The Montreal Canadiens selected Russian forward Gleb Pugachyov with their first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound winger is now making headlines for calling out Washington Capitals star Tom Wilson. When asked how a fight between the two would end, Pugachyov had a confident response.
“There would be nothing left of him.”
The Montreal Canadiens had a great 2025–2026 season, making a deep playoff run all the way to the Eastern Conference Final. However, the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes ultimately proved too much to handle.
READ MORE: Tom Wilson blasted after wild hot mic remarks
Montreal Canadiens draft pick
Nevertheless, with one of the league’s youngest cores, the Canadiens and their fans have every reason to be excited about the future. At the 2026 NHL Draft, Montreal added even more size to its roster. With the 26th overall pick, the Canadiens selected Russian forward Gleb Pugachyov. Although he was born in Kazakhstan in 2008, Pugachyov represented Russia throughout his junior career. During the 2025–2026 season, he played primarily in the MHL and VHL, while also recording three points in 13 KHL games with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 225 pounds, Pugachyov gives the Canadiens even more physicality alongside players such as Arber Xhekaj.
Gleb Pugachyov called out Tom Wilson
Following the draft, Gleb Pugachyov revealed that the Canadiens asked him about fighting during their very first interview.
“Montreal gave me the most creative and memorable interview. It was actually my first in-person interview with an NHL club. It was very unusual and quite serious. I enjoyed it, and it left a strong impression on me. They said, ‘You are a big player who hits everyone and is not afraid of anybody. Imagine that you already play for Montreal. We are facing Washington, you deliver a hard hit on one of their young players, and Tom Wilson immediately comes after you. Are you ready to fight him?’” Pugachyov told news outlet RG.
Gleb Pugachyov’s response was loud and clear.
“Yes. I told them there would be nothing left of him,” Pugachyov said.
Now, the next step for Pugachyov is rookie camp.
Whether he eventually gets the chance to drop the gloves with the feared Tom Wilson remains to be seen.
READ MORE: Tom Wilson brutally mocks Brandon Tanev after fight
