3 Canadiens Who Could Surprise at Training Camp

Training camp is one of the most exciting times of the NHL calendar. While most roster spots are already spoken for, every year a handful of players exceed expectations and force management to take notice. The Montreal Canadiens have built one of the deepest prospect pools in the league, meaning several young players will have an opportunity to leave a lasting impression this fall. Here are three players who could emerge as the biggest surprises of Canadiens training camp.

Sasha Pastujov

Sasha Pastujov may not be the first prospect that comes to mind when discussing the Canadiens’ future, but he has quietly put together an impressive body of work in the American Hockey League. Acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Sean Farrell, the skilled winger has consistently produced offense, recording 45 points in 43 games during the 2024-25 season before following it up with 57 points in 71 games in 2025-26.

The Canadiens have no shortage of talented forwards competing for NHL jobs, which means Pastujov will likely begin the season with the Laval Rocket. Still, that doesn’t mean he can’t make training camp interesting.

Pastujov has the offensive instincts and playmaking ability to stand out during preseason action. If he develops chemistry with established NHL players and continues to generate offense, he could force the coaching staff to have difficult conversations regarding their depth chart.

While cracking the opening-night roster remains a long shot, a dominant camp could move him much higher on the organization’s list of potential call-ups. Injuries are inevitable throughout an NHL season, and Pastujov could quickly become one of the first forwards Montreal turns to if he leaves a strong impression in September.

Adam Engström

Unlike Pastujov, Adam Engström enters camp with a legitimate opportunity to earn a full-time role with the Canadiens. The Swedish defenseman took significant strides with the Rocket last season, showing the mobility and puck-moving ability that made him such an intriguing draft pick. His confidence with the puck continued to grow, and he looked increasingly comfortable against professional competition.

Montreal’s blue line has become much deeper following the acquisition of Noah Dobson, but there are still opportunities available on the third pairing. With competition expected between Engström, Jayden Struble, Arber Xhekaj, and several other defensemen, every preseason game will matter.

What makes Engström an intriguing candidate is how naturally his style fits today’s NHL. He skates well, transitions the puck efficiently, and can help drive possession rather than simply defending in his own zone.

If he can prove that he is reliable in his own end while continuing to showcase his offensive instincts, Martin St. Louis may have a difficult time sending him back to Laval. Even if he starts the season in the American Hockey League, a strong camp would reinforce the belief that he is ready to become a regular contributor sooner rather than later.

Owen Protz

Not every successful training camp ends with a roster spot. Sometimes the biggest victory for a young prospect is simply proving that he belongs on the ice with NHL players. That is exactly the opportunity awaiting Owen Protz.