Greatest Draft Picks in Montreal Canadiens History

So, you want to build a dynasty, do you? You’re aiming to construct a team that doesn’t just win, but defines an era, captures the imagination of a province, and fills a trophy case like no other. For the Montreal Canadiens, that blueprint for immortality has often been drafted—literally. The Habs’ unparalleled history is a tapestry woven with threads of homegrown talent, players discovered and developed within the system who went on to become legends.

In this article, we’re going to do more than just list names. We’re going to walk through the very process of identifying what makes a draft pick truly "great" in the context of Les Canadiens de Montréal. We’ll look beyond just points and games played. We’re talking about legacy, impact on championships, and the indelible mark left on the CH logo. By the end, you’ll have a framework to evaluate any pick, from the Rocket to the next hopeful, and a deep appreciation for the art of building a legend through the draft.

Let’s lace up our skates and get started.

What You'll Need

Before we dive into the steps, let's gather our tools. You don't need a scout's eye, but you do need the right perspective.

A Sense of Context: The National Hockey League draft has evolved dramatically. Early "selections" were informal; the modern entry draft began in 1963. Judging a 1950s pick requires different criteria than a 1990s pick.
The Core Metrics: Have these at your fingertips:
Draft Position: Where was the player selected? A gem in the late rounds carries a different weight than a successful first-overall pick.
Career Tenure & Stats: Games played, points, awards (individual trophies, All-Star selections).
Team Success: Stanley Cup championships won with the Canadiens. This is non-negotiable for true greatness here.
Cultural Impact: Did they become an icon? Did they define a position for the franchise? Does their name echo in the rafters of the Bell Centre?
Access to History: A good understanding of the franchise's peaks, like the late-70s dynasty, and its valleys. Knowing the role of Molson ownership during different eras helps frame a player's journey.

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Your Step-by-Step Process to Evaluating Greatness

Step 1: Establish the Draft Era & Its Rules

You can’t judge a 2020 pick by 1970 standards. First, pinpoint the era.
Pre-1963 (The Informal Years): The Canadiens’ territorial rights and sponsored junior teams (like the Montreal Junior Canadiens) were their "draft." This is how they secured icons like Jean Béliveau. Here, "greatness" is about securing a destined superstar by any means necessary.
1963-1979 (The Dynasty Draft): The formal draft began, but teams still held rights to players in their region. The Habs mastered this, finding key pieces for their four straight Cups outside the first round. Context: Finding a Bob Gainey (8th round, 1973) here is a monumental scouting victory.
1980-Present (The Modern Draft): A leveled playing field with a true entry draft. Greatness here is a combination of high-first-round hits (like Carey Price, 5th overall, 2005) and uncovering profound value later (like Mark Streit, 262nd overall, 2004).

Why this matters: It sets the baseline for expectation. A 9th-round pick becoming a starter is a miracle today; in 1975, it was savvy scouting.

Step 2: Measure On-Ice Production & Longevity

This is the statistical backbone. A great draft pick must have delivered for the Canadiens.
Tenure is Key: How many games did they play for Montreal? A 1000-game career with the Habs speaks to consistency, durability, and value. Guy Lafleur (1st overall, 1971) isn't just great for his points, but for his 14 seasons of dazzling the Forum.
Statistical Excellence: Look beyond raw totals. Did they win scoring titles, Norris Trophies, or Vezinas? Patrick Roy (51st overall, 1984) redefined goaltending and won two Conn Smythe Trophies before his trade. That’s draft value that paid off in spades.
The "What If" Factor: Consider players whose careers were shortened. Maurice Richard (discovered before the formal draft) changed the game with his goal-scoring ferocity. His impact per game is off the charts, making his selection (by any method) arguably the greatest in franchise history.

Step 3: Weigh Championship Contribution

This is the Montreal Canadiens’ ultimate currency. The franchise’s record 24 championships are the benchmark. A draft pick's greatness is amplified by their role in hoisting the Cup.
The Dynasty Driver: Did the player serve as a central engine for a championship team? Jean Béliveau (a pre-draft signing) captained teams to 10 Stanley Cups. His leadership and play were the cornerstone of success.
The Clutch Performer: Did they elevate their game in the playoffs? Patrick Roy’s nickname, St. Patrick, was earned in the spring. His 1986 and 1993 playoff runs are the very definition of a draft pick carrying his team to glory.
The Supporting Pillar: Not every great pick is a superstar. Selecting a role player like Claude Provost (drafted in 1955) who contributes to multiple Cups is a brilliant, underrated draft success.

Step 4: Evaluate Legacy & Iconic Status

Here’s where we separate the very good from the immortal. A truly great Canadiens draft pick transcends statistics.
The Jersey in the Rafters: Is their number retired? This is the franchise's ultimate honor. Players like Lafleur, Béliveau, and Roy are forever enshrined, a direct lineage from their draft day to immortality.
Defining an Era or a Position: Did they become the standard? Maurice Richard was the first to score 50 goals in 50 games, becoming the explosive icon of the old Forum. Patrick Roy modernized goaltending for a generation.
The Emotional Connection: Does their name still give fans chills? The sight of the Flower flowing down the wing, or the image of Le Gros Bill lifting the Cup, is woven into the identity of the fanbase. This intangible quality is the final, crucial ingredient.

Step 5: Compare Value Against Draft Position

This is the "bang for your buck" analysis. It’s how you find the hidden gems.
The Steal: This is the heart of draft lore. Patrick Roy in the 3rd round. Larry Robinson (20th overall, 1971) in the second round—a defenseman who became a legend and a pillar of the late-70s dynasty. These picks are organizational masterstrokes.
The Expected Star Who Delivered: Sometimes, greatness is about nailing the obvious. Selecting Guy Lafleur first overall in 1971 was the right move, and he exceeded the sky-high expectations. Hitting on a high pick is still a skill.
The Missed Opportunity (A Cautionary Tale): Look at the players taken immediately after a Canadiens pick. This isn't to dwell on negatives, but to highlight how hitting on a pick (or missing) can alter a decade. It makes the successes even more impressive.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

TIP: Look Beyond the First Round. The Habs’ legend is built as much on Robinson, Gainey, and Roy as it is on Lafleur. The depth of greatness is what built dynasties.
TIP: Consider the Trade Tree. Sometimes a draft pick's value is realized in a trade. While we focus on players who played for Montreal, remember that drafting well creates assets that can build a winner in other ways.
MISTAKE: Ignoring the Pre-Draft Era. You can't tell the story of the Canadiens’ greatest selections without discussing how they secured Maurice Richard or Jean Béliveau. Their acquisition was the spirit of the draft before the letter.
MISTAKE: Overvaluing Short-Term Brilliance. A player who has one great season but is traded or fades doesn't make this list. Long-term impact on the franchise is key.
MISTAKE: Forgetting the Human Element. Stats don't capture Béliveau’s grace, Richard’s fire, or Roy’s competitive fury. Read the stories, watch the old footage. Greatness has a face and a feeling.

Your Checklist for a Greatest Draft Pick

To quickly assess any Montreal Canadiens draft pick’s claim to greatness, run them through this list. The more boxes checked, the higher they rank.

• Contextualized: Their selection is judged fairly within the rules of their draft era.


• Productive: Delivered sustained, high-level on-ice performance for the Habs over many seasons.


• A Winner: Contributed directly to winning at least one Stanley Cup championship with Montreal.


• Iconic: Achieved a status that transcends sport (number retired, definitive of an era, eternal fan favorite).


• Valuable: Provided exceptional value relative to their draft position, either by meeting lofty expectations or vastly exceeding modest ones.

By following this process, you’ll see that the Canadiens’ greatest draft picks are more than just great players. They are the architects of moments that live forever in the Habs archive, the men who turned the CH logo into a symbol of excellence, and the reason the echoes of cheers from the Forum still resonate in the Bell Centre. Their stories are the foundation upon which the league’s most storied franchise is built.

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Inspired by this deep dive into draft greatness? Explore more about the team's glorious past in our sections on Iconic Moments and Legendary Canadiens Players. And for the story of the original draft-day steal who changed the game, don't miss the tale of Maurice Richard's 50 goals in 50 games.*