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How the Canadiens’ Kids Became So Good, So Fast

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 4:45 PM ET

When you focus on the Montréal Canadiens for a minute, you have to see that these kids are something else. NHL analyst Garry Galley was on The FAN Hockey Show, breaking down Juraj Slafkovsky. The verdict? He’s not just living up to the hype, he’s redefining it. This guy’s evolution is a blueprint for what happens when you actually know what you’re doing with young talent.

Slafkovsky’s Skill Set Is Elite, and He’s Not Alone

Slafkovsky’s skill set is elite. He’s big, he’s fast, he can play anywhere on the ice—top line, power play, you name it. And here’s the best part: he’s smart about it. He doesn’t overrate himself. He knows when to hold back, when to push, and he’s got a release and shot velocity that make defenders miserable.

Watching him at the Olympics and now in Montreal, you see that power-forward mix they envisioned. He’s someone who moves like a forward, hits like a forward, and actually scores like a forward.

The Canadiens’ magic isn’t just Slafkovsky. Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Lane Hutson (and a whole bunch of others) are kids who can handle the puck, make the right pass, and keep possession like it’s second nature. They don’t panic or dump it off at the first sign of trouble. They’re confident in the pocket, willing to take a calculated risk to create more value, not just a safe play. This is a team built to play together for many seasons.

The Canadiens Made Just the Right Choices to Get to This Point

And it’s not luck. Montreal made choices to get here. Some players might’ve been sent down to Laval, but Marty St. Louis and the coaching staff believed the youngsters belonged on the big club, so they could work with them. They gave these young players real responsibility early, got them playoff experience last season against Washington, and let them taste pressure. That seasoning is what separates good teams from great ones.

Nothing is ever perfect in sports. The Canadiens’ goaltending is inconsistent. But watch closely—if their goaltender improves, they could become very difficult to contend with.

The Bottom Line for the Canadiens?

Bottom line: Montreal’s youngsters are not just good—they could be Stanley Cup material. They move, they think, they pass, they score. And with the right guidance, and a little bit of luck from the hockey gods, they’re going to be a team we’ll all be talking about for years.

This season might be too soon, but in the future – Watch Out!

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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