2025-26 projected lineup discussion

[Prime Minister Koivu]

Bennett is an unlikely long shot because he probably will re-sign in Florida anyway. 
 

Granlund has the most realistic chance of becoming a Canadien but lots of teams are going to be after him. 
 

Tavares is likely signing in Toronto for peanuts

 

Horvat is probably staying in NYI 

 

Rossi is possible

 

The unexpected is likely - someone we haven’t thought of 

[Habs]

I think it would be nice to get a 2nd line center and winger.  But that is easier said then done.  So it got me thinking.  If we are only able to fill one of the positions would veteran center or make sense.  Like Yanni Gourde.  He is left handed center/wing.  Might be a good compliment to dach or new hook.   Only

take face offs on their strong side ?   Is there a spot where they keep stats on face of percentage per side of the ice.   Not sure if that will make sense to everyone. 

[Habs]

I obviously mean aim higher but a fall back plan. 

[IN THE HEARTS OF MEN]

Could this be a huge reason he's so sought after... what a crushing hit

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ4cGH8xGKn/?igsh=cGQydGljanpzaWRz

[Commandant]

35 minutes ago, IN THE HEARTS OF MEN said:

Could this be a huge reason he's so sought after... what a crushing hit

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ4cGH8xGKn/?igsh=cGQydGljanpzaWRz

 

Its one of the reasons.  He's just an absolute menace come playoff time when the rules get relaxed by the refs. 

 

That's a clean hit and a devastating one that you posted. That said Bennett isn't afraid to be dirty to win either. 

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

The “biggest hit in playoff history” is this one. 

 

Nevertheless that Bennett one is pretty savage. I feel bad for Slavin watching it.

 

 

[tomh009]

Sadly, I never did see that one until decades later, the first season I could see on TV was '77-78 so missed out on this one by a year and a bit. 😢

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

17 hours ago, tomh009 said:

Sadly, I never did see that one until decades later, the first season I could see on TV was '77-78 so missed out on this one by a year and a bit. 😢

 

Don’t worry, it was before my time as well 😉 

 

The reason that hit was so massive was (a) it damaged the boards (!!!) and (b) it send a gigantic message. This was the Finals. The Cup champion Flyers were all about intimidation. The Habs were obviously a high-skill team (on the way to becoming perhaps the greatest team ever), and the only way the Flyers were going to beat them was through intimidation. But the Habs had size and strength up and down the lineup, and when Robinson casually sent the hulking Gary Dornhofer into the boards, damaging the Flyers’ precious Spectrum, it established that we had their number.

 

Ken Dryden described it as a casual, “aw shucks” kind of destruction - as though Big Bird was barely even trying, yet wreaked huge devastation - that sent a shiver through both teams. 

 

There’s another lesson here too. Despite the “Flying Frenchmen” myth, Habs’ championship teams have always had serious size, toughness, and grit to go with the skill. It’s something we can’t forget as the HuGo rebuild unfolds.

[GHT120]

20 hours ago, tomh009 said:

Sadly, I never did see that one until decades later, the first season I could see on TV was '77-78 so missed out on this one by a year and a bit. 😢

 

2 hours ago, The Chicoutimi Cucumber said:

Don’t worry, it was before my time as well 😉 teams have always had serious size, toughness, and grit to go with the skill. It’s something we can’t forget as the HuGo rebuild unfolds.

 

Pups ... it was glorious

[Habsfan89]

On 5/25/2025 at 4:13 PM, Habs said:

I think it would be nice to get a 2nd line center and winger.  But that is easier said then done.  So it got me thinking.  If we are only able to fill one of the positions would veteran center or make sense.  Like Yanni Gourde.  He is left handed center/wing.  Might be a good compliment to dach or new hook.   Only

take face offs on their strong side ?   Is there a spot where they keep stats on face of percentage per side of the ice.   Not sure if that will make sense to everyone. 

Have you seen next year’s free agency list, I wouldn’t go heavy at anyone in this year’s free agency. If we could improve through trade that’s the course of action I would take. And next year we go all in and bring in a big fish through free agency.  If we could unload Anderson to free up more cash and a roster spot I would do that. 

[Commandant]

Next year's free agents always look great in May.

 

None can re-sign with their current team til July 1st

 

Most will re-sign between July 1st 2025 and June 30th 2026, or be traded to a team they sign with ala Rantanen... and then the pool will be similar to this year. 

 

Planning for next year's free agency cause is a plan for failure cause you won't get a shot at 90% of the guys.

[DON]

Lots still to be done and numerous upgrades needed, sobering summery.

 

Montreal’s Playoff Run Showed How Far They Have Come and How Far They Still Have to Go – HabsWorld.net

 

"...Reinbacher and Mailloux could get there one day but probably not for a bit.  I like Carrier but he’s best off as a third-pairing guy who moves up when there are injuries.  Most of what the Habs have left either in Laval or in the NHL (Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble) probably aren’t getting to a top-four level.  Even if you can fill one internally, there’s still at least one external need, two if Matheson walks in 2026.  Again, this probably isn’t getting fixed in one offseason."

