The Montreal Canadiens didn't win the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery. They will not be adding Macklin Celebrini to their mix of good young players.
They do have another good player coming from Boston University though. That would be defenseman Lane Hutson who was one of the best in the country over the last couple of years.
Hutson was a second-round pick (62nd overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft. We can already say that was a mistake by about 25 other teams. He would go in the top ten if the draft were redone today.
This might not be the end of the line, however, for the Montreal Canadiens drafting Boston University players. That can continue in the 2024 NHL Draft.
The Montreal Canadiens may consider a few more BU Terriers in 2024
Montreal currently holds the fifth overall pick which they could use to select Cole Eiserman who is committed to playing at B.U. next season. He is a high-end scoring forward who was incredible with the United States Development Program.
Eiserman is going to be a winger in the NHL so playing with someone like Nick Suzuki could help him one day. If they are looking for some top-level scoring at the top of this draft, Eiserman might be a guy for them.
The Habs also have the 26th pick in the first round as a result of the Sean Monahan trade. With that pick, they could take Lane's younger brother Cole Hutson. He is also a high-end defenseman. Hutson had a point per game season from the blue line with the US Program. Now, he'll be a Terrier.
Eiserman and Hutson were teammates there and will be teammates at BU. It makes sense for the Habs to consider this duo if they are available to them in this draft.
It doesn't end in the first round either. When the Canadiens take the stage in the second round (57th overall), they might consider Kamil Bednarik. He will also be going from the program to Boston University like Hutson and Eiserman.
Bednarik is a center that was a point-per-game player in 2023-24. He will be a big-time contributor to the offensive attack of the Terriers next year.
The Canadiens seem to be improving with each passing year. They are building through the draft and are being smart with their development. If they keep it up, they will be contenders again in no time.
Considering more Boston University prospects is a good idea for them as a lot of them are turning out to be great players around the NHL. There are plenty of other good places for them to look as well but B.U. is right there as a top NCAA school every year.