Habs’ Next Step: The Missing Pieces

As the Montreal Canadiens turn the corner toward playoff contention, it’s becoming clear that they need reinforcements at key positions—without sacrificing their long-term depth. While few want to admit it, goaltending remains a major question mark. Until Jacob Fowler is NHL-ready—a process that could take another three to four years—the Canadiens need an upgrade in net. Samuel Montembeault has shown flashes of strong play but is better suited as a 1B or a backup.

Some fans might hope Fowler can make an immediate impact, but history suggests otherwise, as we have previously covered when comparing Thacher Demko’s numbers and path to the NHL. Many highly successful NCAA goaltenders—Connor Hellebuyck, Jeremy Swayman, Jake Oettinger, Joseph Woll, Cayden Primeau, and Alex Lyon—needed time in the AHL before becoming reliable NHL contributors. Even Devon Levi and Spencer Knight, both 23, have yet to establish themselves as full-time starters. Expecting Fowler to step in within a year or two is likely unrealistic, meaning Kent Hughes must find a veteran goaltender capable of handling 50 games per season for the next few years.

Looking ahead, the Canadiens will welcome Ivan Demidov next season, along with potentially David Reinbacher or Logan Mailloux, and at least one of Owen Beck or Oliver Kapanen. But before they can take the next step, Hughes faces mounting pressure to address three key needs this offseason:

The Canadiens’ Offseason Shopping List

1. A Second-Line Center
   Nick Suzuki has carried the offense without much secondary scoring help from the center position, making it imperative for the Canadiens to find another top-six center. Adding a reliable 2C would provide much-needed support and take some of the burden off Suzuki and we recently identified a detailed list of potential targets. 
2. A Starting or 1A Goaltender
   The Canadiens cannot take the next step without more stability in goal. While Montembeault is seen by some as a solid starter, both the eye test and his stats suggest inconsistency. A veteran netminder is essential to bridge the gap until Fowler is ready. 
3. A Veteran Top-Four Right Defenseman
   With David Savard slowing down and the team needing better balance between right- and left-shot defensemen, acquiring a top-four RD to pair with Lane Hutson or Kaiden Guhle would be a significant boost.

Trade Assets to Address These Needs

To make these moves happen, the Canadiens have valuable trade chips, including:

• Mike Matheson
• Joshua Roy
• Jayden Struble
• Cayden Primeau
• Two first-round picks (MTL & CGY), two second and three third-round picks
• A deep pool of left-handed defensive prospects
• An even deeper pool of prospects at all positions

One name unlikely to be moved anytime soon is Logan Mailloux. The Canadiens lack right-shot defensive depth, and Mailloux has been an AHL All-Star in each of his first two pro seasons despite missing key development time due to COVID and his OHL suspension. While his offensive production is down, Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent has entrusted the 21 year-old defenseman with more defensive responsibilities.

The Kirby Dach Dilemma

Another looming question: What should the Canadiens do with Kirby Dach? His injury history is concerning, and the experiment at center hasn’t worked as planned. Should they move him to the wing or consider trading him? Hughes will have to make a tough decision.

This offseason will be the most pivotal one yet for Hughes and Jeff Gorton. Running out of room to blame any lack of success on the rebuild, it’s now time to add talent where it’s most needed. The pieces are falling into place, but without addressing these key areas, the Canadiens’ path to contention remains uncertain and pressure will be mounting.