Habs: A Look at 10 Players Who Are the Focus of Everyone’s Expectations

Kaiden Guhle will certainly be one of the Canadiens’ players to watch this season. When he’s healthy, the No. 21 defenseman serves as a true stabilizing force on the blue line thanks to his physical play, mobility, and ability to match up against strong opposing units. The problem, however, remains his difficulty staying in the lineup for extended periods. After several injuries over the past few years, this season could therefore prove particularly important for his future in Montreal.

If physical issues were to pile up again, a question might eventually arise. Assuming the Canadiens are still looking to acquire a second center, could Guhle become a key piece in a potential trade? This is by no means a rumor, but rather a scenario worth considering. Ideally, Montreal would certainly prefer to see Guhle stay healthy and establish himself as a long-term pillar of its defense.

After a particularly difficult season last year, Samuel Montembeault is at a pivotal moment in his career with the Canadiens. The Quebec-born goaltender will need to regain the confidence that helped him establish himself in Montreal, with Jakub Dobeš and Jacob Fowler pushing for playing time behind him. The situation becomes even more interesting given that Kent Hughes has made it clear: he does not want to start the regular season with three goaltenders in the NHL.

It will therefore be worth watching to see what role Montembeault will play in the organization’s short-term plans. If he stays in Montreal and gets off to an excellent start to the season, his experience could also make him a valuable asset on the trade market. A team plagued by injuries or seeking stability in goal might eventually take an interest in him. Between a comeback, internal competition, and an uncertain future, Montembeault will have a lot riding on the 2026–2027 season.

After taking his game to the next level during the last playoffs, Jakub Dobeš will now have to prove that he can carry that confidence into a full season. It would likely be unrealistic to expect him to replicate his playoff performance night after night, but everything points to him having the opportunity to establish himself as the Canadiens’ true No. 1 goaltender.

Above all, Dobeš possesses that competitive mindset that seems to reach new heights when the stakes are high. His size, his aggressiveness in front of the net, his personality, and his famous swagger give him a unique presence in front of the net. He exudes a confidence that can sometimes shift the momentum of a game. With a new multi-year contract set to take effect in 2027–2028, Dobeš will now have the opportunity to prove to the organization that it was right to bet on him for the long term.

After a season in which he scored 78 points in 82 games, the question surrounding Lane Hutson is no longer whether he belongs among the elite offensive defensemen, but rather how far he can still push his limits. The 80-point mark now seems within his reach—and why not the 90-point mark eventually? Beyond his immense talent and exceptional mobility, Hutson possesses, above all, an extraordinary competitive instinct.

His work ethic is reminiscent of that of the NHL’s most relentless players, such as Nathan MacKinnon. Despite his small frame and a naturally offensive-minded style, he doesn’t shy away from one-on-one battles and remains committed defensively. With a team that continues to improve as well, all signs point to Hutson still having room to grow. Has he already reached his ceiling? I believe, rather, that we haven’t seen the best version of him yet.

Ivan Demidov could very well be the most intriguing player to watch on the Canadiens this season. After a remarkable 62-point season in his first full campaign, the young forward has already shown that he can dominate certain stretches of a game. The next step will be to do so with greater consistency and, above all, to finish off the plays he creates more consistently.

There’s no doubt about his talent, but his work ethic and competitive instinct suggest he still has significant room for growth. In my view, Demidov will eventually become the Canadiens’ best player. Will that transformation truly begin this season? A season with around 80 points seems plausible to me if he breaks out offensively. Having a veteran like Chris Kreider on his line could also contribute to his development and maturity. Demidov now has all the tools he needs to take another step forward.

After crossing the prestigious 50-goal mark, Cole Caufield now faces a new question: Can he repeat the feat? Everything suggests he has what it takes to do so. Caufield has scored wherever he’s played, and his offensive arsenal is now perfectly suited to the NHL. But his development is no longer limited to his shot. Under Martin St-Louis, he has become a much more well-rounded player across the 200 feet, capable of understanding and playing “the game within the game.”

With Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovský still by his side, along with a team that continues to improve offensively, opportunities should be plentiful. Potential chemistry with Chris Kreider could also prove intriguing. The real question, then, is this: Was that 50-goal season a fluke, or is Caufield on his way to becoming a regular 50-goal scorer?

Nick Suzuki is no longer just the Canadiens’ captain—he has become the team’s true backbone. An exceptional leader who has seamlessly integrated into Montreal’s culture, he seems to have fully grasped what it means to wear the “C” in a market like Montreal’s. His progression since joining the NHL has been remarkable.

Few people imagined he’d become a 100-point player when he was drafted; his profile was more reminiscent of Patrice Bergeron, known for his intelligence and all-around game. Today, Suzuki combines those qualities with offensive production worthy of the league’s best centers. A true ironman, he has yet to miss a game since his NHL debut. Now that he’s crossed the 100-point mark, why would he slow down now? With the talent around him and a team on the rise, a second consecutive 100-point season seems entirely possible.

Last season marked a real breakthrough for Juraj Slafkovský, who surpassed the 70-point mark while playing in various positions on the line. His time playing alongside Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov, however, was particularly revealing. Rather than simply complementing Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, Slafkovský found himself in a position where he had to take on more of a leadership role within his line, and that responsibility seems to have boosted his confidence.

A power forward capable of winning battles in the corners, protecting the puck, and creating havoc around the net, the 2022 first-round pick still has several aspects of his game to develop. The arrival of Chris Kreider could, in fact, be extremely beneficial for him. A true presence in front of the net and a master of the art of deflection, the veteran could pass on some valuable tips to Slafkovský. After his breakout season, the next challenge will be to discover just how far the Slovakian can really take his game.

At 35, Chris Kreider arrives in Montreal with a mission quite different from that of the Canadiens’ young stars. With a one-season contract in hand, the veteran arrives with a wealth of experience, existing ties to Martin St-Louis, Jeff Gorton, and Jim Ramsay, but above all, a desire to win. His experience could make him a true “big brother” figure to players like Juraj Slafkovský, Ivan Demidov, and Lane Hutson.

On the ice, Kreider remains a threat as well: he has just completed his eighth consecutive season with at least 20 goals and tallied 50 points with Anaheim. On a young, fast, and offense-oriented team, could he reach the 30-goal mark again? His power play skills, speed, and presence in front of the net fit perfectly with the Canadiens’ identity. And if this experiment works out as well as hoped, there’s no reason to imagine that Kreider wouldn’t want to extend his time with the Sainte-Flanelle.

To round out this top 10, it’s hard to choose between Alexandre Carrier and Phillip Danault. Both veterans are entering the final year of their contracts and could play a decisive role in a season where expectations will be particularly high in Montreal. Danault remains the go-to guy for the thankless tasks: crucial faceoffs, penalty kills, defensive responsibilities, and key shifts when every detail counts.

Carrier brings that same mindset to the blue line. Although he’s not as physically imposing as Arber Xhekaj or Kaiden Guhle, he never hesitates to play physically, block shots, and make sacrifices for the team. They are two competitors, two leaders, and above all, two players whom Martin St-Louis can rely on in the toughest situations. Their importance extends far beyond the score sheet. One question now looms over their season: Will they still be with the Canadiens after the 2026–2027 season?