![\"Juraj](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Juraj-Slafkovsky-Canadiens-4-1200x800.jpg\")
Montreal Canadiens left wing Juraj Slafkovsky (James Guillory-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n
More importantly, the Canadiens showed they could win when the games mattered most. Their playoff run gave this young group valuable experience and showed that Montreal isn\u2019t simply building toward becoming competitive anymore. The Canadiens are competitive now. That changes what constitutes a successful season.<\/p>\n
Making the playoffs was the goal. Now, simply sneaking into a wild-card position would probably feel somewhat disappointing considering the talent on the roster and what Montreal accomplished last season.<\/p>\n
Nobody should expect the Canadiens to dominate the league automatically, but the standard has undoubtedly increased. This is a team that should expect to be comfortably in the playoff conversation and potentially much more.<\/p>\n
The Canadiens\u2019 Ceiling <\/p>\n
When discussing a team\u2019s ceiling, everything is essentially based on the best-case scenario. If Suzuki continues playing at an elite level, Caufield remains one of the NHL\u2019s premier goal scorers,<\/a> Slafkovsky takes another step and Demidov develops into the offensive superstar many expect him to become, Montreal could have one of the better young forward cores in hockey.<\/p>\n The same applies defensively. Hutson already drives offense at an incredible level from the blue line, while Dobson gives the Canadiens another high-end defenseman. Add Kaiden Guhle and Mike Matheson to the equation, and there is plenty of talent on the back end. Then there is Jakub Dobes, who enters the season with an opportunity to establish himself as Montreal\u2019s starting goaltender after his strong finish and playoff performance last season<\/a>.<\/p>\n If all of those pieces perform near their maximum potential, why couldn\u2019t Montreal challenge for the Atlantic Division? It is certainly an ambitious ceiling considering the competition within the division, but that is exactly what a ceiling is supposed to represent.<\/p>\n And once the playoffs begin, Montreal has already shown it can be dangerous. With another year of development for its young players and more postseason experience throughout the lineup, another run toward the Eastern Conference Final should absolutely be considered part of this team\u2019s best-case scenario.<\/p>\n That doesn\u2019t mean anything less would be a failure. It simply shows how much Montreal\u2019s potential has increased.<\/p>\n Getting There Will Be Difficult<\/p>\n There is obviously a major difference between a team\u2019s ceiling and its most likely outcome. For Montreal to reach that ceiling, almost everything needs to fall into place.<\/p>\n The Canadiens still have holes in their lineup. The second-line centre position remains one of the biggest questions, particularly when considering the importance of finding the right players to maximize Demidov. There are also questions surrounding the bottom of the lineup, defensive depth and whether Dobes can handle the workload and consistency required from a true starting goaltender over an entire season.<\/p>\n Montreal also received excellent performances from several important players last season. Repeating that across the board isn\u2019t guaranteed. The Atlantic Division won\u2019t make things easy, either. That is why finishing first in the division and making another deep playoff run should be viewed as Montreal\u2019s ceiling rather than the baseline expectation.<\/p>\n Still, the fact that such a season is even realistic says a lot about how quickly things have changed. A few years ago, Canadiens fans were discussing draft position, prospects and what the roster might eventually become. Now, the conversation is about whether this group can compete near the top of the Atlantic and make some serious noise in the postseason. Everything would have to go right for Montreal to reach its absolute ceiling in 2026-27.<\/p>\n Free Newsletter<\/p>\n \n Get Montreal Canadiens coverage delivered to your inbox <\/p>\n In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.<\/p>\n