Spring Cleaning – Montreal Canadiens

Spring Cleaning – Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens continued one of the NHL's most impressive rebuilds during the 2025-26 season, finishing third in the Atlantic Division with 106 points before advancing to the Eastern Conference Final. Powered by the emergence of several young stars and significant growth throughout the roster, Montreal exceeded preseason expectations and established itself as one of the league's rising contenders. Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the Canadiens' remarkable progression, their evolving goaltending situation, and the important roster decisions awaiting Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton this offseason.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00:00] The Canadiens finish third in the Atlantic Division with 106 points before defeating Tampa Bay and Buffalo in consecutive seven-game playoff series. Although Carolina ends Montreal's postseason run in the Eastern Conference Final, Neil and Vic agree the season represents another major step forward for one of the NHL's youngest teams.

[00:00:45] Expectations entering the season centered on simply returning to the playoffs for a second consecutive year. Instead, Montreal surpasses those expectations as several young players elevate their games and transform the Canadiens into a legitimate contender.

[00:01:30] Cole Caufield headlines the breakout performances with a spectacular 51-goal season. Montreal improves by 15 points in the standings, scores 38 more goals than the previous year, and finishes tied for the fifth-highest point total in the NHL.

[00:02:00] The Canadiens' special teams take mixed steps forward, while the goaltending situation undergoes a dramatic shift. Sam Montembeault struggles after entering the season as the starter, allowing Jakub Dobes to seize the number-one role during Montreal's impressive playoff run.

[00:03:00] Neil discusses the changing landscape of NHL goaltending, where many teams now rotate capable netminders rather than relying on one established superstar. Montreal becomes another example of how confidence and momentum can dramatically reshape a team's crease during a single season.

[00:04:30] The conversation turns to Jakub Dobes' future. While Jacob Fowler continues developing within the organization, Neil believes Dobes possesses the competitiveness and edge necessary to remain Montreal's starter after an outstanding postseason performance.

[00:06:00] Montreal's young core continues to impress. Cole Caufield reaches 51 goals, Nick Suzuki records his first 100-point season, Juraj Slafkovský enjoys a career year, and rookie Ivan Demidov leads all first-year players in scoring one season after Lane Hutson accomplished the same feat.

[00:07:00] Neil and Vic highlight the Canadiens' growing depth with contributions from Alex Newhook, Jake Evans, Kirby Dach, Josh Anderson, Zach Bolduc, Phillip Danault, and Alexander Texier. On defense, Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, and Alexandre Carrier provide a strong foundation despite questions surrounding Dobson's new contract value.

[00:08:30] Marty St. Louis receives praise for his continued development as an NHL head coach. After arriving in Montreal with virtually no professional coaching experience, St. Louis has guided the Canadiens through one of the league's most successful rebuilds.

[00:09:00] Looking ahead, Montreal enters the offseason with eight selections in the 2026 NHL Draft and approximately $11 million in projected salary cap space. Brendan Gallagher's reported desire for a trade could create additional financial flexibility if a deal can be completed.

[00:10:00] Neil reflects on Gallagher's outstanding career in Montreal, praising his leadership and passion while acknowledging that a change of scenery may benefit both player and organization at this stage of his career.

[00:11:00] Patrick Laine's disappointing tenure in Montreal is revisited after another injury-filled season. Neil explains why he questioned the acquisition from the beginning and believes Laine's inability to consistently impact the game beyond goal scoring has once again prevented him from becoming a long-term solution.

[00:13:00] The episode concludes with Montreal's remaining contract decisions, including restricted free agents Kirby Dach, Zach Bolduc, Joe Veleno, and Arber Xhekaj. Neil expects Xhekaj's toughness and physical presence to keep him in Montreal as the Canadiens continue building toward sustained Stanley Cup contention.