2025-26
Record: 48-24-10, 106 points, 3rd in Atlantic Division
Playoffs: Lost to Carolina in the Eastern Conference Final
Key Losses
F – Brendan Gallagher (Trade w/ VAN), F – Joe Veleno (NYR), F – Patrik Laine (Free Agency)
Key Additions
None
2026-27 Preview
Continuing the Push
The Montreal Canadiens continued their impressive ascent during the 2025-26 season, advancing to the Eastern Conference Final before falling to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. While the playoff exit was disappointing, the Canadiens took another significant step in their rebuild and showed they are no longer just a team on the rise—they are becoming a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.
Much of Montreal’s success can be attributed to the continued development of its young core. The Canadiens’ emerging stars have taken meaningful strides, and head coach Martin St. Louis has fostered an environment that emphasizes confidence, accountability, and player development. As a result, the team has evolved into one that plays with speed, structure, and resilience.
General manager Kent Hughes has also demonstrated confidence in the direction of the franchise. Rather than making sweeping changes to the roster, Hughes has largely kept the core intact, trusting the group’s internal growth and chemistry to drive continued success. That measured approach reflects the organization’s belief that its foundation is already in place and that its young players are capable of taking the next step together.
Heading into the 2026-27 season, expectations in Montreal have changed. The Canadiens are no longer viewed as an up-and-coming team hoping to surprise opponents—they are expected to compete for the top of the Atlantic Division and make another deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The challenge now is to build on last season’s breakthrough and prove they can consistently contend with the NHL’s elite.
Can Jakub Dobeš Stay on Top?
A major reason for the Canadiens’ success last season was the emergence of rookie goaltender Jakub Dobeš. Thrust into a significant role, Dobeš responded with an outstanding regular season, posting a 29-10-4 record in 43 appearances while recording a 2.78 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage. His steady play provided Montreal with the stability it needed between the pipes as the team established itself as one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders.
Dobeš carried that success into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he appeared in 19 games and posted a 9-10 record, along with a 2.66 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. Although his record doesn’t fully reflect his performance, he was a key factor in Montreal’s run to the Eastern Conference Final and consistently gave the Canadiens a chance to win against some of the NHL’s best teams.
His breakout campaign earned him a new three-year contract and solidified his place as Montreal’s No. 1 goaltender heading into the 2026-27 season. The challenge now will be building on that impressive rookie year and proving he can consistently perform at a high level as the Canadiens’ unquestioned starter. If Dobeš continues his upward trajectory, Montreal’s future in goal appears to be in very capable hands.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Cole Caufield — Nick Suzuki — Juraj Slafkovsky
Alex Newhook — Jake Evans — Ivan Demidov
Alexandre Texier — Phillip Danault — Josh Anderson
Zachary Bolduc — Oliver Kapanen — Kirby Dach
Defense
Mike Matheson — Noah Dobson
Jayden Struble — Lane Hutson
Kaiden Guhle — Alexandre Carrier
Goalies
Jakub Dobes
Jacob Fowler