cooper cleaves

Montreal Canadiens Draft Cooper Cleaves: A Deep Dive into Their 93rd Overall Pick

The 2026 NHL Entry Draft provided several intriguing storylines for Montreal Canadiens fans, but one selection in particular sparked a fresh wave of curiosity and analysis: the pick of defenceman Cooper Cleaves at 93rd overall. In a draft known for its depth, this pick represents a calculated investment in a promising NCAA prospect with a unique path. Here’s everything you need to know about the Canadiens' latest addition to their defensive pipeline.

The Main Narrative: A Smart Pick for a Rebuilding Defence

The headline event is straightforward: in the fourth round of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens selected right-shot defenceman Cooper Cleaves. This selection, first reported by Sportsnaut and Habs Eyes on the Prize, is a classic example of a team targeting a player for his specific skill set and developmental trajectory, rather than just his draft-year ranking.

Cleaves, who played his college hockey for Dartmouth College in the NCAA, wasn't projected as a first-round talent. However, the Canadiens' scouting staff clearly saw value in his steady, two-way game and his readiness for a structured collegiate development path. For a franchise building for sustainable success, drafting an NCAA player like Cleaves is a play for the long game—a move that prioritizes skill refinement over a quick jump to the professional ranks.

Why This Pick Matters for Montreal

• Organizational Depth: The Canadiens are meticulously rebuilding their defensive corps. Adding Cleaves provides another quality prospect to their pipeline, creating internal competition and insurance against injuries or stalled development of other players.
• NCAA Route Value: NHL teams increasingly value the NCAA path. It allows young players like Cleaves to develop physically against older competition while getting a degree. The Canadiens are betting that Cleaves will blossom in this environment.
• Right-Shot Need: Finding reliable right-shot defencemen is a perennial challenge in the NHL. Selecting Cleaves addresses a fundamental organizational need, adding balance to their prospect pool.

Recent Updates: The Draft Day Details

The official timeline for this event is condensed to draft night. Here is the verified sequence of events:

1. Selection Announced: During the second day of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens were on the clock with the 93rd overall pick. The selection of Cooper Cleaves was officially announced.
2. Source Verification: The selection was immediately confirmed by reputable hockey outlets. Sportsnaut reported the pick in their draft coverage, headline "Canadiens Draft Defenceman Cleaves 93rd Overall." Shortly after, the detailed analysis came from the Canadiens-focused blog Habs Eyes on the Prize, which confirmed the pick and provided a preliminary profile noting his NCAA affiliation with Dartmouth College.

As of now, there are no official post-draft interviews or introductory press conferences widely circulated in the news, which is typical for a mid-round pick whose introductory process will likely align with his college schedule.

Contextual Background: Scouting a Steady Eddie

To understand the pick, it helps to understand the player and the context of a fourth-round selection.

Player Profile (Based on Available Reporting): - Name: Cooper Cleaves - Position: Defenceman - Shot: Right - Development League: NCAA (Dartmouth College) - Draft Position: 93rd Overall (4th Round), 2026 NHL Draft

While detailed scouting reports are not yet published in the verified sources, the fact that he is committed to or playing for Dartmouth speaks volumes. The Ivy League hockey program is known for producing intelligent, disciplined players who often have to balance rigorous academics with elite sports. This suggests Cleaves is likely a high-hockey-IQ, cerebral defenceman who excels at reading the play and making smart, efficient decisions with the puck—traits highly prized by NHL coaches.

Historical Precedent: Drafting players from the NCAA is a well-established pathway. The Canadiens themselves have had success with this route, most notably with Cole Caufield, who developed at the University of Wisconsin before becoming a key piece of their offence. The pick of Cleaves signals a continued trust in this developmental model.

Immediate Effects: Adding to the Prospect Pipeline

The immediate impact of this selection is felt almost exclusively within the Canadiens' organization and among its fan base.

On the Canadiens' Roster: The pick has zero immediate impact on the NHL roster. Cooper Cleaves will continue his development at Dartmouth, likely for the next 2-4 years. This is standard for NCAA prospects and is seen as a benefit, allowing for maturation at a measured pace.

On the Fan Base and Media: For Canadiens fans, this pick generates curiosity and optimism. While not a flashy name, the selection of a smart, right-shot defenceman from a prestigious academic and athletic institution like Dartmouth appeals to a knowledgeable hockey audience. It reinforces the image of General Manager Kent Hughes and his staff as analytically-driven and patient builders.

Strategic Implication: This is a low-risk, high-reward move. Fourth-round picks have a lower probability of making the NHL, but when they do, they often outperform their draft position due to strong work ethic and intelligence. By targeting Cleaves, the Canadiens are playing the odds, betting that his character and hockey sense will allow him to exceed expectations.

Future Outlook: Tracking Cleaves' Path to the Pros

The future for Cooper Cleaves will be a slow and steady climb, closely monitored by the Canadiens' development staff.

Short-Term Outlook (1-3 Years): Cleaves will remain the property of the Montreal Canadiens while he plays his NCAA hockey at Dartmouth. The Canadiens' player development team will be in regular contact, monitoring his progress, providing training resources during off-seasons, and ensuring he has a clear development plan. Fans should expect to see his name in NCAA box scores and perhaps in prospects tournaments during his collegiate career.

Long-Term Projections (4+ Years): The ultimate goal is for Cleaves to play his way into a professional contract and compete for a spot in the Canadiens' defensive lineup. Given the nature of his draft position and his NCAA path, his timeline is likely aligned with the later stages of the current rebuild. He projects as a potential bottom-four, shutdown defenceman—the type of reliable, minute-munching player who makes a playoff team tough to play against.

Potential Risks: - Development Stagnation: The NCAA route requires a player to continually improve to stay on pace with peers who might be playing professionally. - Injury: As with any prospect, injuries can derail development. - Competition: The Canadiens have several other promising young defencemen in their system, so Cleaves will need to distinguish himself to earn a future opportunity.

The Bigger Picture: The selection of Cooper Cleaves is a single, small brushstroke in the larger masterpiece the Canadiens are painting. It exemplifies a draft philosophy that values character, intelligence, and developmental runway. While he may never become a star, the hope is that he becomes a quintessential "glue guy"—a dependable professional who embodies the culture the organization is striving to build.

For Canadiens fans, the takeaway is one of reassurance: the front office is thinking systematically, addressing organizational needs with smart, long-term selections. Cooper Cleaves may not make headlines tomorrow, but he is now a part of the plan for the future of the Montreal Canadiens.