One of the biggest stories heading into the 2018 NHL Entry Draft was what route the Montreal Canadiens would take with their third overall selection. Many rumours stated that Marc Bergevin would reach for Jesperi Kotkaniemi or possibly even trade down in the hope of still selecting the Finn, who was ranked anywhere between fifth and fifteenth, heading into the draft. Others pegged the Habs to select Brady Tkachuk, while the majority saw them picking talented winger Filip Zadina out of Halifax despite their need at centre ice.
As things eventually transpired, the Canadiens ended up with the 6’2″, 190-pound Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who suffered a sophomore slump after a surprisingly good rookie season as the youngest player in the league.