Canadiens season preview: Core group looks to build on run to East Final

The 2026-27 NHL regular season begins Sept. 29. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying six things to watch for each team. Today, the Montreal Canadiens.

Last season: 48-24-10, third in Atlantic Division; lost in Eastern Conference Final

Coach: Martin St. Louis (sixth season)

Biggest challenge

With Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky, the Canadiens have one of the top No. 1 lines in the NHL. Finding depth that can support them will be key, including a second-line center. Several players auditioned for that role last season with varying levels of success. Oliver Kapanen finished third among rookies with 22 goals but struggled down the stretch, scoring four goals in his final 25 games, and playing just seven of 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Jake Evans was pressed into that spot during the postseason and had 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 19 games but might be more suited to a checking role. Kirby Dach could be an option if the 25-year-old can stay healthy. He was limited to 37 games last season because of a broken foot and upper-body injury but was solid during the playoffs with an average of 1.40 goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time, second among Montreal forwards who played at least seven games. Whoever receives the role will need to contribute to alleviate some of the offensive load from the top line.

How they make playoffs

With forwards Suzuki, Caufield, Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov, defensemen Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson and Kaiden Guhle, and goalies Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler, the Canadiens have a core group that looks like it's starting an ascent toward consistent Stanley Cup contention. The group has to put what it learned from last season's run to the conference final to positive use. That could start with Dobes asserting himself as the No. 1 goalie for a full 84-game season. The 25-year-old took the role away from Sam Montembeault last season, started all 19 playoff games and signed a three-year contract July 2 that begins next season. Expectations will be raised across the board, including playing in a division that could be the toughest in the NHL. How they handle them will likely determine if they can take another step forward.

Most intriguing addition

The most interesting addition to the roster could come from within if David Reinbacher finds a spot among the top six defensemen. The 21-year-old, selected with the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, made his NHL debut in 2025-26, playing the final two games of the regular season. Injuries have slowed Reinbacher's development, including last season when he missed the first eight games with Laval of the American Hockey League because of a broken bone in his hand sustained during a Canadiens preseason game, but he recovered to have 24 points (five goals, 19 assists) and a plus-18 rating in 57 games. Reinbacher's size (6-foot-3, 207 pounds), skating ability and hockey IQ are NHL caliber. An extended run of good health could be all that's standing between him and a full-time role.

Biggest potential surprise

Owen Beck entered training camp as a dark horse candidate to make the NHL roster, but the 22-year-old forward could be ready to steal a spot. He's played most of the past two seasons in the AHL, including 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists) in 58 games last season, and five points (three goals, two assists) in five Calder Cup Playoff games. He's gotten a bit of time with the Canadiens with two points (one goal, one assist) in 28 total games. Beck might not have a big offensive upside at the NHL level, but his hockey sense stands out, and he's versatile enough to play anywhere in the lineup and help both sides of special teams.​

Ready to contribute

Fowler made his NHL debut last season, going 9-6-2 with a 2.43 goals-against average, .908 save percentage and one shutout, allowed two goals or fewer in 10 of his 17 starts and had a .917 even-strength save percentage. The 21-year-old is expected to push for more starts this season. Fowler has the skill set and mental approach to be a No. 1 goalie and gained valuable NHL experience last season, including as Dobes' backup during the run to the Eastern Conference Final. The Canadiens also have Montembeault on the roster and could keep him as the backup to allow Fowler to be the No. 1 goalie for their AHL affiliate. But if Dobes' play drops or there's an injury, Montreal will likely have no problem turning to Fowler as a long-term starter.

Fantasy sleeper with EDGE stats

Fowler, G: Overshadowed by the breakout season and Dobes' 2026 playoff run, Fowler also has a high ceiling in the short and long term and could be a part of an efficient timeshare for one of the most-promising young teams in the League. Per NHL EDGE stats, he ranked highly in mid-range save percentage (.911; 88th percentile) last season. Fowler, who's ranked second among 25-and-under goalies for fantasy keeper and dynasty leagues behind Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild, is being underestimated in redraft leagues (average draft position: 153.4) and is a rookie-eligible sleeper pick, especially as a stack with Dobes. -- Pete Jensen

Projected lineup

Cole Caufield -- Nick Suzuki -- Juraj Slafkovsky

Alex Newhook -- Oliver Kapanen -- Ivan Demidov

Alexandre Texier -- Phillip Danault -- Josh Anderson

Zachary Bolduc -- Jake Evans -- Kirby Dach

Mike Matheson -- Noah Dobson

Lane Hutson -- Kaiden Guhle

Jayden Struble -- Alexandre Carrier

Jakub Dobes

Jacob Fowler