We’re way too early into the 2025-26 NHL season to make definitive conclusions and predictions concerning the Montreal Canadiens but here are a few this-and-thats on all things Habs-related thus far.
This offseason is going to be a critical one for the Canadiens as they try to take another step forward in their rebuild. As a result, both Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes will have plenty to wade through to help the team do just that.
While the Habs were eliminated in the first round by Washington, the team and its fans still owe a big thank you to the Rangers for letting go of one of the architects of this team.
The Habs have moved to a new phase in their rebuild but it’s not the end stage just yet. Instead, the Canadiens find themselves in a spot where they’re going to play really well some nights and really struggle in others.
The rebuild for the Canadiens is a lot like popping popcorn, something that requires patience and planning. They should be moving past the first stage of it, getting closer to reaping the rewards in the process.
The Rangers and Habs were once at a similar crossroads with the latter opting for a full rebuild over a retool like Montreal first attempted. Having seen how New York has fared since, what lessons can the Canadiens learn?
While management will be looking to add to the rosters of both the Canadiens and Rocket, they should also be looking to add to the coaching staff of each team in the coming months.
Patience is a virtue. And far too many Montreal Canadiens fans and media members seem to lack when it comes to their expectations of 2022 first-overall draft pick Juraj Slafkovsky. That needs to change.
The Montreal Canadiens wasted little time finding another new home for Jeff Petry. However, rather than accepting an underwhelming package with salary retention, they should have looked to get creative which could have allowed them to spend the savings in a different manner.
The Habs have already returned Owen Beck to play in junior this season. While it might not be the popular opinion, they should be taking the same approach with first-rounders Juraj Slafkovsky and Filip Mesar as well.