The Canadiens' Offseason: A Recipe for Déjà Vu or Disappointment?
If you’re a Montreal Canadiens fan, the offseason so far has probably felt like a slow-motion replay of last year’s roster moves—or rather, the lack thereof. Personally, I think the most striking thing about this offseason isn’t just the absence of blockbuster trades, but the eerie sense of déjà vu that comes with it. Reading NHL.com’s projected lineup for next season, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d stumbled into a time loop. Brett Berard and Reilly Walsh as the “key arrivals”? Really? Let’s just say I nearly spilled my coffee when I saw that.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the disconnect between the team’s ambitions and their actual moves. The Canadiens are coming off a surprising playoff run, yet their offseason strategy seems to be… well, not much of a strategy at all. Berard, a 23-year-old with zero points in 13 NHL games last season, and Walsh, a 27-year-old who’s played one NHL game since 2022, are being touted as additions to a “core seeking another lengthy playoff run.” If you take a step back and think about it, this feels less like a plan and more like wishful thinking.
The Lineup: Familiar Faces, Familiar Problems
One thing that immediately stands out is the projected lineup itself. It’s essentially last season’s roster with a few minor tweaks. Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky are still the first line, which is fine—they’re the heart of this team. But then you get to the second line, and it’s Jake Evans centering Alex Newhook and Ivan Demidov. Here’s where I have to pause. In my opinion, Evans is a solid fourth-liner, maybe a third-line center in a pinch, but he’s not the guy you want setting up a talent like Demidov. What this really suggests is that the Canadiens are either overestimating Evans’s abilities or underestimating the importance of maximizing Demidov’s potential.
And don’t even get me started on Kirby Dach. The Canadiens re-signed him to a one-year, $3.6 million deal, despite the fact that he’s been more potential than production for seven years now. Personally, I think this was a mistake. Dach has never consistently delivered, whether in Chicago or Montreal. The silver lining, I suppose, is that his contract is trade-friendly, so maybe Kent Hughes can offload him before the season starts. But for now, he’s taking up a roster spot that could go to someone with more upside.
The Missing Pieces: Grit and Defense
What many people don’t realize is that the Canadiens’ playoff run last season wasn’t just about skill—it was about grit. Yet, this roster still lacks the physical presence needed to compete in the postseason. Josh Anderson is great when he’s on his game, but he’s not a consistent enforcer. And where’s Arber Xhekaj in all of this? The Sheriff brings exactly what this team needs: toughness, heart, and a willingness to get into the dirty areas. But he’s a restricted free agent, and his future with the team seems uncertain. If Martin St. Louis isn’t sold on him, why keep him? This raises a deeper question: Are the Canadiens prioritizing the wrong things?
The blue line is another area of concern. Mike Matheson and Noah Dobson are solid, but the team desperately needs a big, skilled defenseman to anchor the back end. Think Shea Weber in his prime. Without that kind of presence, the Canadiens’ defense will continue to be a liability in high-pressure situations.
The Bigger Picture: Is This Enough?
If you ask me, this roster feels like a half-measure. It’s a team that could squeak into the playoffs but doesn’t have the firepower or depth to make a serious run. What this really suggests is that the Canadiens are banking on internal development rather than external additions. Maybe Suzuki takes another step forward, or Caufield becomes even more consistent. But that’s a lot of “maybes” for a team with postseason aspirations.
From my perspective, the Canadiens are at a crossroads. They could either double down on this roster and hope for the best, or make a bold move to address their glaring weaknesses. Personally, I think the latter is the way to go. Standing pat might feel safe, but it’s also a recipe for mediocrity.
Final Thoughts
As a fan, I want to believe that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have a plan. But right now, this roster feels like a rerun of last season, with a few new faces who don’t move the needle. If the Canadiens want to build on their playoff success, they need to take more risks. Otherwise, they’re just setting themselves up for another year of “what ifs.”
One thing’s for sure: this offseason has been anything but exciting. And unless something changes soon, next season might feel all too familiar—in the worst way possible.
