Reflecting on Canadiens’ Franchise-Altering Draft Picks from 1971

As the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, it’s impossible not to reflect on the pivotal moments that have shaped the Montreal Canadiens’ storied franchise. On June 10, 1971, the Canadiens made a historic move by selecting not one, but two game-changing players who would leave an indelible mark on the team’s legacy.

Coming off yet another Stanley Cup victory, the Canadiens were positioned to make a significant impact with the first overall pick, a result of savvy maneuvering by then-general manager Sam Pollock. He orchestrated a trade that sent Ernie Hicke and Montreal’s 1970 first-round selection to the California Golden Seals in exchange for Francois Lacombe and the Seals’ first-round pick in 1971. With California finishing at the bottom of the standings with just 45 points, the Canadiens were poised to draft one of the most promising talents in hockey history: Guy Lafleur.

When the Canadiens selected Lafleur first overall, they secured a player who would go on to be one of the greatest in NHL history. Lafleur remains the franchise’s all-time points leader, amassing 1,246 points in 961 games. He also set the record for the most points in a single season with the Canadiens, racking up 136 points. His impact transcended the team, marking a significant chapter in the history of the NHL. Today, whispers circulate about Ivan Demidov, who some believe may be the most talented prospect since Lafleur, but whether he can match Lafleur’s legendary status remains to be seen.

The Canadiens’ success in that draft didn’t stop with Lafleur. In the second round, they selected Larry Robinson, another player who would etch his name into the annals of Canadiens lore. Affectionately known as “Big Bird,” Robinson tallied 883 points in 1,202 games with the Canadiens and set the record for the most points in a single season by a Canadiens defenseman, with 85. While Lane Hutson is on the rise and reached 78 points in just his second season, he still has a way to go to catch Robinson’s impressive totals and longevity. If Hutson plays out his eight-year contract, he will have the opportunity to reach 838 games with the Habs, barring any injuries or trades.

As the Canadiens look toward the upcoming draft, the likelihood of finding a franchise-altering talent may seem slim. However, history has shown that hidden gems can emerge at any moment, much like Hutson, who was selected 62nd overall. The excitement of the draft always leaves room for surprises and potential game-changers.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.