Canadiens Have Some Difficult Contract Decisions Coming in 2027

Carrier is another player worth retaining. Montreal already has plenty of young talent on defence, but that actually makes having an experienced and dependable player such as Carrier useful. Not every defenceman needs to be a high-upside offensive weapon. Carrier can provide stability and allow Montreal’s younger defenders to develop without immediately being asked to handle every difficult assignment.

The restricted free agents are a different conversation. In most cases, retaining their rights should be relatively straightforward. Unless someone unexpectedly falls completely out of Montreal’s plans, there is little reason to simply walk away from young players the organization still controls.

Think

This is where things become much more interesting. Phillip Danault’s future could be directly connected to Michael Hage and Oliver Kapanen. If Hage proves he is ready to become a full-time NHL player, Montreal will need to find him a spot. More importantly, if the Canadiens believe Kapanen can eventually become their long-term replacement for Danault as a reliable two-way centre, committing additional years to Danault becomes harder to justify.

That does not mean Danault would suddenly become unnecessary. His defensive game, experience and ability to play difficult minutes remain valuable. But Montreal has to think beyond one season. If Suzuki, Kapanen and Hage are all part of the organization’s long-term picture down the middle, there might simply not be enough room. Let’s not forget that Jake Evans is still in the picture.

Chris Kreider falls into a similar wait-and-see category. Montreal brought him in on a short-term deal, and the 2026-27 season will determine whether the experiment deserves to continue. If Kreider remains productive, provides leadership and gives the Canadiens another legitimate scoring threat, another short contract could make sense.

If his production declines or younger players demonstrate they are ready for larger roles, Montreal can move on without much difficulty. That flexibility was part of the appeal of the deal in the first place.

Gone

Some departures could also represent the natural evolution of Montreal’s roster. Samuel Montembeault is the clearest example. With Jacob Fowler continuing to develop and Jakub Dobes already establishing himself in Montreal’s plans, there could finally come a point where the Canadiens need to open the door completely for Fowler.

Montembeault has provided Montreal with valuable stretches over the years, but the Canadiens cannot block Fowler indefinitely. If the organization believes he is ready for full-time NHL duty in 2027-28, moving forward with a Dobes-Fowler tandem would represent the next step.

Then there is Kirby Dach. At some point, potential has to turn into consistent results. Dach has been given numerous opportunities in Montreal, but injuries and inconsistent play have prevented him from becoming the long-term piece the Canadiens hoped they were acquiring.

With Hage approaching, Kapanen already in the picture and other young forwards competing for opportunities, Montreal may finally decide that roster space is more valuable than continuing to wait. Moving on would also give another young player an opportunity rather than continuing to reserve a spot for Dach based on what he could potentially become.

These decisions ultimately demonstrate how much Montreal’s situation has changed. A few years ago, the Canadiens needed young players to force veterans out of the lineup. Now they have enough prospects that roster spots are becoming increasingly valuable. Kent Hughes does not need to keep everybody. If Hage and other prospects prove they are ready, the Canadiens need to make sure there is actually somewhere for them to play.