The 2026 Montreal Canadiens' Top 25 Under 25 list features a diverse array of prospects, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Among them is Hayden Paupanekis, a 6'5" center who made his NHL draft debut in 2025. Paupanekis' size and skill set have caught the eye of the Canadiens, who traded up to select him in the third round.
The Power Forward Profile
Paupanekis embodies the power forward archetype, with his physical presence and aggressive forechecking style. His ability to force mistakes from opposing defenders and strong puck protection make him a disruptive force in the offensive zone. Paupanekis' skating and shooting skills are also notable, with a quick release that hints at sniper abilities. However, his point totals have been limited by a lack of consistency in processing the game and creating offensive opportunities.
Consistency Concerns
One of Paupanekis' main weaknesses is his inconsistency. While he has improved his defensive consistency over the last two seasons, there are still questions about his ability to defend, especially when things break down. This inconsistency casts doubt on his ability to remain a center, as the position demands more development of his skills and consistency.
The NCAA Route
Paupanekis is now moving on from the WHL to join St. Cloud State in the NCAA. This move is likely the smartest choice for him, as his ability to fight was clear in the WHL, and another year of frequent fisticuffs would prove nothing. The NCAA route will provide him with a step up in competition to flesh out the finer aspects of his game, which will be crucial to his NHL future.
Projecting the NHL Future
Paupanekis' best shot at having a long NHL career is to become a disruptive forward that teams hate to see in the opposing bottom six. His focus should be on improving his defensive game and combining his offensive skills to elevate his game in the spring when the games really start to count. The Canadiens have been looking for players like this in the draft, and with the right development, Paupanekis has the potential to fill that role.
In conclusion, Paupanekis is a prospect with a lot of potential, but his NHL future remains uncertain. His ability to improve his defensive game and consistency will be crucial to his success, and the NCAA route will provide him with the necessary competition to develop his skills. The Canadiens have a challenging task in developing Paupanekis, but with the right approach, he could become a valuable asset to the team.
