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Montreal Canadiens forwards Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov and defenseman Lane Hutson – (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)

Montreal Canadiens’ Candidates for the 2030 Winter Olympics

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By William Bourget | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 8:25 AM ET

The 2026 Olympic break always sparks projection season. With NHL players back in the Games and international hockey regaining its full spotlight, it’s hard not to look ahead. Four years is a lifetime in hockey, but for a young and rising Montreal Canadiens core, 2030 could feature a strong Habs presence across multiple nations. Here’s a way-too-early look at which Canadiens players could realistically represent their countries at the 2030 Winter Olympics.

Lane Hutson & Cole Caufield

Two names immediately stand out for Team USA: Lane Hutson and Cole Caufield, both of whom were notable snubs this time around. Caufield, now entering his prime years, continues to establish himself as one of the most dangerous American goal scorers in the NHL. A consistent goal threat with elite release mechanics, Caufield fits perfectly in the modern international game that values speed and skill over size. By 2030, he’ll be in his late 20s, prime scoring age, and if his production trajectory continues, it would be difficult for USA Hockey to leave him off the roster again.

Hutson’s case may be even more intriguing. The dynamic, undersized defenceman brings elite puck-moving ability, vision, and creativity from the back end. International ice, typically wider, tends to favour defencemen who can skate and distribute under pressure. If Hutson continues developing defensively while maintaining his offensive impact, he could not only make Team USA but also be an important contributor.

Juraj Slafkovský

Juraj Slafkovský is already the face of Slovak hockey and has been since his historic Olympic MVP performance as a teenager. By 2030, he should be in full prime form, a power winger with size, puck protection, and improving offensive consistency.

Slafkovský’s development curve in Montreal has shown steady progress. As he matures physically and tactically, his ability to drive play and play heavy minutes in all situations will only increase. Slovakia may not be a medal favourite, but Slafkovský will unquestionably be their centrepiece.

Nick Suzuki & Noah Dobson

Cracking Team Canada is never easy. It’s arguably the hardest roster in hockey to make. But Montreal has two legitimate candidates. Nick Suzuki has quietly built a reputation as one of the NHL’s most complete two-way centres. Strong defensively, excellent hockey IQ, reliable faceoff presence, and capable of producing offensively, Suzuki fits the profile of players Hockey Canada tends to value in best-on-best tournaments.

By 2030, some of Canada’s current core centres will age out. If Suzuki continues to post strong 70-plus point seasons while maintaining defensive reliability, he could very well find himself in the mix as a middle-six centre who can kill penalties and play matchup minutes. The experience he will gain in 2026 will also be a big positive for him.

On the blue line, Noah Dobson is an intriguing case. A right-shot defenceman with size and offensive upside, Dobson has shown he can produce while logging heavy minutes. If he continues trending as a top-pair or high-end second-pair defender, his combination of offence and minutes could make him a legitimate candidate, especially if he refines his defensive consistency.

Oliver Kapanen

Finland consistently builds structured, defensively sound teams with high hockey IQ players. Oliver Kapanen fits that mold perfectly. A smart two-way forward with versatility, Kapanen has already gained international experience at the World Juniors and with Finland’s senior programs. By 2030, if he establishes himself as a reliable NHL middle-six option who can play centre or wing, he could earn a role similar to past Finnish depth forwards, trusted in defensive assignments while contributing secondary offence.

Alexandre Texier

Alexandre Texier has long been one of France’s most skilled forwards. His speed, playmaking, and NHL experience make him a foundational piece for a French national team that often lacks depth compared to traditional powers. By 2030, he’ll likely be one of the veteran leaders of that group.

Ivan Demidov

The biggest “if” revolves around Russia’s participation. Should Russia return to full Olympic eligibility by 2030, Ivan Demidov would almost certainly be in the picture. Widely regarded as one of the most talented young forwards in the Canadiens system, Demidov’s offensive creativity, hands, and scoring instincts fit the Russian international style perfectly. Russia has historically leaned heavily into elite skill and puck control. Demidov embodies that philosophy. If his development translates to high-end NHL production, he could be more than a participant; he could be a top-six driver for Russia.

Projecting four years ahead in hockey is risky. Injuries, development curves, roster shifts, and national team depth charts all change quickly. But one thing is clear: the Canadiens’ rebuild has quietly positioned the organization to potentially have representation across multiple nations in 2030.