Young Canadiens face challenge in building off surprisingly successful season

Montreal Canadiens, just one season removed from their surprising run to the Eastern Conference final, are gearing up for the 2026-27 season. The team looks to build on that success and prove it was just the beginning.

The Canadiens posted a 48-24-10 record and 106 points in the 2025-26 season, falling short of the Stanley Cup final against the Carolina Hurricanes. Key players such as Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky had standout seasons.

Veteran Chris Kreider, acquired just before training camp, will join the top line alongside Suzuki and Caufield. The team has 13 forwards under contract, making it challenging for younger players like Owen Beck and Florian Xhekaj to break into the lineup. Both players are working hard to prove themselves.

Defenceman Kaiden Guhle will miss the start of the season due to surgery, opening up a spot for David Reinbacher, the fifth overall pick in the 2023 draft. Reinbacher showed promise during his first NHL season and is now entering a crucial stage of his development.

The biggest question mark heading into the season is the goaltending situation. With Samuel Montembeault's struggles, Jakub Dobes emerged as the team's No. 1 goaltender during the playoffs, signed a three-year extension, and is expected to start in net against the Maple Leafs on Tuesday night in Toronto.