Montreal Canadiens Showcasing Skill In Close Games

Caufield has looked like one of the best players in the NHL throughout the first 12 games of the Canadiens’ season. The 23-year-old from Wisconsin is tied for the League lead in goals entering play Sunday, with no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Caufield’s biggest story of the season so far has been his production in overtime, as he is the only skater with three OT goals so far in 2025-26. The 2019 first-round draft pick also found himself atop a franchise list with his 11th career OT goal, as he passed Howie Morenz for the most in Canadiens history. His play will heavily determine his chances of making the United States Olympic team come February. After his invitation this past summer and his production so far this season, I’d say he’s making a great case. 

Nick Suzuki Dishing Apples Left And Right

The Canadiens captain hasn’t found the back of the net that much through the early goings of the 2025-26 season, but that hasn’t stopped him from contributing at an elite level. His 18 points in 12 games played lead the team and are tied for the fourth-most among all players entering play Sunday, while his 16 assists lead all skaters. Suzuki also has an 11-game point streak to his name, and if he keeps this going, the wins will start to add up for a young Montreal team. The team has the potential to be one of the best teams in the league this year, and it starts with their captain.

Lane Hutson Demonstrating Skill After Calder Win

Hutson turned heads last season, setting a franchise record for the most points by a rookie defenseman with 66. The second-year star hasn’t let the famed “sophomore slump” settle in just yet, either; his 11 points this year rank third among all Canadiens skaters. Hutson has spent the last season and the beginning of this one as the representation for a new era of Montreal hockey. While that may be a lot of pressure, the 21-year-old from Michigan seems to be handling it just fine.

Canadiens Hoping For Calder Trophy Repeat With Ivan Demidov

Montreal’s youth movement seems to be paying off in the early goings of 2025-26, as rookie Ivan Demidov has impressed greatly. The Russian native has tallied 3-7–10 in 12 games played so far this season, leading all rookies in points and assists while also having the fourth-highest point total on the Canadiens. The 19-year-old came into the season as the NHL’s preseason pick for the Calder Trophy, and if he keeps producing at the same level, it’ll be hard to argue against him.

End Of My Montreal Canadiens Rant

The Canadiens are in an interesting spot at this point in the season. They made the playoffs in 2024-25 after a few years of missing out on postseason hockey, but were heavily outmatched from the start. This season, the team has the opportunity to shift the narrative, and they will do just that if they continue to win. Their 18 points entering play Sunday have them atop an extremely competitive Atlantic division. If they can stay there throughout the season, I like their chances to take down heavy hitters like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers.