Habs Fans, I’m Excited Too — But Remember, Progression Isn’t Always Linear

As a Montreal Canadiens fan, I can't tell you how excited I am going into this season. After last year's surprise run, we made the playoffs out of nowhere, shockingly behind a young core. Expectations are sky-high. Nick Suzuki could become a 100-point player. Cole Caufield could score 40 goals for the first time. We could see Juraj Slafkovsky take a huge leap. We’ve got Noah Dobson in the fold now, Lane Hutson entering year two after winning the Calder Trophy, and of course, Ivan Demidov, this year's Calder favorite, getting ready to play his first full season.

There’s every reason to be optimistic in Montreal. But I will say, Habs fans, that, as excited as you are, I might be even more excited. This is the most thrilled I’ve been going into a hockey season in years. However, we have to remember—progression in this league isn’t linear.

There could be a scenario where the Canadiens are a better team overall and still miss the playoffs. Last year, they made it with 91 total points, which typically isn’t enough to get in. Plus, a lot of teams in the East faltered down the stretch. I could see a world where teams like the New York Rangers or Boston Bruins improve, or who knows, maybe a team like the Buffalo Sabres could finally make the jump many have wanted from them for years.

Health also played a big role in Montreal’s success. Aside from Patrik Laine missing the start of the season, Kaiden Ghule missing much of the back half of the season, and Kirby Dach getting hurt once again, the team stayed relatively healthy.

That’s not always guaranteed. I’m also concerned about the Canadiens not addressing the number two center position this summer. I have little confidence in Kirby Dach or Alex Newhook consistently holding that spot. Also, I’m slightly worried about Patrick Laine’s motivation throughout the season, and while Brendan Gallagher finally played a full season last year, it’s tough to bank on that again.

Still, I’m predicting the Canadiens to make the playoffs. I even have them winning a round—because for the life of me, I’ll never pick them to lose to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

But is there a world where they miss the playoffs? Yes. Is there a world where they win the division? Also yes. Maybe they take another massive leap and become one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. Or, everything could go wrong, and they could finish near the bottom.

In all likelihood, I think we’re in for a similar season—plenty of highs and plenty of lows. I see Montreal battling for a wild card spot once again, but this time I think they secure the first wild card position. Improvement is coming, but let’s be realistic—progression isn’t linear. There will be bumps, there will be bruises, but for the long run, I’m super confident in this young core.

Whether it all comes together this season or not, the future in Montreal is as bright as it’s been in a long time.