40-31-11 91 points (5th Atlantic, 8th conference, 16th overall)

2.96 GF/GP, 17th; 3.18 GA/GP, 22nd

20.1 PP%, 21st; 80.9 PK%, 9th

Key losses: D David Savard, D Logan Mailloux, W Joel Armia

Key additions: D Noah Dobson, W Zach Bolduc

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Expected lineup:

Cole Caufield-Nick Suzuki-Juraj Slafkovsky

Ivan Demidov -Kirby Dach- Patrik Laine

Zachary Bolduc -Alex Newhook-Brendan Gallagher

Jake Evans-Joe Veleno- Josh Anderson

Mike Matheson-Noah Dobson

Kaiden Guhle-Lane Hutson

Arber Xhekaj-Alexandre Carrier

Sam Montembeault

Jakub Dobes

Kaapo Kahkonen

PP1: Caufield- Suzuki- Laine- Demidov– Hutson

PP2: Bolduc – Dach – Slafkovsky – Dobson – Matheson

5×5:

Montreal’s offense slightly improved last season, driven by the improvement on the man-advantage. They can thank the presence of Lane Hutson for that uptick in output. The additional of several new faces should result in another rise in goals scored, especially at even-strength.

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Defensively, the Canadiens also were better, with that change playing a major component in their run to the post-season. Sam Montembeault and Jakob Dobes both played key roles in the goal reduction, Hutson certainly helped as well. Like the forwards, the blue line also has a shiny new face who should bolster that aspect.

The Habs’ top line certainly has the potential to be one of the better trios in the league. Nick Suzuki put the team on his back down the stretch while Cole Caufield has substantially benefitted since Martin St. Louis took over as coach. Juraj Slafkovsky has his second straight solid campaign but did leave you wanting more. If he figures it out, each member of the unit has 30-goal potential.

Ivan Demidov came over late in the 2024-25, getting his feet wet at the end of the regular season and playoffs. Slated to skate in the top-nine, Demidov – the fifth overall pick in 2024 – should contend for the Calder Trophy. Potentially skating opposite him is Patrik Laine, who once again was limited by injuries. If – and that’s a big word – he can stay healthy, Montreal will have two scoring wingers. But can Kirby Dach also stay healthy enough to center the duo?

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The Canadiens added a physical winger in Zach Bolduc for Logan Mailloux. On paper, the deal was a no-brainer and steal for Montreal. Bolduc is a physical winger who fits in the middle-six and has a chance at 20+ markers. The team has several options for the third line but need a lot more from Alex Newhook.

Noah Dobson signed an eight-year, $76 million contract extension with the Islanders and was dealt to Montreal just before the draft in exchange for Emil Heineman and Montreal’s two first-round picks in 2025. The Habs beat out others for the services of Dobson, who will skate next to either Hutson or Mike Matheson. Dobson’s production nosedived, as did his play, but the move north should revitalize his game.

Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj and Alexandre Carrier provide a physical presence on the back line. The fifth overall pick in 2023, David Reinbacher missed a good portion of last season after surgery on his left knee in October. He played for Laval (AHL) after returning to action and should start this year at that level. He projects as a top-four blueliner in the future.

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PP:

A 21st place finish on the man-advantage given all the talent that looks to exist is disappointing. The additions of Demidov, Bolduc and Dobson give Montreal what should be a significant uplift. A similar finish would not be well-received.

St. Louis must decide if he will go with two d-men on the first unit and where Matheson slots in. If Laine is healthy, look for him to skate on the top unit. Bolduc’s physical presence will be a welcome addition to the second unit.

All stats courtesy of naturalstattrick.com, moneypuck.com, hockeyviz.com, allthreezones.com, hockey-reference.com, eliteprospects.com unless otherwise noted.