bryce Pickford of the Medicine Hat Tigers. Then, at 82nd overall, the Habs opted for Belarusian goaltender Arseni Radkov of Tyumenski Legion in the Russian junior league. Pickford is 19 years old and had 20 goals and 27 assists in 48 games with the Tigers last winter. He added 13 goals and 11 assists in 18 playoff games, helping the Tigers win the Western Hockey League championship. For his part, Radkov, who is 6 feet 4 inches tall, is committed to attending the University of Massachusetts in two years. In the fourth round, the Canadiens selected American centre John Mooney with the 113th pick. A small player at 5 feet 8 inches, he is known for his dynamism and instinct on offence. He has committed to attending the University of Minnesota in two years. He is the cousin of Utah Mammoth star Logan Cooley. The Canadiens also had a fifth-round pick (145), two sixth-round picks (177 and 189) and a seventh-round pick (209). On Friday, the Habs did not have a first-round pick. They traded the 16th and 17th picks in the afternoon to the New York Islanders, along with forward Emil Heineman, in exchange for defenceman Noah Dobson. It was the fifth time in franchise history that the Canadiens did not make a first-round pick, and the first time since 2008. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 28, 2025.
