The Montreal Canadiens outperformed expectations last season by clinching a playoff spot and giving the Washington Capitals a competitive series. Now, with the high-profile addition of ex-Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson, expectations for the 2025–26 season are significantly higher. Dobson strengthens an already solid blue line, but how far can this team realistically go? And if they don’t meet those loftier expectations, how should management respond?
Last season’s playoff push was unexpected. At American Thanksgiving, the Canadiens sat at the bottom of the Eastern Conference typically a point of no return but under head coach Martin St-Louis, they turned things around, going 32-20-8. Nick Suzuki shone with 69 points in his final 60 games, rookie Lane Hutson stepped up with 54 points, and Cole Caufield added 24 goals. Goaltenders Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes provided steady play, helping fuel the team’s late-season surge. After that run, the bare minimum moving forward seems to be a playoff berth.
Still, setbacks are common for young teams. If Montreal regresses next season, it will be disappointing but not entirely surprising. The Atlantic Division remains fiercely competitive, with teams like Detroit, Buffalo, and Boston all fighting for postseason spots, along with threats from the Metropolitan Division like the Rangers and Blue Jackets.
Even if the Canadiens miss the playoffs, drastic roster changes would be unwise. GM Kent Hughes has carefully built this young core, and one underwhelming year shouldn’t warrant tearing it down. The arrival of Dobson, Zack Bolduc, and top prospect Ivan Demidov increases pressure, but if early struggles repeat last season’s slow start, fans and management must stay level-headed.
On the bright side, Montreal could build on its momentum and even win a playoff round or two. However, due to their inexperience, they’ll likely be underdogs against more seasoned postseason teams. Regardless of next season’s outcome, the Canadiens’ long-term objective remains: to become consistent Stanley Cup contenders for years to come.
