The Montreal Canadiens have a promising future, with several prospects vying for a spot on the NHL roster in the 2025-26 season. While the team's core is young and developing, opportunities will arise due to injuries, roster changes, and performance fluctuations. Here are three Canadiens' prospects who could make their NHL debut in the upcoming season:

David Reinbacher

Drafted fifth overall in 2023, David Reinbacher is a strong contender to join the Canadiens' defensive corps. The 6-foot-3 Austrian defenseman is known for his calm and reliable presence in his own end. If injuries affect the Canadiens' defense, Reinbacher is likely to be among the first call-ups from Laval. While not known for flashy offense, his maturity and defensive poise make him NHL-ready. He keeps plays simple, moves the puck efficiently, and is strong enough to handle board battles against seasoned professionals. Coaches value players who can be trusted in defensive situations, and Reinbacher's profile suggests he could earn minutes on the penalty kill or in late-game defensive shifts. A debut this season would allow him to transition into a cornerstone piece of Montreal's defense for the next decade.

Adam Engström

Adam Engström, a third-round pick from 2022, has steadily improved each year. The Swedish defenseman's skating and puck-moving abilities align well with the modern NHL. Engström had a solid first year in North America, recording 27 points in Laval. He also displayed a physical edge during the Calder Cup playoffs. His offensive awareness has improved in recent years, and his confidence continues to grow. While there's competition for spots, Engström has the potential to become a decent third-pairing defenseman. Although he may start the season in the AHL due to being waivers-exempt, he is expected to be the first call-up option in case of injury. He can play on both sides, has improved defensively, and has untapped offensive potential.

Florian Xhekaj

While not mentioned in the provided search results, Florian Xhekaj is another prospect who could potentially make his NHL debut in the 2025-26 season. As a fourth-round pick in 2023, Xhekaj brings a combination of physicality and offensive skill. He is known for his strong work ethic and willingness to engage physically. Xhekaj's development will be key to determining his NHL readiness, but his style of play could make him a valuable asset to the Canadiens.