With the Canadiens selecting 26th overall using the Calgary Flames’ pick, we take a look at Luneau’s profile to see if he’s worth a swing in that range.
The Habs have 13 picks beyond first overall to mull over. With the 2022 NHL Draft being held in Montreal, and with the placement of their first three rounds of picks,
it’s more likely than ever that the Habs will try to gather some local talent to develop.
One name that has come up often, specifically in regard to the 26th overall selection they obtained in the trade that sent Tyler Toffoli to Calgary, is Tristan Luneau.
He checks a lot of boxes for the Habs. He’s a right-handed defender, sports a large frame, is a local product, plays a defensively responsible game, and doesn’t shy away from physical contact.
His 12 goals and 43 points in 63 games this season for the Gatineau Olympiques placed him second among draft-eligible QMJHL defencemen, and 19th overall.
In a historically high-scoring league (98 draft-eligible defencemen have had higher point-per-game rates than Luneau’s in the Q), and especially as the primary power-play option for Gatineau and a first overall pick in the QMJHL Draft, these numbers are lacklustre.