The Montreal Canadiens have finished their preseason, moving past the rearranging of lines, preparation for their historic rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the use of AHL players in key positions. The regular season kicks off on October 9 at the Bell Centre, where the two teams will clash. As the puck drop approaches, we outline both optimistic and pessimistic predictions for Montreal in the 2024-25 season.
**Best-Case Scenario Predictions**
***Slafkovsky-Suzuki-Caufield Emerge as a Genuine Threat***
Fans and analysts had mixed feelings about the combination of Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield, especially with Slafkovsky’s rocky rookie season and Caufield’s injury interrupting his progress. The 2023-24 season initially portrayed the Canadiens as a rebuilding team with limited potential. However, a strong chemistry developed among this trio as the season progressed, highlighted by surprising performances, including Slafkovsky’s first NHL hat trick during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
In 2024-25, this line could make a significant impact, not on par with elite teams like McDavid’s Oilers or MacKinnon’s Avalanche, but still formidable enough to challenge defenses. Suzuki might again achieve over a point-per-game, while both he and Caufield could surpass 30 goals, with Slafkovsky potentially nearing that mark as well. Given an All-Star Game, there’s a solid case for all three to earn selections.
***Samuel Montembeault Shows His Value***
The Canadiens’ decision to sign Samuel Montembeault to a three-year deal worth $3.15 million per season may have benefited from the awkward situation surrounding Carey Price’s contract. While Montembeault wasn’t a standout at the time, he demonstrated enough value to remain with the team.
He ranks outside the top 25 of highest-paid NHL goalies and hasn’t posted a goals-against average below 3.00, attributed to the average-quality defense in front of him. In 2024-25, he could prove to be one of the best bargains in the league, becoming Montreal’s version of Adin Hill. If the defense performs well, Montembeault could shine.
***Newhook is Healthy and Effective***
Acquiring Alex Newhook from the Avalanche could be a pivotal move for Montreal, despite being relatively low-profile. As a first-round pick in 2019, Newhook recorded 30 or more points in consecutive seasons with limited ice time. His 23-year-old talent fits well with the Canadiens’ young forward group. However, injuries limited him to just 55 games in 2023-24.
In 2024-25, if he stays healthy, Newhook could contribute significantly, especially if he secures a position on the second line. Last season, he achieved a personal best of 34 points in significantly fewer games than his final season in Colorado, showcasing his potential.
***Laine Returns Stronger***
Patrik Laine’s unfortunate injury during a preseason matchup against Toronto prevents him from playing for 2-3 months, momentarily dampening excitement around his trade to Montreal, which many consider a significant acquisition. If he recovers quickly and effectively, his proven ability to score 40 goals would be invaluable for a Canadiens team that struggled offensively last season.
Laine may very well reestablish himself as the player expected by both the Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets, injecting potency back into Montreal’s offense.
***Best Result: Competitive First-Round Playoff Exit***
With improved goal scoring, Montreal displays its best offensive output in years. The defense may show improvements, reducing pressure on the goaltending. Analysts predicting playoff spots for the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings may realize their oversight as the Canadiens secure a wildcard position. They engage in a thrilling opening-round series against the Florida Panthers, exiting in six or seven games. While there may not be a deep Stanley Cup run, the 2024-25 season could signal Montreal’s resurgence, generating excitement among fans.
**Worst-Case Scenario Predictions**
***Defense Fails to Improve***
Despite speculation and analysis around potential defensive pairings, the Canadiens’ defense remains a concern. The combination of veterans like David Savard and Mike Matheson with younger players such as Kaiden Guhle and Arber Xhekaj does not translate into success. The previous two seasons saw Montreal yield the fourth and third-most shots on goal in the league, with a poor expected goals-against figure last season.
If the forwards increase their offensive output in 2024-25 but the blue line continues to falter, the team’s overall success remains compromised.
***Discipline and Penalty Kill Issues Persist***
While some penalties can be tactically advantageous, taking too many without a successful penalty kill leads to disaster. The Canadiens have struggled in both areas, often ending up in the penalty box while their opponents capitalize on power plays. Coach Martin St. Louis has not managed to instill discipline in the past two seasons, raising concerns about the consistency of performance moving forward.
***St. Louis Isn’t the Right Coach***
Despite being given a two-year extension after the 2023-24 season, St. Louis may not be the answer for Montreal. The improvements made since he took over in February 2022 appear minimal. The team continues to struggle offensively and defensively, underscoring the need for a change. If the Canadiens fall short once again in 2025, a coaching change could be inevitable.
***Worst Result: Another Missed Playoff Year***
The Canadiens of 2024-25 appear largely unchanged from the previous year. Laine’s extended absence contributes to early struggles, and the lack of defensive improvement weighs heavily on Montembeault, who will be challenged to perform under tough circumstances. Some individual players may see statistical growth, but if the goal is reaching the playoffs, it will feel meaningless in the end.
Come mid-April, the team faces another season of disappointment, with players expressing uncertainty about their capabilities. St. Louis will remain optimistic, vowing a stronger comeback in the following season, unaware that his tenure will soon come to an end.
These predictions for the Canadiens highlight challenges and opportunities ahead, especially in light of the Laine injury as the season unfolds. Despite uncertainties, following the Canadiens promises to be eventful, starting with their highly anticipated matchup against the Maple Leafs, the first of 82 games.
