PUBLICATION

L. Honein
July 27, 2025  (7:41 PM)

Bruins and Canadiens

Photo credit: HabsFanatics/NHL

A trade completed between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins during the 2025 NHL Draft allowed the Habs to acquire young Hayden Paupanekis.

We’re talking about a big 6-foot-5 center who impressed at the Canadiens’ most recent development camp-yet another player acquired through a Kent Hughes trade.

Clearly, they really wanted him!

Let’s talk a bit about Hayden Paupanekis.

Hayden Paupanekis: The Big Center Acquired via a Trade with the Boston Bruins on the Draft Floor

The goal here is to help you get to know one of the team’s newest prospects a little better. I have a feeling he’ll quickly become a fan favorite in Montreal.

Kent Hughes made the deal to move up in the draft order and select Paupanekis.

Thanks to this trade with Boston, Montreal selected this 6-foot-5, 200-pound right-handed center, who has the potential to become a true NHL power forward.

In 32 games last season with the Kelowna Rockets, Paupanekis recorded 19 points, including 11 goals.

We’re excited to see what the future holds for him, but personally, I really trust the Habs on this one. The fact that Kent Hughes traded with the Bruins to move up and get him shows just how much the Canadiens truly wanted him.

Previously on HabsFanatics