Montreal Canadiens: Building on Success for a Deeper Playoff Run in 2025-26
The Montreal Canadiens surprised many last season by making the playoffs as a wild card team. With a revamped roster and young talent, they are poised to make another run this season. Head coach Martin St. Louis believes his team can achieve more this year and challenge for the division title. Can the Canadiens take the next step and make a deeper playoff run?
Last season, the Canadiens secured the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 40-31-11 and 91 points. Despite a disappointing first-round exit, Montreal showed promise for the future. The offseason saw GM Kent Hughes make strategic moves to strengthen the team without sacrificing much. Acquiring defenseman Noah Dobson and forward Zach Bolduc bolsters the defense and forward group, adding offensive firepower to the lineup.
Dobson, who had an impressive 39 points in 71 games, and Bolduc, with 36 points in 72 games, bring skill and depth to the Canadiens' roster. These additions enhance the power play and penalty kill units, making Montreal a more formidable team heading into the new season. The young stars on the team, like goaltender Jacob Dobes and forward Ivan Demidov, showed promise last season and will be key to the team's success this year.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, the development of young players like Owen Beck and David Reinbacher will be crucial for the Canadiens. Beck, who showed potential in his limited games last season, and Reinbacher, who impressed in the AHL, could provide additional offensive firepower to the team. With a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talent, the Canadiens are poised to build on last season's success and make a strong push in the upcoming season.