Montreal Canadiens restructure training camp groups ahead of roster cuts

The Montreal Canadiens have restructured their training camp groupings, moving from three groups to two. This reorganization signals that the regular season is approaching and final roster decisions are imminent.

Group A currently contains approximately 26 players, including most of the team’s regulars. However, the NHL roster limit for the start of the season is 23 players, meaning the organization must make several cuts across all positions. Key players in Group A include forwards such as Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, as well as defensemen like Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher. Notable prospects like Jacob Fowler and Florian Xhekaj have also secured spots in the primary group.

Decisions regarding the goaltending position are expected to be critical, as the team may only carry two goaltenders. This could lead to a trade involving Samuel Montembeault or the assignment of Jacob Fowler to the Laval Rocket. On the defensive side, players like Adam Engstrom and Luke Mittelstadt are also being evaluated, with reports suggesting Mittelstadt may earn an NHL call-up during the season despite the team's current depth.