The history of the current Montreal Canadiens administration had everyone expecting a move in the period around the Draft and free agency. Montreal added Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook through trades in back‑to‑back drafts in 2022 and 2023, and last year the Canadiens brought in Zachary Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues on July 1st. However, management has avoided unrestricted free agency.
It’s still early in the offseason, but Kent Hughes has yet to make a significant change to the roster. A portion of the fanbase expressed frustration that the general manager hasn’t closed any deals, especially while their division rivals stay busy with transactions and signings.
“Trust me, it is not for a lack of trying, and we will continue to do that. I do not feel like it is today, tomorrow, or any specific day that we are going to make this team better,” Hughes said during July 1st press conference. “We won’t do a dumb trade or a dumb move that might appease the passionate fan base on a short-term basis and then a year later look back and say, ‘What the hell did they just get us into?'”
It’s time to dust off the crystal ball and project Montreal’s 23‑man roster for opening night. Here are two assumptions for this very early projection:
- No trades or signings before opening night
- No injuries during training camp
Forward Lines
| Caufield | Suzuki | Slafkovsky |
| Newhook | Evans | Demidov |
| Bolduc | Kapanen | Dach |
| Texier | Danault | Anderson |
Scratch: Brett Berard
The lines are the same as those used by Martin St. Louis in the Eastern Conference Final with the exception of Oliver Kapanen slotting in for Joe Veleno, now a member of the New York Rangers. With the current roster composition, there isn’t an open spot available for a rookie. Owen Beck and Florian Xhekaj are probably the closest forwards to be NHL-ready from last season’s Laval Rocket roster. This projection puts Brett Berard as the extra forward, assuming management prefers Beck and Xhekaj get game action rather than sit in the press box. Berard has 48 NHL games under his belt, including 13 with the New York Rangers last season.
Defensive Pairings
| Mike Matheson | Noah Dobson |
| Kaiden Guhle | Lane Hutson |
| Arber Xhekaj | Alexandre Carrier |
Scratch: Jayden Struble
Furthermore, there have been no changes to the defence unit. Throughout the entire season and playoffs, Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble took turns swapping in and out of the lineup. As a result, the current roster gives no opportunity for Adam Engstrom or David Reinbacher to begin the season in Montreal. If Hughes makes a move to upgrade the forward group, the likely scenario involves a defenceman leaving in the deal.
Goaltending
| Jakub Dobes | Samuel Montembeault |
Freshly off a three-year contract extension that kicks in at the start of the 2027-28 season, Jakub Dobes earned the first opportunity in the starter’s net in October. Meanwhile, the backup role is up in the air. Jacob Fowler took over the role for the last 20 games and the full playoff run, while Samuel Montembeault dropped to the third goalie role.
“Everything is possible right now.” Hughes answered whether starting camp with three goalies is an option. “That could change as early as tomorrow, but if no changes are made, we’ll head into camp with three goaltenders and make our decisions from there. One thing is certain: we want Jacob Fowler playing and getting into games.”
The last portion of Hughes’ statement suggests that the team is open to give Montembeault a chance to backup Dobes, while giving Fowler more experience in the AHL. Giving Montembeault some early‑season starts could also help boost his value on the trade market.
While injuries or trades could reshape the roster before opening night, this projection offers an early look at how the Canadiens might line up to begin the 2026–27 season.
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