Canadiens lock in young core after breakthrough season

The Canadiens took a significant step forward in 2025-26, posting 106 points and finishing third in the Atlantic Division. They locked in their young goalie and star winger long term this summer, adding stability without making a major splash in free agency. The question is whether internal development alone can close the gap on Florida and Toronto.

Last season in review

Montreal's 48-24-10 record represented a clear leap. The offense hummed at 283 goals, led by Cole Caufield's 51-goal breakout and Nick Suzuki's 101-point campaign. Rookie defenseman Lane Hutson chipped in 78 points from the back end, a remarkable total for a first-year player. The Canadiens outscored opponents by 27 goals, a sign of genuine improvement. Goaltending from Jakub Dobes (29-10-4, .901 save percentage) was solid if unspectacular, giving the team a chance most nights. The 256 goals against suggests the defense still has room to tighten up, but the overall picture was one of a young team finding its stride.

Ins and outs

• In: Alex Belzile (signed one-year contract, per nhl.com)
• In: Kaapo Kahkonen (signed one-year contract, per nhl.com)
• In: Reilly Walsh (signed one-year contract, per nhl.com)
• In: Samuel Poulin (signed one-year contract, per nhl.com)
• In: Ethan Samson (signed one-year contract, per nhl.com)
• In: Gleb Pugachyov (drafted 26th overall, per nhl.com)
• Re-signed: Jakub Dobes (three-year extension, per nhl.com)
• Re-signed: Ivan Demidov (eight-year extension, per nhl.com)

The Canadiens also submitted qualifying offers to eight players, per nhl.com, though the specific names were not detailed in available reporting.

The big question

Can this group take another step without a major external addition? Montreal banked on continuity and internal growth rather than chasing a big-name free agent or making a blockbuster trade. If Caufield, Suzuki, and Hutson all build on their strong seasons and Dobes improves his save percentage even slightly, the Canadiens could push for home ice in the first round. If not, they risk treading water in a tough division.

X-factor

Ivan Demidov is the name to watch. The Canadiens committed eight years to the winger this summer, a clear signal they believe he can be a cornerstone. If he takes a leap in his second or third season and forms a dynamic duo with Caufield, Montreal's top six becomes genuinely dangerous. His ability to drive play at even strength will determine whether this team can hang with the Atlantic's elite.

Bold prediction

The Canadiens finish second in the Atlantic Division. Their young core continues to mature, Dobes posts a save percentage above .910, and they edge out one of the usual contenders in a tight race. They open the season on the road against Toronto on September 29, and that game will set the tone for a campaign defined by rising expectations.

The outlook

Montreal is no longer rebuilding. The 106-point season proved the young core can compete, and the extensions to Demidov and Dobes show management believes in this group. The offseason was quiet by design, a bet that internal development will carry them forward. If that bet pays off, the Canadiens could be a legitimate threat in the Atlantic. If it doesn't, they may find themselves stuck in the middle of the pack, good but not quite good enough.