Young phenom Alex Galchenyuk, born in Milwaukee Wisconsin, is a Hab.
The Canadiens chose the Russian-American forward with their third choice in the NHL entry draft in Pittsburgh Friday evening at 7:30.
Galchenyuk scored 31 goals and 52 assists in 68 games for the Sarnia Sting last season.
The powerful young forward and his family appeared jubilant when Habs scout Trevor Timmins called his name, following an introduction by Canadiens' General Manager Marc Bergevin.
The six-foot, 198-pound Galchenyuk was limited to just eight games this season with the Sarnia Sting because of a torn ACL.
He finished second in OHL scoring in 2010-11 behind Yakupov, his linemate in Sarnia, with 83 points (31-52).
Canadiens fans watching the draft at McLean's Pub expressed joy at the news that the talented youngster would be joining the Montreal franchise.
"In my personal rankings, I had Galchenyuk number one. That would be a great option for Montreal. He's a complete player. He performed well in the regular season but performed better in the playoffs when the games become more tight and difficult," said Rick Sangretti.
"He's one in a million. He's really going to be that elite centreman that we've needed. I think that I speak for every Habs fans. I'm at a loss for words. This is amazing," said onlooker James.
Nail Yakubov went first overall to the Edmonton Oilers.
Ryan Murray went to Colombus Blue Jackets with the second choice.
Here is a partial list of selections from the first round of the 2012 National Hockey League entry draft, at the CONSOL Energy Center (with team selecting, player chosen, position and current team):
1. Edmonton Oilers, Nail Yakupov, RW, Sarnia (OHL); 2. Columbus Blue Jackets, Ryan Murray, D, Everett (WHL); 3. Montreal Canadiens, Alex Galchenyuk, C, Sarnia (OHL); 4. New York Islanders, Griffin Reinhart, D, Edmonton (WHL); 5. Toronto Maple Leafs, Morgan Rielly, D, Moose Jaw (WHL).
6. Anaheim Ducks, Hampus Lindholm, D, Rogle Jr. (Sweden Jr.); 7. Minnesota Wild, Mathew Dumba, D, Red Deer (WHL); 8. Pittsburgh Penguins (from Carolina Hurricanes), Derrick Pouliot, D, Portland (WHL); 9. Winnipeg Jets, Jacob Trouba, D, U.S. Under-18 (USHL); 10. Tampa Bay Lightning, Slater Koekkoek, D, Peterborough (OHL).
11. Washington Capitals (from Colorado Avalanche), Filip Forsberg, C, Leksand (Sweden-2); 12. Buffalo Sabres, Mikhail Grigorenko, C, Quebec (QMJHL); 13. Dallas Stars, Radek Faksa, C, Kitchener (OHL); 14. Buffalo (from Calgary Flames), Zemgus Girgensons, C, Dubuque (USHL); 15. Ottawa Senators, Cody Ceci, D, Ottawa (OHL).
16. Washington, Thomas Wilson, RW, Plymouth (OHL); 17. San Jose Sharks, Tomas Hertl, C, Slavia (Czech Republic); 18. Chicago Blackhawks; 19. Tampa Bay (from Detroit Red Wings); 20. Philadelphia Flyers.
21. Calgary (from Buffalo via Nashville Predators); 22. Pittsburgh; 23. Florida Panthers; 24. Boston Bruins; 25. St. Louis Blues; 26. Vancouver Canucks; 27. Phoenix Coyotes; 28. New York Rangers; 29. New Jersey Devils; 30. Los Angeles Kings (optional to Columbus).
