The 2024–25 season meant an important step forward for the Canadian Montreal. At the beginning of December the club was buried at the bottom of the NHL classification. But from mid-December to the 4 Nations Face-Off, was Montreal One of the most popular teams of the competition. That rise was enough to push them in the last play-off spot in the Eastern Conference, where they fought against the Washington Capitals in a heavily fought opening round.
Reaching the late season before the schedule was considerable, but the larger story was the progress of the young core of the Canadiens. Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky all produced career years, Lane Hutson won the Calder Trophy and veteran Brendan Gallagher enjoyed his best campaign in different seasons. Together they indicated that the rebuilding is on schedule.
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Looking at 2025–26, here are five best scenarios that can push the climb of Montréal back to claim.
Few players in the Canadiens system bring the skills that Ivan Demidov owns. After a short introduction last season, he will now enter the year that is expected to keep a permanent top-six-zes role. Demidov’s mix of creativity, misleading shooting and rapid decision -making could help transform the attack of Montréal.
The best outcome is that Demidov has an immediate impact a year ago that is comparable to the breakthrough of Slafkovsky. If he can control the scoring line scoring line, defenses can no longer only be focused on the Suzuki – Caufield – Slafkovsky line. That depth could be the difference between another narrow play -off berth and a safer postseason position.
Best-Case Scenario 2. Lane Hutson avoids the second slump
The Rookie campaign of Lane Hutson was one of the most dynamic ever produced By a first-year defender, who earns him the Calder trophy and even Norris Trophy consideration. The challenge is now supporting that level of games while opponents adapt.
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A Best-Case Scenario lets Hutson continue to thrive like a Power-Play Quarterback and Transition Engine while accelerating his defensive coverage. If he can take steps in his own zone, Montréal gets a real no. 1 defender in just his second year. Combining Hutson with Kaiden Guhle and newcomer Noah Dobson gives the Canadiens the backbone of a formidable blue line for the coming years.
Best-Case Scenario 3. Kirby Dach delivers as a healthy No. 2 Center
The forward depth of the Canadiens still strongly depends on Kirby Dach. When healthy, his size, vision and two -way presence make him an ideal addition to Suzuki in the middle. The difficulty is his sustainability: in three years at Montréal he missed more matches than he played.
The ideal scenario is a full 70-plus game season in which Dach cementes itself as a reliable second-line center. That would stabilize the line -up of Montreal, reduce the pressure on Alex Newhook and give Martin St. Louis the flexibility to match lines more effectively. A healthy dach would also improve power play, where his networking work can be an essential factor.
Best-Case Scenario 4. Sam Montembeault confirms his status as a real number 1 goalkeeper
Goal tending was one of Montreal’s biggest strengths a year ago, mainly because of the excellent underlying songs by Sam Montembeault. Its performance delivered him a place on the 4 nations face-off And consideration for the Olympic orientation camp of Canada.
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In a future future, Montembeault is wearing that form through an entire season, so that doubts about his ability to produce for a Playoff team are silenced. With Jakub Dobeš ready to support him and Capeo Kähkönen available as insurance, the targeting depth of the Canadians looks stronger than in years. If Montembeault settles itself as a consistent top 10 NHL-Netminder, the play-off opportunities of Montréal are rising dramatically.
Best-case scenario 5. Martin St. Louis leads another step forward
St. Louis was confronted with criticism during the slow start of Montréal last season, but his ability to keep the group together and generate an increase in the second half was impressive. He got productive seasons from veterans such as Gallagher and Josh Anderson while supervising the development of young talent.
The best result is that St. Louis consolidates last season’s winnings, keeping players in balance with the pressure to win now. If his group maintains the defensive structure that fueled their rise in the second half of last season, while adding more attacking punch, the Canadiens of Fringe Playoff team can go to legitimate challenger.
The Bottom Line: The Canadiens exceeds expectations again
The Canadiens exceeded expectations in 2024-25 by reaching the play -offs and showing off the growth of their young core. Before 2025–26, the success will not only be measured in victories and losses, but also in the question of whether important players and employees can continue to push the team closer to the status of the competition.
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If Demidov quickly adapts, Hutson Regression avoids, Dach remains healthy, Montembeault confirms his status as a number 1, and St. Louis delivers a season of progress, Montreal will be positioned to climb another sport on the ladder. The rebuilding may not be complete yet, but under these best-case scenarios the future of the Canadiens is always looking Roosker.
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