We’re in the NHL offseason — and to help you get ready for the upcoming campaign, we’ll be highlighting the top 10 players on each team over the next month. This is the Montreal Canadiens!
Samuel Montembeault has firmly secured his place as the Canadiens’ number-one goaltender, delivering steady performances night after night. His composure in the crease and ability to make timely, difficult saves have been key in giving his team a chance to win, no matter the opponent.
Over the past seasons, Montembeault’s rise has not gone unnoticed. What began as quiet recognition in Montreal has started to spread across the NHL, with more fans and analysts acknowledging his skill set and value.
As his reputation continues to grow, so does the sense that he’s becoming one of the league’s most respected netminders.
Mike Matheson’s role on the Canadiens’ blue line has shifted somewhat with the emergence of Lane Hutson, but his importance to the team remains undeniable. A smooth-skating defenseman with the ability to contribute at both ends of the ice, Matheson brings veteran stability, offensive instincts, and reliable puck-moving skills that help drive the team’s transition game.
Even if his minutes or responsibilities have evolved, Matheson continues to be a trusted presence in key situations, whether it’s breaking up plays in the defensive zone or sparking offense from the back end.
His experience, leadership, and versatility make him a crucial piece of the Canadiens’ defensive core as they move forward.
Acquired by the Canadiens this summer in a pre-draft trade that sent the 16th and 17th overall picks the other way, Noah Dobson instantly steps into the role of the team’s number-one defenseman. At just 25 years old, he already brings an impressive mix of size, skill, and poise that makes him one of the most promising young blueliners in the NHL.
Dobson’s ability to log big minutes, quarterback a power play, and defend against top competition will be invaluable for Montreal.
His arrival not only solidifies the top of the Canadiens’ defensive depth chart but also gives the team a true cornerstone on the back end to build around for years to come.
Lane Hutson, fresh off winning the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie, has quickly cemented himself as one of the league’s premier offensive defensemen. His dynamic skating, elite vision, and ability to create scoring chances seemingly out of nothing have made him a constant threat from the blue line. Despite his young age and smaller stature, Hutson has shown remarkable confidence in pushing the pace of play and dictating the flow of the game.
In just his first season, he’s already proven that he can not only contribute but excel against the league’s best, piling up points while still holding his own defensively.
For the Canadiens, Hutson represents a rare, game-changing talent who has the potential to be a cornerstone of their attack for years to come — and fans across the NHL are taking notice.
Kaiden Guhle has quickly earned the reputation as the Canadiens’ general on the blue line, a role he’s embraced thanks to his impressive maturity and elite defensive instincts. Calm under pressure and always in the right position, Guhle brings a steady presence that anchors Montreal’s defensive structure.
His ability to read plays, close gaps, and win tough battles makes him a trusted option in all situations — from shutting down top opposition forwards to logging heavy minutes late in close games.
And while his offensive numbers continue to grow, it’s his leadership, poise, and commitment to doing the hard work in his own zone that have solidified his status as the backbone of the Canadiens’ defense.
It might seem a little odd to see Ivan Demidov’s name on this list, considering he’s only played two NHL games so far. But the reason is simple — his talent is undeniable, and the potential impact he could have on the Canadiens is enormous.
The 19-year-old forward possesses exceptional skill, creativity, and vision, making him a constant threat whenever the puck is on his stick.
Even in his brief debut, Demidov showcased flashes of elite playmaking and scoring ability that turned heads across the league. It’s no surprise that he enters the 2025–26 season as one of the frontrunners for the Calder Trophy, with many expecting him to become a key piece of Montreal’s future sooner rather than later.
Juraj Slafkovsky has all the tools to eventually become one of the NHL’s premier players — size, skill, strength, and a competitive edge that can tilt games in his team’s favor.
However, one area the young Slovakian forward still needs to improve is getting off to stronger starts each season.
In his early years with the Canadiens, Slafkovsky has tended to find his rhythm as the campaign progresses, often finishing far stronger than he began. If he can learn to bring that high level of play from the opening puck drop in October, there’s little doubt he has the potential to dominate night in and night out, establishing himself as one of the league’s elite talents.
Patrik Laine joined the Montreal Canadiens amid high expectations, bringing one of the most powerful and precise shots in hockey to a team looking to boost its offensive firepower. His ability to change the course of a game with a single shot makes him a constant threat on the ice.
Although his career has seen its share of ups and downs in recent seasons, Laine’s scoring talent remains exceptional.
Consistency and health will be key for him to fully unlock his potential and become a dominant force in Montreal’s lineup. With his skill set, he has the capacity to add a dynamic element to the Canadiens’ attack and challenge goaltenders night after night.
Cole Caufield has already proven himself as one of the NHL’s most lethal snipers, showcasing an incredibly quick release and remarkable accuracy. Despite his young age, he consistently finds ways to score against the league’s toughest goaltenders. His ability to create scoring opportunities and finish with precision has made him a key offensive weapon for the Canadiens.
As Montreal aims to return to playoff contention and build a competitive team, Caufield’s goal-scoring talent will be crucial.
The Canadiens depend on his offensive contributions to generate momentum and put pressure on opposing defenses. His presence on the ice is vital for the team’s overall success and future aspirations.
Nick Suzuki stands out as the clear leader of Montreal’s young core, carrying the heavy responsibility of guiding the team both on and off the ice. As the captain, much of the Canadiens’ success hinges on his performance. When Suzuki is playing at his best, the entire team tends to follow suit, showing more energy, creativity, and confidence. His vision and playmaking ability make him the engine that drives Montreal’s offense, setting up scoring chances and controlling the pace of the game.
Beyond his offensive skills, Suzuki’s leadership qualities are essential in helping develop the younger players around him.
He leads by example with his work ethic, composure, and determination, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike. The Canadiens’ future largely depends on how well Suzuki can maintain his consistency and continue to elevate his game, making him one of the most important players on the roster.
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