The Montreal Canadiens are heading into the 2025-26 season with a significant challenge: replacing key players on their penalty kill unit. The departure of Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, and David Savard leaves a void that the team must fill through internal competition and strategic player development.
In the 2024-25 season, the Canadiens' penalty kill ranked ninth in the NHL with an 80.9% success rate. Armia and Jake Evans formed a strong duo on the top unit, contributing six shorthanded goals. Dvorak, paired with Josh Anderson on the second unit, was a reliable faceoff man. Savard led the team in penalty kill minutes. With these players gone, the Canadiens need to find new combinations that can replicate their effectiveness.
General Manager Kent Hughes has acknowledged that the rebuild is ongoing and that there are significant needs to be filled. The focus will be on evaluating internal options before seeking outside help. Executive Vice President Jeff Gorton emphasized the team's willingness to assess players within the organization.
Several players are in the mix to step up and take on larger roles on the penalty kill. Jake Evans remains a key piece, and the Canadiens signed him to a four-year contract extension. Newly acquired forward Joe Veleno has expressed his readiness to contribute on the penalty kill, aiming to replace Armia and Dvorak. Veleno already has experience on the penalty kill in the American Hockey League and has been asked to help in those situations in the NHL.
Other players who could potentially fill the void include Alex Newhook and some of the team's emerging talents. The Canadiens are also focusing on improving speed and skill within their roster. The coaching staff will be looking for players who demonstrate a strong defensive game and a willingness to be defensively responsible.
The Canadiens' coaching staff, led by Martin St. Louis, is addressing the penalty kill issues by focusing on individual mistakes, sharper reads, and a better understanding of opponents. Goalie Jake Allen has noted that the struggles often stem from technical aspects rather than a lack of engagement. The team is working to correct these technical issues in practice, emphasizing attention to detail. When the players' reads are sharp and the technical aspects are well-executed, the Canadiens are hard to play against.
The Canadiens' ability to maintain a strong penalty kill will be crucial for their success in the 2025-26 season. Internal competition will drive players to elevate their game and earn a spot on the unit. The team's focus on development and attention to detail will be key to ensuring that the penalty kill remains a strength. While there are concerns about replacing the lost assets, the Canadiens are determined to find solutions from within and continue their progress as a team.
