Here are five best-case scenarios for the Montreal Canadiens heading into the 2025-26 NHL season:

1. Continued Development of Core Players: The 2024-25 season saw Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Cole Caufield achieve career-best numbers, establishing themselves as a dangerous top line in the Eastern Conference. A best-case scenario involves these players continuing their upward trajectory, further solidifying their roles as offensive leaders. Forwards like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook will need to elevate their games. A full, productive season from Patrik Laine would significantly boost the team's offensive capabilities.

2. Impact from New Additions and Prospects: Ivan Demidov is expected to join the Canadiens and provide a high level of skill to the top six forwards. The Canadiens have a number of promising prospects who could make an impact. David Reinbacher, after a couple of seasons marked by inconsistency and injuries, could have a breakout season in Laval, showcasing his mobility and poise. Michael Hage could dominate college hockey and potentially join Laval by the spring of 2026, accelerating his path to the NHL. Jacob Fowler has the potential to establish himself as the team's future starting goaltender if he excels in the AHL.

3. Goaltending Stability: Sam Montembeault has emerged as a reliable starting goaltender, playing a significant number of games and demonstrating his ability to steal wins. In a best-case scenario, Montembeault continues his strong play, solidifying his role as the team's number one goalie. To avoid overworking Montembeault, Cayden Primeau needs to regain the coaching staff's trust and become a reliable backup. If all else fails, the Canadiens have Kaapo Kähkönen as a decent third-string option.

4. Defensive Improvements: Noah Dobson, acquired by the Canadiens, has the potential to be a difference-maker on the team's top defensive pair. While he may not quarterback the power play, focusing on his overall defensive responsibilities could allow him to thrive. Lane Hutson, coming off a Calder Trophy-winning season, continues his development and further strengthens the team's defensive core.

5. Playoff Success and Foundation for the Future: After making the playoffs in 2025, a best-case scenario for the 2025-26 season would involve the Canadiens building on that success and making a deeper run. Even if the Canadiens don't go deep in the playoffs, simply making it would indicate they are on the right track. The goal is to see offensive jumps from top players and more consistency throughout the season, solidifying their position as a team on the rise. Making the playoffs would put them exactly where they need to be.