{"id":493772,"date":"2026-03-08T22:12:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T22:12:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/493772\/"},"modified":"2026-03-08T22:12:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T22:12:17","slug":"montreal-canadiens-week-ahead-schedule-storylines-quiet-deadline-slafkovsky-and-suzuki-show-and-more-the-hockey-writers-montreal-canadiens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/493772\/","title":{"rendered":"Montreal Canadiens Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Quiet Deadline, Slafkovsky and Suzuki Show, and More – The Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is certainly an anxiety-inducing time of year for the Habs faithful! When your team is pushing for a playoff spot and the front office decides to keep their cards close to the vest at the trade deadline, it\u2019s natural to feel a mix of disappointment and nerves. However, the team is playing well, and the long-term vision in Montreal is looking very bright.<\/p>\n

The Quiet Trade Deadline<\/p>\n

The biggest story in Montreal right now is what didn\u2019t happen. The March 6 NHL Trade Deadline came and went without General Manager Kent Hughes making a single move<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While some fans were frustrated watching Eastern Conference rivals load up, Hughes made it clear he didn\u2019t want to jeopardize the team\u2019s long-term rebuild or disrupt locker room chemistry for a short-term rental. Captain Nick Suzuki actively voiced his support for keeping the current group together.<\/p>\n

A \u201cBlockbuster\u201d Put on Ice<\/p>\n

Even though the Habs stood pat, Hughes admitted to reporters that he worked the phones down to the final minutes on a \u201csignificant deal\u201d that ultimately fell through. Rumors swirled that Montreal was heavily pursuing a top-tier center<\/a> (like the St. Louis Blues\u2019 Robert Thomas) or engaging in complex talks involving Patrik Laine. The front office intends to revisit these blockbuster talks in the offseason.<\/p>\n

The Slafkovsky & Suzuki Connection<\/p>\n

On the ice, the top line is carrying the mail. The Habs are coming off a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, March 7. Juraj Slafkovsky has been an absolute force<\/a>, potting two goals in that game and reaching a career-high 52 points, while Suzuki continues to orchestrate the offense.<\/p>\n

The Eastern Conference Playoff Push<\/p>\n

The Canadiens (sitting at an impressive 34-18-10 following the Kings win) are currently holding onto third in the Atlantic. They are no longer just a \u201cpromising young team\u201d\u2014they are actively fighting<\/a> to secure home-ice advantage for the first round, locked in a tight race with teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and Buffalo Sabres.<\/p>\n

Canadiens Upcoming Schedule<\/p>\n

The upcoming week is an absolute gauntlet, featuring two punishing back-to-back sets. The Canadiens will need to rely heavily on strong goaltending and their defensive depth to navigate this stretch.<\/p>\n

The week kicks off with a massive, high-energy rivalry matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, followed immediately by a quick trip down the 417 to face the Ottawa Senators. The weekend brings another back-to-back at the Bell Centre against California teams (San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks)\u2014both of whom the Habs just played on their recent road trip, meaning bad blood from those high-scoring, chaotic games might spill over.<\/p>\n

DateOpponentLocationTime (EDT)Tuesday, Mar. 10vs. Toronto Maple LeafsCentre Bell (Montreal)7:00 PMWednesday, Mar. 11@ Ottawa SenatorsCanadian Tire Centre (Ottawa)7:30 PMSaturday, Mar. 14vs. San Jose SharksCentre Bell (Montreal)7:00 PMSunday, Mar. 15vs. Anaheim DucksCentre Bell (Montreal)7:00 PM<\/p>\n

AI tools were used to support the creation or distribution of this content, however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of The Hockey Writers editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards<\/a> page.<\/p>\n

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