The Montreal Canadiens are heading into the 2025-2026 NHL season with heightened expectations after a promising 2024-25 campaign that saw them clinch a playoff berth. However, to solidify their playoff hopes and potentially make a deeper run, the Canadiens need to capitalize on the early part of their schedule.
Montreal's season begins with three straight road games, starting on October 8 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, followed by games against the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. Their home opener is on October 14 against the Seattle Kraken. A strong start in these games could set a positive tone for the season and provide valuable momentum.
One of the biggest factors influencing the Canadiens' success will be the performance of their young core. Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky are expected to lead the charge offensively, and expectations are high for them. The addition of Ivan Demidov, drafted fifth overall in 2024, has generated considerable excitement, with some predicting he could win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. Demidov is projected to start the season alongside Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine, giving him ample opportunity to showcase his skills. A strong debut from Demidov, combined with consistent production from Laine, could significantly boost Montreal's offensive output.
The Canadiens' defense has also been bolstered by the acquisition of Noah Dobson in a trade with the New York Islanders. Dobson is expected to play a key role on the top defensive pairing, alongside Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson. The play of Kaiden Guhle and Alexandre Carrier will also be crucial to the team's defensive success.
However, the Canadiens face a highly competitive Eastern Conference, particularly within their own Atlantic Division. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning are expected to be strong contenders, making it essential for Montreal to secure points against division rivals. Games against teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Ottawa Senators will also be important, as these teams are also vying for playoff spots.
The Canadiens' schedule includes several key rivalry nights and challenging stretches. November features an early measuring-stick game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. December brings a busy schedule with a high number of games and back-to-back sets. The team will also face tough opponents like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Panthers at home. The Olympic break in February will provide a mid-season reset, which could be beneficial for a young team. The season concludes with a demanding April schedule, including road trips to New York, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay.
Several factors could impact the Canadiens' ability to solidify their playoff hopes. The team's youth could lead to inconsistency, and injuries to key players could derail their progress. Goaltending will also be a critical factor, as the Canadiens will need strong performances from their netminders to win close games.
Despite the challenges, there's optimism surrounding the Canadiens' potential. With a talented young core, improved defense, and a full season under coach Martin St. Louis, the Canadiens have the opportunity to turn potential into playoff success. An aggressive offseason that brought in scoring punch and bolstered the defense has further raised expectations. If the Canadiens can get off to a fast start, navigate their challenging schedule, and see their young players continue to develop, they could be poised for a successful season and a deeper playoff run.
