Canadiens’ Rebuild Strikes Fear: What Comes Next

One of the biggest difference makers this season has been Lane Hutson. One look at his offensive numbers, one of the top six point-getters among all NHL defenders, and his time on ice (second on the team behind only Mike Matheson), it is clear why he is likely to be a Calder Trophy nominee as the NHL’s top rookie. But beyond that, he has found a way to be an effective defender in his own zone, displays a tireless work ethic and competes in every situation on the ice. He looks more like a premier offensive defenceman in every passing game. 

Finally, the biggest difference may be the coaching. Somehow, head coach Martin St. Louis has struck a balance between developing players as individuals, but also, how he has gotten the players to buy in and play roles effectively. It is the culture he fostered that makes this possible. The basis is how he can connect and communicate with the players. Every single player on that team, in any role or stage of their career, can trust him as he has been in their shoes. A top scorer? Check. A fourth liner? Check. An aging player looking to win one last time? Check. Undrafted? Check. Placed on waivers? Check. As he gains NHL experience as a coach, his bench management has also improved dramatically. He is making a case to remain with the club once the truly good years begin. 

The Canadiens’ Biggest Piece 

Former NHL and Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) head coach Bob Hartley was asked about Ivan Demidov on French Language BPM Sports and gave an answer that should build some excitement. He believes the young Russian will be the Canadiens’ franchise player. His opinion isn’t based solely on highlights, either. He explained that he watched him play in the junior league for three years. 

It’s hard to look at SKA St. Petersburg and not shake your head in wonder at the odd, and self-injurious decisions that their GM and head coach, Roman Rotenberg has been making this season. In an interview with RG.org, he was quoted as stating that he will not be using Demidov to finish their regular season, or even use him in the playoffs. Rotenberg is making Demidov a healthy scratch so that his playoff roster can “play tougher”.

No serious professional coach or GM would bench their top scorer going into the playoffs. This is a decision that makes no sense. Well, not from a hockey standpoint, but this decision isn’t based on the on-ice play. After a full season of low usage and even benchings to convince the young forward to sign an extension with the KHL club, Demidov has not wavered from his goal of completing the current contract and going to the NHL next season. This makes Rotenberg’s decision look more and more like a punishment or revenge for that choice. “If SKA is eliminated early from the playoffs, Demidov will continue playing in the MHL to help the club compete for the Kharlamov Cup, a trophy he won in 2024 with SKA-1946,” said a source close to the situation to RG. “The organization prioritizes winning titles at every level, not just the Gagarin Cup.” 

What professional organization has ever prioritized winning what is essentially a junior hockey equivalent championship over winning their own top championship? If an NHL club did that, their GM would be looking for a new job within the hour of announcing that decision. Especially when that young forward dominated that league the season before. For some fans, the belief is that this opens the door to Montreal buying out his KHL contract to come over to Montreal. 

However, letting the season come to an end before patriating Demidov to North America may work out best. If Montreal were to negotiate to purchase Demidov’s contract to allow him to leave immediately, he could get a few NHL games, maybe even play a role in the American Hockey League (AHL) Playoffs for the Laval Rocket, but it would burn a year of his entry-level contract (ELC). Why does this matter? Because in three seasons, it is likely that Hughes’ plan has Montreal in their Stanley Cup contending window. Having a potential star on a league minimum contract, even if the salary cap is set to rise dramatically by that season, makes a major difference. It could allow Hughes to make a dramatic addition at that season’s deadline. 

Montreal’s Next Stage 

With the progression of the Canadiens’ prospects and young NHL core players, the rebuild’s latest step is ending. The next step, becoming a true playoff contender, will begin next season. With the additions to the roster expected, such as Demidov, Logan Mailloux or perhaps even David Reinbacher, Hughes will have his work cut out to provide them all proper support. Namely, a proven young second-line centreman with term left on his contract. They have the assets with a cupboard filled with picks and prospects, but they need to avoid sacrificing their top young roster players to fill this need because it would be like trading four quarters for a dollar – the team is no further ahead.

It’s important for Hughes to maintain patience as the Canadiens are starting to turn heads around the NHL. Montreal is knocking on the door, and the league is taking notice. Some rival GMs, who spoke to Pierre LeBrun, are afraid of what is being built in Montreal. That should give fans hope that the franchise is rediscovering its role as a premier organization in the hockey world.