Montreal Canadiens eye 2026-27 success after playoff run
The Montreal Canadiens are entering the 2026-27 NHL season after a surprising run to the Eastern Conference finals in 2025-26. With a core of young stars and new veteran signings, the team aims to turn last season’s success into a championship push. Key challenges include integrating new talent, ma…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Montreal Canadiens are stepping into the 2026-27 NHL season with the momentum of a surprising 2025-26 playoff run still fresh in the minds of fans and management alike. After a 48-24-10 record and 106 points, the team nearly reached the Stanley Cup Finals before falling to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games. The organization now faces the task of turning that unexpected success into a sustained championship trajectory.
Building on a Surprising Playoff Run
In 2025-26, the Canadiens shocked the league with a deep playoff run, highlighted by back-to-back Game 7 road victories over the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres. The team’s 106-point season was powered by a core of young talent: captain Nick Suzuki, who earned 101 points and the Selke Trophy; Cole Caufield, who scored 51 goals; and Juraj Slafkovsky, who reached the 30-goal mark for the first time. These players remain the backbone of the franchise as it prepares for another season of high expectations.
Management has largely kept the roster intact, signaling confidence in the young core’s ability to develop further. The Canadiens’ front office remained quiet over much of the summer, a strategy that kept rivals guessing until a key signing was announced just before training camp.
Veteran Signing Adds Experience
On September 12, the Canadiens signed veteran forward Chris Kreider to a one-year contract. Kreider, who last played for the Anaheim Ducks, brings nearly 1,000 NHL games of experience and a proven net‑front presence. He is expected to line up with Suzuki and Caufield on the top line, providing a seasoned counterbalance to the youthful energy of the core trio.
“Kreider does a good job down low,” said Suzuki. “He’s pretty sneaky at making plays. He’s kind of known as a goal scorer but he’s got a lot of nice touches around the net and keeps pucks alive.” The addition of Kreider is seen as a strategic move to bolster the Canadiens’ offensive depth and provide a mentor for the younger players.
Emerging Talent and Internal Competition
While the top lines are set, the Canadiens have a deep pool of young forwards fighting for roster spots. Owen Beck, who has appeared in 28 NHL games over three seasons, and Florian Xhekaj, who played five games last season, are among those eager to make an impact. Both players emphasize the importance of daily improvement and seizing opportunities during training camp.
“I’ve been trying to do what I can to make an impact every training camp I come to,” Beck said. “It seems like it’s kind of the same situation almost year after year. I’m just trying to work on my game every day and hopefully break through at one point.” Xhekaj echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to prove himself in practice and games alike.
Defensive Depth and Goaltending Questions
The Canadiens will begin the season without defenseman Kaiden Guhle, who underwent minor surgery on his adductor muscle during the summer. Guhle’s absence opens a spot on the blue line, creating an opportunity for David Reinbacher, the team’s fifth-overall pick in the 2023 draft. Reinbacher made his NHL debut last season, appearing in the final two regular-season games, and is now entering a critical stage of his development after an injury‑ridden start.
On the other side of the net, the Canadiens’ goaltending situation remains a point of uncertainty. After veteran Samuel Montembeault struggled, the team turned to Jakub Dobes, who emerged as the starting goaltender in the playoffs and secured a three‑year contract extension. Dobes is expected to start the season as the primary netminder. Jacob Fowler, who showed promise in his rookie season, remains a potential backup, but the organization has stated it will not begin the season with three goaltenders on its 23‑man roster.
Montembeault, who has one year left on his contract, would require waivers to be sent to the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate. Fowler, meanwhile, is waiver‑exempt and could be sent to Laval for additional seasoning before making a full‑time jump to the NHL. The decision on how to balance the goaltending depth chart will be a key factor in the Canadiens’ early season performance.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Montreal?
The Canadiens’ 2026-27 campaign will test the organization’s ability to translate a surprising playoff run into sustained success. With a core of young stars, a veteran presence on the top line, and a competitive internal environment, the team is poised for a strong start. Key questions remain around defensive depth, goaltending stability, and how well the younger players can step into larger roles. As the season approaches, fans will be watching to see if Montreal can build on last year’s momentum and finally bring a Stanley Cup back to Quebec City.
For now, the Canadiens are focused on training camp, integrating new talent, and preparing for the rigors of the NHL schedule. The organization’s leadership remains optimistic that the combination of experience and youth will propel the team toward its ultimate goal: a championship.
Key facts
- Montreal’s 2025-26 run to the Eastern Conference finals set high expectations for 2026-27
- Core players Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky remain central to the team’s strategy
- Veteran forward Chris Kreider was signed to bolster the top line and add experience
- Young forwards Owen Beck and Florian Xhekaj are competing for roster spots and show determination
- Defensive depth is challenged by Kaiden Guhle’s injury and the emergence of David Reinbacher
- Goaltending remains uncertain with Jakub Dobes as the likely starter and Jacob Fowler as a potential backup
Why it matters
The Canadiens’ 2026-27 season marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, as it seeks to transform a surprising playoff run into a championship pursuit, impacting fans, the city’s pride, and the league’s competitive balance.
Frequently asked questions
Who is expected to be the Canadiens’ starting goaltender for 2026-27?
Jakub Dobes, who performed well in the playoffs and recently signed a three‑year extension, is expected to start the season.
What impact did Chris Kreider’s signing have on the Canadiens’ lineup?
Kreider joins the top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, providing veteran presence and net‑front presence.
How many NHL games has Chris Kreider played?
He has played nearly 1,000 NHL games, bringing extensive experience to the Canadiens.
What is the status of Samuel Montembeault?
Montembeault has one year left on his contract and would need waivers to be sent to the AHL if removed.
What opportunities exist for David Reinbacher?
With Kaiden Guhle’s injury, Reinbacher has a chance to step into a larger defensive role and continue his development.
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “Young Canadiens face challenge in building off surprisingly successful season”
