Canadiens Rookie Calls Out Tom Wilson for Fight, Makes Bold Prediction vs. Elite NHL Enforcer

The Montreal Canadiens could be expecting some big fights from Russian forward Gleb Pugachyov in the future.

Pugachyov, the No. 26 pick of the 2026 NHL draft, told RG.org's Daria Tuboltseva he was asked in a pre-draft interview with the Canadiens whether he would be willing to fight Washington Capitals star Tom Wilson.

"They said: 'You are a big player who hits everyone and is not afraid of anybody. Imagine that you already play for Montreal,'" Pugachyov told Tuboltseva. "'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?'"

About his answer, Pugachyov told Tuboltseva: "I told them there would be nothing left of him."

The Canadiens moved up two spots in the first round in order to draft Pugachyov, who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 198 pounds.

The 18-year-old played in three levels of Russian hockey last season, including 13 games in the top-flight KHL.

Pugachyov may have to wait a few years to get his chance to match up with Wilson. He has two seasons remaining on his KHL contract and recently indicated he expects to be a regular NHL player in two years, per Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette.

The Canadiens will still get a first look at Pugachyov this week. He is slated to attend the franchise's development camp, which runs from Tuesday through Thursday in Brossard.