Bryce Pickford, a Montreal Canadiens prospect and 81st overall pick in the 2025 draft, scored a hat trick in the Medicine Hat Tigers’ 6-3 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings, bringing his total to 41 goals in 49 games, the second-highest in the league. With seven games remaining, he has a chance to become only the third defenseman in league history to reach 50 goals. Pickford was signed to a three-year entry-level contract by the Canadiens, who may consider trading him to acquire NHL-ready defenseman Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils. Currently, the Canadiens face depth issues with right-shot defensemen, making Nemec an attractive target.
