NHL.com offers in-depth analysis of each of its 32 teams from August 1 to September 1. Today, three important questions face the Montreal Canadiens.
1. Can they avoid a fourth consecutive last-place finish in the Atlantic Division?
Expectations are high in Montreal, but this is a unique time in franchise history, a painful short-term result of a rebuild.
The Canadiens had 76 points last season, compared to 68 in 2022-23 and 55 in 2021-22. They must find a way to climb the standings without an obvious opponent to overtake in a very competitive division.
“I believe so much in this group,” the defender said. Kaiden Guhle “I think we’ll be able to make a splash here in a year or two and really start making some progress.”
2. Which defenders will start the season in Montreal?
Barring injury or an unforeseen trade, Guhle, who signed a six-year, $33.3 million contract ($5.55 million average annual value) on July 31 to begin the 2025-26 season, Mike Matheson And David Savard I have three spots secured. Nothing else is set in stone after that.
The battle for the remaining places promises to be intense. Arber Xhekaj, Justin Barron And Jordan Harris have asserted their rights in recent seasons, and Jayden Struble participated in the competition last season. Outlook Lane Hutson (two assists in two games) and Logan Mailloux (one assist in one game) will get legitimate chances in training camp after impressing in the final games of last season.
David ReinbacherThe fifth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, will almost certainly continue his progression in the American Hockey League. He had five points (two goals, three assists) in 11 games for Laval in his North American debut last season after arriving from Switzerland.
“We have a lot of young players and the future looks bright,” Barron said. “I think it’s going to be a healthy competition. I know them all now, they’re all good guys. I’m looking forward to going to camp and competing against them. But I’m confident in my game and my abilities and I’m trying to come out of this camp with a roster spot.”
