The Montreal Canadiens are heading into what feels like a pivotal season in 2025-26. They’re not quite ready to be labeled contenders, but they’re also far removed from being written off as basement dwellers. It’s that awkward middle ground—where every little stride matters, where development, consistency, and chemistry are the real game-changers.
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The top names will naturally draw the headlines. Nick Suzuki continues to be the heartbeat of the franchise, Cole Caufield provides the offensive spark, and Sam Montembeault is steadily proving himself as a reliable option in goal. But here’s the thing: for teams caught between rebuilding and rising, it’s often not the stars who shift the balance. It’s the depth players, the surprise breakouts, the ones who don’t get marquee billing but manage to tilt the ice anyway.
That’s where things get interesting for Montreal this season. Beneath the spotlight, two names stand out as potential difference-makers: Joshua Roy and Jayden Struble. Neither carries superstar hype, but both have the tools to make a meaningful impact if given the chance.
Joshua Roy — Quietly Climbing, Ready to Stick
Roy didn’t enter the NHL with first-round expectations. Drafted 150th overall in 2021, he was more “longshot project” than “sure thing.” But the thing about Roy? He’s answered every challenge since.
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After tearing up the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with 119 points in 2021-22, Roy transitioned seamlessly to pro hockey. In Laval, he demonstrated his ability to drive offence against tougher competition. Last season, he chipped in 11 points across 35 NHL games, proving he could contribute without looking out of place.
Roy’s game isn’t flashy, and that actually works to his advantage. He’s smart with the puck, responsible away from it, and versatile enough to slot into multiple roles. He’s shown value on the penalty kill, he can support skilled linemates without needing to dominate touches, and he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. For a Canadiens lineup that has struggled with consistency in the middle six, Roy might be the kind of stabilizer they’ve been missing.
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