Going into training camp last year, Oliver Kapanen wasn’t generating much consideration for a roster spot, let alone playing in the top six. Now, after a quality rookie season, expectations are higher for his sophomore season.
The end of August is upon us and there are still some questions surrounding the Habs with training camp now just a couple of weeks away. Here are some thoughts on those questions plus other notes around the organization.
On a team that had a few breakout performers last season, Jakub Dobes becoming a starting goalie certainly stood out. Now, entering camp fresh off a contract extension, what should be expected from Montreal’s starter?
Last season, Cole Caufield was one of the top goalscorers in the NHL. Can he repeat that in 2026-27 or will he take a step back in that department?
Four years ago, the Habs hoped they had their second-line centre in Kirby Dach. Now, it feels like he’s getting his final chance. Will that result in the breakout year both sides have long been seeking?
Last summer, Noah Dobson was Montreal’s big addition to their core. While he didn’t have as prominent of a role as he had before, he had a solid first season with the Habs. Can he build off that performance in 2026-27?
Last season was an up-and-down one for Alex Newhook in large part due to injuries. Now, entering a contract year, will 2026-27 be his breakout campaign?
Starting the first season of his eight-year deal, expectations were a little higher for Juraj Slafkovsky in 2025-26. Fortunately for him and the Habs, he was able to live up to them with a career year. Does he have another one in store for 2026-27?
The calendar has flipped to August as we hit the unofficial midpoint of the summer. By now, we typically have a good sense of where things stand for the Habs but this time around, there are still plenty of questions remaining.
Quality right-shot defencemen are hard to come by which is why the Habs paid big to land Noah Dobson last year. Meanwhile, they’ve been trying to stock up their prospect pool in the hopes of getting a player or two from there down the road.