Will the Canadiens Make the Playoffs in 2025–26?

A Team on the Rise

The Montreal Canadiens took a major step forward in 2024–25 by qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2021. With a 40–31–11 record and a return to postseason play, they showed that their rebuild is turning into a climb. The key question now is whether this upward trend can continue in 2025–26—or if inconsistency will set them back.

Offseason Moves That Could Shape the Season

Noah Dobson Anchors the Defense

The Canadiens made headlines by acquiring defenseman Noah Dobson from the Islanders and locking him into an eight-year deal. Dobson brings high-end puck movement, power-play ability, and top-pairing potential—immediately improving a blue line that already features rising star Lane Hutson.

Zack Bolduc Adds Forward Competition

In a quieter but strategic move, Montreal added Zack Bolduc from the Blues in exchange for Logan Mailloux. Bolduc adds flexibility to the forward group and should push for a middle-six role.

Netminding Outlook: Quiet Confidence

Montreal didn’t make dramatic changes in net, but there’s confidence in the duo of Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes. Montembeault had a career-best season in 2024–25, while Dobes showed promise in limited action and earned a new two-year contract. The tandem offers stability, even if it lacks star power.

Second-Line Center: Still a Work in Progress

The Canadiens have yet to solidify their second-line center spot. Kirby Dach is expected to return to the role, but lingering questions about durability remain. The team has been linked to external options, but no deal has materialized. This remains one of the most important unresolved issues heading into the season.

Development Is the Key to Success

Bounce-Back Potential

Players like Arber Xhekaj and Dach could be poised for bounce-back seasons. If they perform to their potential, it will strengthen Montreal’s depth significantly.

Youth Movement Continues

Two young players could be especially impactful: Lane Hutson, now a full-time top-four defenseman, and Ivan Demidov, who is entering his rookie NHL season. After debuting in April 2025 and impressing in both regular season and playoff action, Demidov is considered a leading contender for the Calder Trophy. His offensive creativity and year-round commitment to development in Montreal could play a major role in the team’s upward momentum.

The Playoff Path: Realistic but Challenging

The Canadiens are no longer seen as rebuilding—they’re building. The roster is deeper, the culture stronger, and the youth more experienced. But with tough competition in the East, nothing is guaranteed.

To make the playoffs again, Montreal will need:

• Continued growth from young stars

• Stability in goal

• A solution at second-line center

• Health from key veterans like Dach and Joel Edmundson

Final Word: A Team with Direction and Purpose

Montreal is in the right phase of its development: young, talented, and growing. If the team’s core takes another step forward and the front office fills remaining gaps, the Canadiens could not only return to the playoffs—but start winning when they get there.