The Montreal Canadiens are keeping 2016 first round draft pick Mikhail Sergachev for at least nine games to start the season, according to a report from RDS’s Francois Gagnon. 

The 18-year-old Russian defenceman was selected ninth overall at the NHL draft on June 24 and signed a three-year entry level deal with the club on July 1. The first year of the deal will take effect if he plays 10 games this season.

Sergachev has two assists in four preseason games with five shots on goal. He is averaging 13:11 of ice time.