The Montreal Canadiens entered training camp with plenty of questions despite having a roster that already looked mostly set. There were battles for the final forward spots, uncertainty surrounding the goaltending situation, and expectations for some of the team’s biggest names to get ready for another important season. With the preseason now wrapping up, several players made strong impressions. However, three stood out above the rest.
Samuel Montembeault
There may not have been a Canadiens player who needed a strong preseason more than Samuel Montembeault. After a difficult 2025-26 season, Montembeault entered camp with plenty to prove. Jakub Dobes finished last season on a high note and established himself as a legitimate option in net, while Jacob Fowler continues to push toward a permanent NHL role. Suddenly, Montembeault finds himself in a much more competitive goaltending situation.
His preseason response couldn’t have been much better. Montembeault allowed just one goal on 35 shots across three half-games, looking sharp and composed every time he was called upon. Preseason numbers always need to be taken with some perspective, but his performances were exactly what the Canadiens wanted to see. More importantly, he looked confident and calm between the pipes.
Last season wasn’t representative of what Montreal had previously seen from Montembeault. At his best, he can give the Canadiens quality starts and keep them in games even when they aren’t playing their best hockey. His challenge now is carrying this momentum into the regular season.
A good preseason won’t erase the questions surrounding Montreal’s crease, but Montembeault has certainly done his part to make the conversation much more interesting.
Florian Xhekaj
Coming into training camp, Florian Xhekaj faced a difficult path to making the Canadiens. Montreal already had plenty of forwards competing for roster spots, meaning simply having a decent camp wasn’t going to be enough. Xhekaj needed to give the organization a reason to keep him around. That’s exactly what he did.
Xhekaj’s physicality, grit, energy, and willingness to compete have been noticeable throughout camp. He understands the type of player he needs to be to reach the NHL and hasn’t tried to become something he’s not. Instead, he has leaned into the qualities that separate him from Montreal’s other forwards.
Montreal Canadiens forward Florian Xhekaj and teammate goalie Jakub Dobes celebrate (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)
At 6-foot-3 and over 190 pounds, Xhekaj brings a physical dimension that can be valuable in the Canadiens’ bottom six. He isn’t afraid to finish checks, battle around the net, or stand up for teammates. There is an identity to his game that makes him an intriguing option. More importantly, his play appears to have been enough to put him in position to make the initial roster.
That would be a significant accomplishment considering how crowded Montreal’s forward group was entering camp. The Canadiens weren’t necessarily looking for another skilled forward. They needed players who could fill specific roles, and Xhekaj has demonstrated that he can bring something different.
Whether he stays in the lineup throughout the season remains to be seen, but he couldn’t have done much more to strengthen his case during the preseason.
Lane Hutson
Lane Hutson didn’t need the preseason to prove that he belonged in the NHL. He has already established himself as one of the Canadiens’ most important players. Apparently, nobody told him the games didn’t count. Hutson recorded five points in just two preseason games, immediately showing the offensive creativity that has made him such a dangerous player from the blue line.
The most impressive part isn’t necessarily the production itself. It’s how comfortable Hutson continues to look controlling the game offensively. He creates space with his skating, moves the puck quickly, and has the confidence to attack when opportunities appear.
For a Canadiens team with increasingly high expectations, Hutson’s continued progression could be one of the biggest factors in determining how high the club can climb this season.
Five points in two preseason games won’t mean much once the puck drops on the regular season, but it was another reminder of what Montreal has on its blue line.
Canadiens Have Plenty of Positives Entering the Season
The purpose of preseason isn’t necessarily to determine who will dominate once the regular season begins. It’s about answering questions, building confidence, and allowing players to earn opportunities. Montembeault needed to bounce back and looked excellent. Xhekaj needed to separate himself in a crowded roster battle and appears to have done exactly that. Hutson simply picked up where he left off and reminded everyone how dynamic he can be.
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