2026-27 Montreal Canadiens Season Preview

The Montreal Canadiens enter the 2026–27 season with a largely unchanged roster after a quiet offseason that focused on locking up their young core rather than making splashy external additions. The only notable subtraction was veteran forward Brendan Gallagher, while the biggest moves were long-term extensions for rising stars Ivan Demidov and Jakub Dobes.

Key Additions

Ivan Demidov (RW) – Signed an eight-year, $73.2 million extension ($9.15 million AAV) on July 1st, starting in 2027–28. The 21-year-old Russian winger is coming off a breakout rookie season, bringing elite skill, playmaking, and top-line scoring punch.

Jakub Dobes (G) – Signed a three-year, $16.05 million extension ($5.35 million AAV) on July 2nd, starting in 2027–28. The 25-year-old Czech goaltender is coming off a strong season, bringing stability, athleticism, and starter potential. He’s expected to be the No. 1 goalie for the full season.

Brett Berard (LW) – Acquired from the New York Rangers in a minor trade. The 23-year-old left-wing brings speed, skill, and AHL depth, expected to compete for a bottom-six role.

Hunter McKown (RW) – Acquired from Columbus in a minor trade. The 23-year-old right-wing adds depth and scoring punch at the AHL level, expected to compete for a call-up role.

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Key Subtractions

Brendan Gallagher (RW) – Traded to the Vancouver Canucks. The 34-year-old veteran had 10 goals and 18 points in 68 games last season, a notable loss of leadership, physicality, and bottom-six depth.

Joshua Roy (RW) – Traded to Utah. The 23-year-old right-wing had NHL potential but was deemed expendable.

Sean Farrell (LW) – Traded to Anaheim. The 24-year-old left-wing had depth value but was moved for future assets.

William Trudeau (D) – Traded to the New York Rangers. The 22-year-old defenseman had upside but was part of the prospect shuffle.

Luke Tuch (LW) – Traded to Columbus. The 24-year-old left-wing added physicality and depth but was moved for future assets.

Riley Kidney (C) – Traded to Ottawa. The 21-year-old center had depth value but was part of the prospect shuffle.

Core Retained

Montreal kept its young core intact, with Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, Jakub Dobes, and Alex Newhook all under contract through at least 2029–30.

Impact on 2026–27

The Canadiens’ offseason moves signal a clear commitment to their young core. Demidov and Dobes are locked up long-term, ensuring stability for the future. The departure of Gallagher removes veteran presence, but the additions are minimal. Expect Montreal to remain a playoff contender, with a deeper, more balanced lineup pushing for another deep playoff run.

Salary Cap Situation

Projected cap hit – $94,216,076
Roster – 21/23
Projected cap space – $9,783,924
Deadline cap space – $45,192,411
RFAs – Zack Bolduc, and Arber Xhekaj

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Montreal Canadiens Depth Chart