New Canadiens Connection: Atlantic Projection

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The Canadiens are coming off a season in which they took another significant step forward. As this young core continues to develop, the question now becomes just how quickly this team can make the leap from being a playoff contender to being a legitimate Stanley Cup threat. Perhaps the biggest factor in answering that question is the competition around them in the Atlantic Division.

The Eastern Conference of the NHL looks a little different heading into this season. Some teams made significant moves, others lost (or will be losing) some key personnel. For now, general manager Kent Hughes has been unable to fill holes in the roster. So where does that leave the Canadiens?

Has their Stanley Cup contention window already opened, or are we still a year or two away from that point? And when we look at the rest of the Atlantic division, is 2026-’27 where Montreal can make a serious postseason push?

Let’s take a closer look at where the Canadiens fit—and how close their window might be.

This Week’s Show

On this week’s episode of the Canadiens Connection podcast, let’s take a look at TSN’s projected 2026-’27 standings and a team-by-team look at the Atlantic Division for the regular season.

NEW PODCAST: Montreal Canadiens’ Contending Window is Opening: Is It Now? | Canadiens Connection ep 412

We also discussed these important topics on this week’s episode of the podcast:

• A Canadiens goaltender hopes to spend his entire NHL career playing in Montreal.
• The Canadiens signed a newly-acquired prospect defenseman to a one-year contract.
• Which young forward chose to spend next season playing in Europe rather than Laval?

CC Question of the Week: Where do you expect the Canadiens to finish in the Atlantic Division this regular season? Which Atlantic Division team improved the most this offseason, and which one took the biggest step backward?

It is our ninth season, with a new episode of the podcast dropping every Saturday afternoon. Be sure to subscribe using your favorite podcast app! Or watch our episodes on YouTube!

Canadiens Connection Podcast: Is the Canadiens’ Contention Window Opening?

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