As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for the upcoming season, the hockey world is buzzing with excitement over the potential of this team. The Canadiens have been on a rebuilding path for the past few years, but many believe that the pieces are finally falling into place for a playoff push in the 2024-25 season.
General manager Kent Hughes has been actively looking to bolster the team’s lineup, particularly in the forward position. The addition of Kirby Dach, a promising top-six forward, brings some much-needed firepower to the Canadiens, but Hughes knows that one more top-six forward is essential for a legitimate playoff run. Rumors have been circulating about potential trade targets, with names like Rutger McGroarty, Martin Necas, Patrik Laine, and Kent Johnson all in the mix. Hughes has a history of making unexpected moves, like the acquisitions of Dach and Alex Newhook, so fans are eagerly awaiting news of another surprise addition to the roster.
One of the key factors for the Canadiens’ success this season will be the performance of their goaltending tandem. With Jake Allen no longer with the team, Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau will be tasked with manning the net. Montembeault is poised to take on the starting role, but Primeau is determined to challenge him for the position. The young duo showed promise last season, but they will need to elevate their game to an elite level in order to give the Canadiens a shot at the playoffs. With a young defense in front of them, Montembeault and Primeau will need to be rock-solid between the pipes.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Kirby Dach as he looks to have a breakout season and lead the Canadiens to a playoff berth. The road to the playoffs won’t be easy, but with the right mix of goaltending, offensive firepower, and player development, the Canadiens have a shot at defying expectations and making a return to the post-season.
Excitement is building in Montreal as fans eagerly anticipate the start of the season. With the talented roster that Hughes has assembled, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the team’s chances of finally breaking through and making a playoff run. As the Canadiens embark on this new chapter, the hockey world will be watching closely to see if this is the year that Montreal returns to the playoffs.
It’s a new era for the Canadiens, and the possibilities are endless. With the right pieces in place and a little bit of luck, this could be the season that Montreal makes its triumphant return to the playoffs. Stay tuned, hockey fans, because the Canadiens are ready to make some noise in the 2024-25 season.
Photo credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports