With three games remaining before the NHL trade deadline on March 6, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves sixth in the league in points percentage, reflecting a competitive season pace in the demanding Eastern Conference. Montreal’s performance this season has been notable considering the team’s youth and the impact of extended injuries and inconsistent goaltending.
Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens’ president of hockey operations, recognizes the progress the team has made since the start of the season in October, impressed by their ability to maintain a strong standing despite challenges.
Team Confidence and Growth Under Management’s Guidance
Gorton highlighted the developing confidence within the team as a key factor in their success.
“I think it tells you that our team’s evolving as a pretty good team, and they’re confident that they’re pretty good, and I think somewhere along the way we’re a team that thinks we can win every night,”
he said during an interview prior to Montreal’s win over the Winnipeg Jets, which improved their record to 32-17-8 through 57 games.
Reflecting on the transformation over the past year, Gorton added,
“I don’t know if that was necessarily true 12-15 months ago, but I think we’ve developed that. I think the coaches and the players have done a pretty good job of developing that. The expectation every night is to win and not just be competing. I think our team has become very confident in their play. They feel like they’re good. They know they’re going to be in every game if they play the right way, and that’s newer for us. It’s not new, but it’s newer to hear the quotes from around the league about the way we play and how we’re coached and how we’re built, and those are all good signs of our evolution and where we’re going.”
Balancing Immediate Ambitions With Long-Term Commitments
While Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes are eager to bolster the Canadiens’ playoff chances, they emphasize careful decision-making to preserve the team’s broader, long-term plan of becoming consistent contenders. Gorton acknowledged the temptation to act quickly at the trade deadline but stressed the importance of strategic choices.
“We’d like to be aggressive, and we will be, if need be,”
he said. However, both executives understand that impulsive moves could hamper future success.
Gorton clarified their philosophy around mid-season adjustments:
“I’ve worked for a few people in hockey who always felt that if you just get in, you have a chance, and that was their philosophy. And I understand that thought process. When you have a team that you feel like is pretty good and you add a piece or two, you know what it could mean. But Kent and I spend a lot of time analyzing that next thing, and we’re in a phase where whatever we do next is really important to get right. When you ask how we balance our long-term vision with not wasting the opportunity in front of us, it’s hard to answer if this is the time or when the time will be (to strike) because you really don’t know until something is presented to you. Kent’s really good at being really on top of what is out there, talking to managers a lot. He’s pretty thorough. I think our job is to be ready for whatever it is and when those decisions come, whether they come today or tomorrow or months down the road.”
This approach suggests the Canadiens will avoid rash trades just for the sake of action, instead seeking players that fit both current roster needs and future team building.
Key Acquisitions and Development in the Canadiens’ Rebuild
The Canadiens have already made important moves over the past few seasons laying the groundwork for their current position. The acquisition of veteran defenseman Alexandre Carrier two Decembers ago, in exchange for younger defenseman Justin Barron, provided immediate defensive stability while securing a player under contract through 2027. This move balanced present competitiveness with future planning.
The team chose to retain all unrestricted free agents last season, aiming to qualify for the playoffs and develop their core group for sustained success. Subsequent trades for talented young players like 22-year-old Zachary Bolduc and 26-year-old Noah Dobson—who also signed an eight-year contract—bolstered the roster’s foundation.
In November, the Canadiens added forward Alexandre Texier, and extending his contract for two additional years showed commitment to his role in both the present and future lineup. Similarly, trading a future second-round pick for experienced forward Phillip Danault—who is under contract for another season—helped solidify the team as they compete.
Gorton assured that the Canadiens will seize further beneficial opportunities before the deadline if they arise, but are prepared to be selective to maintain balance.
Internal Talent Easing Roster Priorities
Originally, the Canadiens anticipated needing to address a second-line centre and a right-handed defense partner for young defender Lane Hutson. However, these have evolved from necessities to wants due to strong internal performances.
Gorton noted,
“At the end of last season, everyone was calling for that second-line centre and for a right D. We heard them, but at the same time, I think in-house, we have guys that have done a really good job of some of things that people have been calling for. I don’t think anyone really thought Oliver (Kapanen) could do what he’s done, and he’s done a real good job for us in his rookie year. In a lot of ways, he’s taken the pressure off that demand. Noah’s come in and pretty quietly been really good. I don’t think he gets enough credit for how good he’s been. Very consistent, adds a lot to our team, and fits right in.”
Young stars Ivan Demidov and Juraj Slafkovsky have emerged prominently, especially as Slafkovsky drives the line with Demidov and Kapanen. Meanwhile, forwards Alexandre Texier and Kirby Dach have filled the gaps alongside key players Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. The Canadiens also have several other internal options, including Alex Newhook, who is expected to return from an ankle injury soon.
Patrik Laine’s Status and Trade Possibilities
Forward Patrik Laine, a significant contributor with 20 goals in 52 games last season, has been sidelined for the past 14 weeks due to core muscle surgery. Though regularly practicing in recent weeks, he had not yet been cleared for game action before the Olympic break. It is anticipated, however, that he may return to play elsewhere if traded following the Olympics.
Considering the salary cap, the Canadiens would likely need to retain up to half of Laine’s prorated $9.1-million salary to move his remaining $8.7-million cap hit. Despite rumors regarding trades involving Laine, sources indicate that offering a draft pick or asset to facilitate his move is currently off the table.
Gorton indicated roster adjustments might still be necessary to create cap space or manage depth at the lower end of the lineup:
“If you look at our roster, I think it’s pretty clear we have extra guys. I do think adding some of the guys we added got us through the time we were pretty banged up, so we had some depth that kept us above water and kept us playing pretty good hockey when in years past we probably would’ve caved in.”
Goaltending Situation and Development Strategy
Rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler impressed by posting a 4-4-2 record, providing crucial time for teammates Jakub Dobes and Samuel Montembeault to regain stability. While there remains a possibility Fowler may return to Montreal this season, the plan is for him to continue regular play in the AHL with the Laval Rocket.
Marco Marciano, recently promoted to the Canadiens’ staff, will work alongside Fowler during the Olympic break as management considers candidates for a new Rocket goaltending coach. Gorton said,
“We’re going through a couple of names, so we should get there over the break. I think what we’ve done with Fowls is just identified that we’ve got to get him in as many pro games as possible, within reason. The AHL is a hectic schedule … We just want to let his play tell us when he’ll be ready. I think it’s going to be a really good thing for him that he got those 10 games with us. We sent him back down there with a clearer picture of what it looks like here, and he crossed a couple of things off, like playing in different rinks that are hostile and playing at the Bell Centre on a Saturday night.”
Recent strong performances from Dobes and improvement from Montembeault mean the Canadiens are stable at the goalie position for now, prompting Gorton to state,
“We’re probably more comfortable than everyone suggests we are right now with our two goalies. I think that we’re all encouraged with how they’ve both been playing lately. We’re encouraged with what we’ve seen from Sam since he came back (from his December conditioning stint in Laval) and Dobes has been better.”
Defense Depth and Prospects Contesting for Roles
On defense, Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble have been sharing time as the team’s sixth defenseman. Gorton explained this rotation, acknowledging the challenge both face competing for limited ice time but emphasizing the organization’s confidence in their abilities.
“We clearly have five guys that are playing more than most teams have. Some nights, Arber will get more ice, or Struble will get more ice, but those guys are in a tough spot. Right now, they’re fighting for one spot, and that’s a lot of pressure. And if you’re not playing a lot of minutes, it becomes harder and harder. But we like Arber and Strubes a lot. We have some young guys coming that we like a lot, too. We’ll make decisions on all of them as they come, but we have a lot of faith in Arber and Strubes and what they bring, so we don’t feel an imminent need to bring in another guy.”
Still, Gorton and Hughes remain open to possibilities in the marketplace, especially if they find a player who can strengthen the team strategically.
Approach to Potential Trade Targets and Future Outlook
Gorton and Hughes have not ruled out acquiring a scoring forward who combines size, grit, and playoff experience, traits that have been associated with some trade rumours this season. However, they remain cautious about sacrificing future assets or prospects for short-term rentals.
“We like our team,” Gorton said.
“We’re excited with where we’re at. I don’t know exactly what’s next, but I’m excited to see what we can do, even if I don’t think it necessarily means it’s coming prior to the deadline.”
Looking beyond the deadline, first-round pick Michael Hage from Michigan could potentially join the team if his collegiate season concludes before Montreal’s playoffs, adding another option for the Canadiens.
Gorton summarized his assessment of the team’s potential:
“I think it’s pretty clear that we have a skilled team, that we’re improving in the areas where we want to improve, and that we’re resilient. I think we’re coming together at the right time. I see a lot of good things going on. It’s a good group of guys that like each other a lot, that want to play together, and they believe in themselves. I just feel like we’re getting better and better, and as the season’s getting harder and harder, I think they’re responding. I like our consistency for the most part. So far, so good.”
Canadiens finish the night in second place in the Atlantic Division after Red Wings loss to Mammoth. They'll remain there through the Olympic break if Buffalo loses to Pittsburgh Thursday.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) February 5, 2026
