My 2026 Wishlist for the Montreal Canadiens

We’re in the last few days of 2025, which is kind of crazy to even say out loud. It feels like this year absolutely flew by. And when it comes to the Montreal Canadiens, it was actually a really good year overall.

For the first time since 2021, the Canadiens got back to the playoffs. They didn’t go far, but getting back there mattered. It felt like a real step forward for the organization after a few tough seasons.

More than anything, 2025 was about seeing the young core start to really develop. Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, it just felt like growth was happening in real time.

The team also added Noah Dobson, another top-tier defenseman, which only strengthened the blue line. Lane Hutson winning the Calder Trophy was historic, becoming the first Canadiens player to win it since Ken Dryden. Obviously, that achievement came in an emotional year, as the organization also dealt with the passing of Ken Dryden before the season which was a gutting loss.

There were ups and downs in Montreal, but when you zoom out and look at the full calendar year, it’s hard not to feel excited about where this franchise is headed.

As the team heads into 2026, here are some things on my "wish list", I would like to see in the New Year.

Get & Stay Healthy

The biggest thing on the wish list is simple: get healthy and stay healthy.

Right now, guys like Alex Newhook, Kaiden Guhle, and Kirby Dach are out with injuries. These are key contributors, especially down the stretch. We’ve already seen what this team looks like when it’s fully healthy.

At one point earlier this season, the Canadiens were 10-3-1. They were right near the top of the Eastern Conference. Yes, it was early, but the signs of growth were there. When healthy, this team showed flashes of being elite.

Trade Patrik Laine

Another tough but necessary conversation is Patrik Laine. He’s injured right now and on LTIR, so his salary isn’t currently impacting the cap, but it feels like it’s time to move on.

He’s not coming back next year in free agency, and even at a discount, it’s hard to see a real fit. There isn’t a clear spot for him in the lineup. He’s a top-six player, but I wouldn’t play him with Ivan Demidov because you need more defensive responsibility there.

There’s no defined role for him long-term. At this point, it probably makes sense for both sides to find a fresh start. Maybe he helps a playoff team out West down the stretch, but for Montreal, it feels like the right time to move on.

Get Back to the Playoffs & Win a Series

If the Canadiens miss the playoffs, I think it’s a disaster. Injuries are a factor, but this team is still in the mix, and when healthy, they’re one of the more talented teams fighting for a spot.

At bare minimum, they need to get back into the playoffs. And realistically, they should be aiming higher than that. The Eastern Conference isn’t especially strong this year, and the Atlantic Division hasn’t been dominant either.

As long as they avoid a team like Florida in the first round, there’s no reason the Canadiens shouldn’t be capable of winning a playoff series. That should be the goal, not just getting in the tournament, but actually making a run.

Ivan Demidov to Steal the Calder Trophy

Another big hope for the second half of the season is Ivan Demidov returning after the holiday and Olympic breaks and making a real push for the Calder Trophy.

This isn’t meant as disrespect to Matthew Schaefer, who has been unreal for the Islanders and is the heavy favorite right now. But Demidov is currently leading all rookies in points, and he’s shown noticeable growth month after month.

If Demidov comes back strong, puts up big numbers, and helps push the Canadiens into the playoffs, there’s a real chance he could steal the Calder. That would be historic, giving the Canadiens back-to-back Calder winners after Lane Hutson took it last year.

Get a Real Second-Line Centre

From a roster construction standpoint, one thing is very clear: the Canadiens need a real second-line center.

Rotating between Owen Beck, Phillip Danault, and Kirby Dach in that role won't work long-term. To take the next step, they need to make a trade.

Whether that’s a longer-term option like Nazem Kadri or even a temporary solution like Ryan O’Reilly, something has to change. Demidov, in particular, needs a true second-line center to help him take the next jump.

Makes Transactions to Make the Team Bigger & More Physical

The Canadiens are one of the smallest and youngest teams in the NHL. That needs to change.

Whether it’s adding a player like Kiefer Sherwood, who brings physicality, or somehow landing someone like Alex Tuch for a stretch run, the goal should be the same: get bigger and tougher to play against. As talented as this team is, they need more bite in their game.

Keep Slafkovsky & Demidov Together

One thing I don’t want to see changed is the Demidov–Slafkovsky pairing.

Suzuki, Caufield, and Slafkovsky had great chemistry together for years, and they all grew alongside each other. But since Demidov and Slafkovský have been put on the same line, they’ve been phenomenal.

Their chemistry might actually be better than what Slafkovsky had with Suzuki and Caufield. It’s also turned Slafkovsky into a much more complete player. He’s driving play now, going to get the puck instead of waiting for it.

Even if it slightly reduces Suzuki and Caufield’s production, keeping Demidov and Slafkovsky together makes the overall roster better.

Nick Suzuki & Cole Caufield to Be Left Off Team Canada & USA

This one is controversial, and I wouldn’t be mad if it didn’t happen, but for the good of the Canadiens, I wouldn’t hate seeing Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield left off their Olympic teams.

Suzuki has been good this year, but it’s pretty clear he’s dealing with something physically. He hasn’t missed time, but he’s not as explosive as he was earlier in the season. Time off could be huge for him and for the organization.

As for Caufield, he probably won’t make Team USA even though he should. He’s one of the best goal scorers in the NHL. But from Montreal’s perspective, having both guys come back from the Olympic break rested, motivated, and maybe even a little pissed off could do wonders.

It could give the Canadiens a real advantage down the stretch and into the playoffs, especially compared to teams whose stars will be worn down from Olympic play.