Canadiens Camp Opens With Pressure on 106-Point Core

Montreal Canadiens training camp opens with the roster finally complete. Arber Xhekaj signed at the last moment, and general manager Kent Hughes has every key piece under contract, including a long-term extension for Alex Newhook at $22.2 million over four years.

The backdrop is a team coming off 106 points and an Eastern Conference Final appearance. Nick Suzuki posted 101 points and won the Selke Trophy. Cole Caufield became the first Canadien to score 50 goals since Stephane Richer in 1990. The bar is high, and everyone in the organization knows it.

Owner Geoff Molson, asked about expectations at the team's annual golf tournament Monday, carefully avoided the word. President of hockey operations Jeff Gorton was similarly cautious, saying the players "know we have a good team" and that the organization tries not to pile on pressure. Both answers said everything.

The Atlantic Division will not make anything easy. Florida, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Ottawa, and Boston are all built to compete, and the Sabres have closed the gap from the other direction.

In net, Jakub Dobes enters camp as the clear starter. Jacob Fowler, 21, is pushing for a roster spot but remains waiver-exempt and could return to the AHL. Hughes said he has no plan to carry three goalies into the regular season.

Chris Kreider is the key addition, while Patrik Laine, Brendan Gallagher and Joe Veleno are among the departures.

The rebuild is functionally over. What comes next is harder to manage than a rebuild: actual expectations.