[Prime Minister Koivu]

13 minutes ago, DON said:

Lots still to be done and numerous upgrades needed, sobering summery.

 

Montreal’s Playoff Run Showed How Far They Have Come and How Far They Still Have to Go – HabsWorld.net

 

"...Reinbacher and Mailloux could get there one day but probably not for a bit.  I like Carrier but he’s best off as a third-pairing guy who moves up when there are injuries.  Most of what the Habs have left either in Laval or in the NHL (Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble) probably aren’t getting to a top-four level.  Even if you can fill one internally, there’s still at least one external need, two if Matheson walks in 2026.  Again, this probably isn’t getting fixed in one offseason."

There is a great deal of hope being placed in Reinbacher to be the key RD and that makes me a bit nervous. 
 

I'm curious if Hutson playing right is a long term plan or at least until another player is ready. 
 

Re-sign Matheson and for 2026/2027

 

Hutson - Reinbacher 

Guhle - Mailloux

Matheson - Carrier

Xhekaj

Struble

Engstrom

 

[DON]

When and how much $$/term will Hutson get?

Lane Hutson’s next contract with Canadiens is minefield that might need to wait - The Athletic

 

“For sure we’ll talk to his agent,” Hughes said. “I saw that he mentioned he’d like to get his contract settled sooner rather than later. So we’ll call his agent and we’ll see. But it’s not like it’s a priority...."

 

"If we look at the contracts signed by Hughes since he arrived, one theme has emerged: He often gets what he wants. He wanted a short term on Sam Montembeault’s contract, and that’s what he got. He wanted a certain number for Jake Evans’ contract, and that’s what he got. But most notably, he wanted Caufield’s and Slafkovský’s second contracts to come in under Nick Suzuki’s $7.875 million cap number, and that’s what he got in both cases."

[DON]

34 minutes ago, Prime Minister Koivu said:

There is a great deal of hope being placed in Reinbacher to be the key RD and that makes me a bit nervous.

He seems to be as advertised so far, just hope he has a nice off-season training and shines in pre-season.

Similar to Guhle, dont think anyone expected a 60-70 point d-man; but is mobile, defends well and can move puck OK.

On paper he seems a nice top 4 partner with a Hutson or Guhle, at some point.

[GHT120]

1 hour ago, DON said:

Lots still to be done and numerous upgrades needed, sobering summery ... Reinbacher and Mailloux could get there one day but probably not for a bit.

Reinbacher needing more AHL seasoning next season should not be a surprise ... this was his first North American season ... it ***may*** be time for HuGo to do a serious analysis on Mailloux ... spent his draft year in Europe then missed 56 of 75 games the next season with London ... spent another season with London and then two with Laval (8 games with Habs) ... are his remaining "defensive deficiencies" correctable or is his best service to the Habs as trade bait?  His offensive skills seem to easily be NHL level, but can he be on the ice enough to really make use of them?

[DON]

Wonder what kind of value other GMs would put on him?

 

NHL offseason trade board: An early look at the summer’s top targets, from Kreider to Rossi to Ehlers - The Athletic

 

19. Logan Mailloux
Team: Montreal Canadiens
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
2024-25 stats: 2 goals, 4 points, 7 games
Age: 22
Contract: $875,000 AAV through 2026 (RFA)

The Canadiens’ cupboards are overflowing with promising young defensemen, which makes the path to the NHL roster a little crowded. Call it a good problem to have. Mailloux played a big role for the AHL’s Laval Rocket this season and got a brief taste of NHL experience with the Habs, scoring twice in seven games. While he’s certainly not a player Montreal has to move, the belief is he could be had in the right deal.

[tomh009]

5 hours ago, DON said:

Lots still to be done and numerous upgrades needed, sobering summery.

 

Montreal’s Playoff Run Showed How Far They Have Come and How Far They Still Have to Go – HabsWorld.net

Not really sobering or shocking unless one has been wearing rose-coloured glasses, I think. The Habs have progressed steadily each year: 55, 68, 76 and 91 points--an  average improvement of better than 10 points per year. Maintaining that progression would be outstanding, but it would still mean at least two years before being a contender. Brian correctly points out numerous gaps that need to be addressed before they can contend.

 

However, I feel that this next season they can still continue to improve without massive moves:

• 2C added (however it's done)
• Demidov for a full season
• Reinbacher in the NHL, not at his peak yet but surely better than the 2024-25 version of Savard
• Dach playing a full season (one hopes)
• Dobes playing a full season of backup (2.7 GAA vs Primeau's 4.7)
• The team now knows how to play D the way St-Louis wants them to--something that cost them a lot of points in the first few months of the past season

On D, Hutson, Guhle, Struble (and maybe Xhekaj) should show added growth and maturity. And we might see Kapanen or Beck in the lineup as well, though that will not likely move the needle much. And maybe Hughes will make other moves yet, but am not counting on those.

