Is the rebuild finally over for the Montreal Canadiens? Get ready for some bold predictions regarding key players like Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, and Kirby Dach. One player’s confident playoff statement will shock you! Will GM Kent Hughes secure their future?
The Montreal Canadiens find themselves at a pivotal juncture, with General Manager Kent Hughes meticulously continuing the franchise’s ambitious rebuild. A palpable sense of optimism surrounds the team’s youthful core, whose burgeoning chemistry hints at an exciting future. This offseason is rife with speculation, from the integration of highly touted prospects to the critical contract situations of key young stars, all while the organization navigates a complex path toward sustained competitiveness in the NHL.
Much attention is deservedly focused on Ivan Demidov, an early favorite to secure a prominent spot on the Canadiens’ top power-play unit and within their top-six forward group for the upcoming 2025-26 season. His potential impact is significant, and early indicators suggest a seamless integration into the team culture. Notably, Demidov has been actively training and building a strong bond with reigning Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson, a connection that promises to yield substantial dividends on the ice.
Adding to the team’s growing confidence, a veteran forward has made a remarkably bold prediction regarding the Canadiens’ playoff aspirations. After an offseason dedicated to rigorous training – a luxury he missed in 2024 due to injury – and entering the final year of a lucrative contract, his motivation is sky-high. When pressed about Montreal’s chances, he asserted with unwavering certainty, “We won’t be in the mix, we’ll be in.” This statement encapsulates the rising belief within the locker room following a surprising playoff appearance last season and strategic additions to the roster.
Kirby Dach’s return to health is paramount for the Montreal Canadiens. His 2024-25 season, marked by 22 points and a team-worst minus-29 rating, underscored the team’s urgent need for his consistent presence. GM Hughes has emphasized a cautious approach to Dach’s recovery, prioritizing his complete physical readiness rather than rushing his return. This season is not only critical for Dach’s long-term NHL future but also for the Canadiens’ quest to solidify their second-line center position, a role he was acquired to fill.
Meanwhile, negotiations continue for Lane Hutson’s long-term contract, with his value steadily climbing, placing him among elite company in terms of comparable deals. Hutson’s dominant Calder Trophy win marked a significant achievement for the Canadiens, the first major individual award since Carey Price’s stellar 2015 season. However, his decision to forgo the World Championship may have influenced his exclusion from Team USA’s 2026 Winter Olympic training camp, a factor that could subtly impact his ongoing contract discussions with the Montreal Canadiens.
From the Canadiens’ perspective, Hutson’s contract situation also presents a strategic opportunity to manage their salary cap more effectively. The pressure to finalize a deal is intensified by potential changes to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which could reduce the maximum contract term from eight to seven years. Such a change would undoubtedly affect future cap hits, making it crucial for Hughes to secure Hutson’s commitment soon, particularly as he also looks to retain other promising young stars like Ivan Demidov within the team’s financial framework.
As training camps loom, the Montreal Canadiens face a fascinating blend of high expectations and critical decisions. The ongoing rebuild under Kent Hughes is entering a crucial phase, where the development and integration of talents like Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, and the healthy return of Kirby Dach will dictate the team’s trajectory. These Hockey Rumours and bold predictions underscore a dynamic period for the franchise, poised between immediate competitive surges and the strategic cultivation of a future championship contender.
