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No one ever thought he would be a Dobson or Shae Weber, a #2/#3 is what he always was projected as. If need a goal in last minute of game, he wouldnt be the one Marty puts on the ice. If defending a 1 goal lead , then he would be. Vast majority of group wont ever meet fan expectations or hopes, safe to say.

From the article: "As for Reinbacher, a major knee injury unfortunately hindered his development this season. From the get-go, the likely outcome for Reinbacher was a second-pair role, but there was room for more. Unless he makes up for a tonne of lost ground — his draft-plus-one season wasn’t a bright spot, either — he projects as more of a number 3 defenceman than a potential top-pair one, especially with Noah Dobson now in the mix." The available roles on the Habs should have nothing to do with the prospect evaluations. If Reinbacher turns out to be a top-pairing defenceman, that's what he is, even if he were to play second pair on the Habs. Same goes for any other prospect, they should be ranked on their strengths and weaknesses, not on the available spots on the Habs' roster. Tom

I don’t know if I completely agree but I really like the format. Guys like F Xhekaj and Tuch jumping their levels would be a huge bonus. Second tier is empty but I don’t think it will remain that way - I think there are 4 or 5 players with a shot to make it there tiers 3 and 4 could produce a star

Interesting way to look at pool. The 2025 Montreal Canadiens Prospect Pyramid

The 3rd and 4th lines were nothing to write home about either.

Yeah. Mind you, that was after a bunch of injuries. But Armia-Dvorak-Drouin on the second line, oof.

This tweet really put our current team in perspective. Only two seasons ago this was our lineup - WOW

Quite a grouping of XXXL teenager d-men at start of 2nd round. All small compared to that 7-footer than just joined the OHL i suppose.

Same article. Go Marty! https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2025/07/canadiens-still-have-work-to-do-this-summer.html

I agree with this. If we get a 2C then Matheson can go. Otherwise Im holding him.

A surprisingly realistic list.

Good post. The thing is, with MM we probably have one of the league’s better (maybe one of its best) defence corps. Subtract him, and suddenly that advantage goes away for just the reason you state. So, yeah. Trade him for that C if the unicorn appears. Other than that, well, lean into our competitive advantage at D.

Agree 100%

"This doesn't necessarily mean that Canadiens management intends to turn Zachary Bolduc into a centerman, or at least to move him back to center for the first time in a long while."

Smart move to have the left handed wingers go through intense faceoff training. Bolduc taking the faceoffs instead of Dach would be helpful - if Bolduc turns out to be good

2C found. Canadiens Management Make First Key Decision Involving Newcomer Zachary Bolduc

Way-too-early predictions for the 2025-26 NHL season: Stanley Cup winner, awards and more - The Athletic

AHL names 2024-25 winners of excellence awards | TheAHL.com | The American Hockey League The Rocket won the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy for finishing with the best record in the AHL during the 2024-25 regular season before advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in four seasons. Off the ice, they remained a model of excellence in all areas of their operation, seeing continued business growth and providing a first-class experience to their fans at Place Bell where they averaged better than 9,900 fans per game during the regular season (including 23 sellouts).

Matheson is indeed a tricky read. On one hand he absolutely stands out as prime trade bait with his age, last year of his contract and his diminishing role. But on the other, were just not in a situation where subtracting him from our lineup makes sense (at least not to start the season). With Matheson still in our top 4 (I don't know how it'll all pan out, but I assume that one of Guhle or Matheson will pair with Hutson, the other with Dobson), it slots Carrier down onto the third with either one of Xhekaj or Struble. With Matheson removed (before Reinbacher or Engstrom are ready to make a jump into our top four), I assume this bumps Carrier back into the top four. Which might not be the best look if we are aiming for a step or two of progress. It'll be curious to see how it all plays out, but personally, unless a Matheson trade can be used to truly address the need at Center, I would lean in favor of holding on to him. At least to start the season.

That is true. It's a quiet time of year for hockey writers, they need to find something to write about.

St-Louis got Matheson to play a more defensive role--and, yes, Hutson's arrival was one reason why, but Savard's decline and Kovacevic's departure would also have been factors. Matheson talked about his new role in multiple interviews during the season.

He's a superstar. Can't see it myself.

i can see Hutson being a Beast on the right side as long as the D breakdowns that happen dont reach to his head too far

Matheson #s dropped, assume some must be the Hutson-factor. 23-24 82gms 25:33 62pts PP-3:41 PK-2:59 24-25 80gms 25:05 30pts PP-1:57 PK-3:28 Who knows, maybe he and Dobson could be a good pairing and just stick Hutson on right-side with Guhle?

Yes, good post. What do you do with Matheson? If he is willing to accept a lesser roll with a bit of a hometown discount then perhaps you extend him. If not then you have to look at trading him. I am sure Matheson has had discussions with Hughes about his future. His next contract will also likely be his last chance at making good money. But if he can help get somebody to fill the 2c role then he is likely gone.