Entering the 2024-25 NHL season, the Montreal Canadiens are a team sparking immense curiosity in the hockey world. With a promising youth movement in full swing, the return of Kirby Dach, and the addition of the dynamic Patrik Laine, anticipation is high for what this season holds for the Canadiens. Despite the buzz surrounding the team, there are numerous lingering uncertainties that cloud their potential outcome in the standings. This ambiguity opens the door for endless debates and discussions about where the Canadiens may ultimately land.
The Montreal Canadiens’ 2024-25 season is ripe for bold predictions. The absence of a forty-goal scorer on the team since Vincent Damphousse in ’93-’94 sets the stage for a potentially historic season. Patrik Laine, a prolific goal-scorer when healthy, has aspirations of not just reaching the elusive forty-goal mark but potentially aiming for fifty goals. Although he achieved forty-four goals in his sophomore season, he has yet to replicate that feat. Under the guidance of Martin St. Louis in Montreal, Laine has the potential to reignite his career and reach those lofty goals once more.
Meanwhile, Cole Caufield, another young standout, has yet to hit the thirty-goal milestone in his budding career. Despite being on pace for nearly fifty goals before a previous injury, last season he fell just short at 28 goals. With a full offseason of recovery and no lingering effects from prior shoulder surgery, Caufield is primed for a breakout season.
The duo of Caufield and Laine, while likely starting on different lines, will undoubtedly elevate each other’s performance. Their presence on the ice will pose a significant challenge for opposing teams and create headaches for defenders, especially on the powerplay. If they can stay healthy, both players have the potential to surpass thirty goals and maybe even breach the forty-goal mark, providing a significant offensive boost for the Canadiens.
Despite being perceived as trailing behind the Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, and Buffalo Sabres in their respective rebuilds, the Canadiens’ recent moves suggest a potential shift. Under GM Kent Hughes’s leadership, Montreal has rapidly accelerated their rebuilding process by drafting top talents like Juraj Slafkovsky, Lane Hutson, Jacob Fowler, and more. Notable acquisitions such as Laine, Dach, and Alex Newhook have further bolstered the team’s roster. With arguably the best prospect pool in the league, strategic long-term signings, and a proactive approach to team-building, the Canadiens are positioning themselves as serious contenders.
One standout prediction for the upcoming season is Lane Hutson emerging as a Calder Trophy finalist. Despite uncertainties surrounding Detroit, Ottawa, and Buffalo, the Canadiens’ expedited rebuild under Hughes sets them apart. While all four teams face challenges and unknown variables, Montreal’s rapid transformation into a competitive force cannot be overlooked. The Canadiens stand as a dark horse in the playoff race, capable of surprising their Atlantic Division rivals and securing a spot in the postseason.
As the 2024-25 NHL season unfolds, the Montreal Canadiens aim to defy expectations and make a statement in the league. With a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and a revamped roster, the Canadiens are poised to shake up the hockey landscape and carve their path to success. Stay tuned for an electrifying season filled with bold predictions, thrilling moments, and unforgettable performances from the Montreal Canadiens.
(Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)
