The Montreal Canadiens aren’t just turning a corner—they’re already halfway down the street. After years of laying the groundwork, they’ve reached a point where a playoff spot isn’t a pipe dream; it’s an expectation. Heading into the 2025–26 season, there’s a new energy around the team. This is no longer a franchise in the patient, quiet phase of a rebuild. They’re entering the competitive stage, ready to challenge the Atlantic Division’s heavyweights.
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With a core of homegrown talent, shrewd trades, and a few well-timed veteran additions, Montreal has shifted from “up-and-coming” to “a problem for opponents.” Plenty of teams talk about taking the next step. The difference is that the Canadiens have already begun their climb.
The Canadiens Are an Example of Patience to Progress
The Canadiens’ surprise playoff berth last season came just three years into their rebuild—a much faster turnaround than most predicted. That kind of leap doesn’t happen by luck. It comes from a deliberate plan, executed with discipline, and a willingness to adapt when circumstances change.
General manager Kent Hughes has been the architect of this transformation since assuming the role. Every move, whether bold or subtle, has served a purpose. Montreal’s ahead of schedule, and that’s not a coincidence—it’s a testament to a clear, consistent vision.
Kent Hughes’ Blueprint: Bold but Calculated
When Hughes arrived, he didn’t promise miracles. He promised a proper build—no shortcuts, no “win-now-at-all-costs” gambles. But that didn’t mean moving slowly. Instead, he’s found ways to accelerate the process without undermining long-term stability. His philosophy is simple: build through the draft, but be ready to strike when the right player becomes available.
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The Noah Dobson trade is the perfect example. Hughes sent two first-round picks to the New York Islanders for a 25-year-old, right-shot defenseman who can quarterback a power play and eat big minutes. That’s not just a win-now gamble—it’s a move for a player who aligns with the team’s age curve and identity.
The Logan Mailloux-for-Zachary Bolduc swap fits the same pattern. These weren’t random transactions. They were calculated upgrades made with the belief that Montreal’s…
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