 

Nothing earth-shaking in that list, bar a possible upside surprise with a 2C, but I think 95-100 points is not out of reach, and they should be able to clinch a playoff spot earlier than the final game of the regular season.

 

And then they'll need to make some additional moves a year from now, to take the next step. But that's for later.

 

# Yes ... other teams will improve. And yet others will regress. It's how things go. I prefer to focus on what the Habs can do: if they are good enough, they'll be in the playoffs, regardless of the other teams. And in the not-too-distant future, they should contend.

[Dalhabs]

Im not surprised if we take a step backwards next season. I just hope the owner and the fans can accept that because its still a rebuild.

I want Primeau resigned and given a new chance in the camp and preseason. He was great in Lavall after the demotion.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

19 hours ago, tomh009 said:

Not really sobering or shocking unless one has been wearing rose-coloured glasses, I think. The Habs have progressed steadily each year: 55, 68, 76 and 91 points--an  average improvement of better than 10 points per year. Maintaining that progression would be outstanding, but it would still mean at least two years before being a contender. Brian correctly points out numerous gaps that need to be addressed before they can contend.

 

However, I feel that this next season they can still continue to improve without massive moves:

• 2C added (however it's done)
• Demidov for a full season
• Reinbacher in the NHL, not at his peak yet but surely better than the 2024-25 version of Savard
• Dach playing a full season (one hopes)
• Dobes playing a full season of backup (2.7 GAA vs Primeau's 4.7)
• The team now knows how to play D the way St-Louis wants them to--something that cost them a lot of points in the first few months of the past season

On D, Hutson, Guhle, Struble (and maybe Xhekaj) should show added growth and maturity. And we might see Kapanen or Beck in the lineup as well, though that will not likely move the needle much. And maybe Hughes will make other moves yet, but am not counting on those.

 

Nothing earth-shaking in that list, bar a possible upside surprise with a 2C, but I think 95-100 points is not out of reach, and they should be able to clinch a playoff spot earlier than the final game of the regular season.

 

And then they'll need to make some additional moves a year from now, to take the next step. But that's for later.

 

# Yes ... other teams will improve. And yet others will regress. It's how things go. I prefer to focus on what the Habs can do: if they are good enough, they'll be in the playoffs, regardless of the other teams. And in the not-too-distant future, they should contend.

 

Brian’s article is very good…characteristically level-headed and objective. 

 

I’ve always advocated the approach you take in your final paragraph. Don’t worry about other teams, which list as they will. Focus on your own. 

 

I suspect that, assuming some solid moves this summer, the team will once again be in the mix, which is no guarantee of actually making the playoffs. If Slaf can be Monster Slaf more consistently, instead of just in the last quarter of the season, and if Demidov can show like he did in his audition this year, that’s significant improvement in the top-6.

 

FW depth remains a concern that will be hard to address given the likely veteran departures. 

 

Brian’s take on the D is spot-on. We will upgrade the talent by bringing in one of the prospects, but that might result in a dip in performance and consistency until the growing pains recede. 

[DON]

6 hours ago, Dalhabs said:

Im not surprised if we take a step backwards next season. I just hope the owner and the fans can accept that because its still a rebuild.

Patience eh?

In 5 weeks should have a better idea how season might play out.

Hughes has spoken about adding up front, will he manage to add a nice centre to take a bit of pressure off of Suzuki. 

[tomh009]

1 hour ago, The Chicoutimi Cucumber said:

Brian’s take on the D is spot-on. We will upgrade the talent by bringing in one of the prospects, but that might result in a dip in performance and consistency until the growing pains recede. 

In general, I agree with this. But Savard was really struggling, especially in the second half of the season, so it might not be too much of a dip to add Reinbacher. PK might be where the Habs will feel Savard's absence the most.

 

Bringing on a prospect in place of Matheson would be much more challenging.

 

[Prime Minister Koivu]

2 hours ago, tomh009 said:

In general, I agree with this. But Savard was really struggling, especially in the second half of the season, so it might not be too much of a dip to add Reinbacher. PK might be where the Habs will feel Savard's absence the most.

 

Bringing on a prospect in place of Matheson would be much more challenging.

 

I generally agree with this but Montreal is going from blocking 300 shots a game to just 30 with the loss of Savard. 
 

Exaggeration of course but Savard was a different breed in this area. 

[tomh009]

Blocking shots--but especially blocking passes.

 

Shot-blocking is a bit closer. For the regular season, shots blocked/60:

Savard 8.68

Guhle 6.39

Carrier 6.23

Matheson 5.02

Hutson 3.96

Struble 3.87

Xhekaj 3.69

 

Struble and Xhekaj have some work to do in this area!

[tomh009]

Retirement or no retirement, Savard is still working for the Habs:

 

Quote

The Canadiens are the NHL organization that treats its players best, and I'm sure the word is spreading throughout the league. That's what I tell every player I talk to. From the owner to the GM, to the coach, this team is a family.

- David Savard