Montreal Canadiens roster outlook

In mid‑July 2026 the Canadiens were praised for a dramatic turnaround in the 2024‑25 season, posting a 15‑point improvement, finishing with 91 points and earning a playoff berth before a first‑round exit. The surge was credited to offensive leaders Juraj Slafkovský and Cole Caufield, contributions from young defensemen, and roster changes overseen by GM Kent Hughes.

By early August the narrative shifted to the league’s upcoming expansion draft. Analysts noted that the Habs could protect a core of seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie (or eight skaters and one goalie), effectively shielding most of the talent that drove the recent improvement. Prospects such as Kaiden Guhle, Jacob Fowler, David Reinbacher, Oliver Kapanen and defenseman Mike Matheson were highlighted as potential exposure candidates, while young goaltenders Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler were seen as attractive options for a new franchise.

In early August the Canadiens surprised the NHL by advancing to the Eastern Conference final, a run credited to a core of home‑grown players. GM Kent Hughes extended Russian forward Ivan Demidov’s contract through 2034‑35 and added former Tampa Bay Lightning assistant Derek Lalonde to the coaching staff to sharpen defensive play. Prospects such as Juraj Slafkovský, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson and defenseman David Reinbacher are now viewed as regulars. Analysts describe the club as moving from a playoff surprise to a genuine championship contender, emphasizing internal development over costly free‑agent bidding wars and signaling a continued push for the Stanley Cup.