The past year has been an exciting one for Montreal Canadiens supporters, marking a hopeful turning point in the team’s rebuilding process. After three straight seasons missing the playoffs, the young Canadiens made a return to the postseason following their unexpected run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. Although their time in the playoffs was brief, the experience was valuable for growth and learning.
As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect moment to look back on the key highlights for the NHL’s oldest franchise. Here are the top five memorable moments for the Canadiens this year.
Fans eagerly awaited Ivan Demidov’s NHL debut, which was delayed until the start of the 2025-26 season due to his contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. When the Russian rookie finally arrived, excitement swept through the fanbase, culminating in a warm welcome at Toronto’s airport. Demidov made an electrifying debut against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 14, scoring and assisting while energizing the Bell Center crowd and media alike.
Lane Hutson also emerged as a standout, potentially ending the Canadiens’ long-standing drought in winning the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s top rookie. Scoring four goals in the first three games of the season, Hutson thrilled fans with his dynamic play, setting a new franchise record for most points by a rookie defenseman and placing fourth all-time in NHL history for rookie points by a defenseman.
Another highlight was Juraj Slavkovskiy’s breakthrough after being moved off the top line. Joining young talents Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen, Slavkovskiy showed a new level of confidence and physicality, greatly contributing to the team’s offense while showcasing strength on the ice. This change has positioned him for a career-best season with 59 points in just 39 games.
General Manager Kent Hughes made a decisive move by acquiring 25-year-old defenseman Dobson from the New York Islanders, trading two first-round picks and promising forward Emil Heineman to signal that the Canadiens are shifting from rebuilding to contending. This bold acquisition, along with contract extensions for Hutson and Mike Matheson, demonstrated the team’s commitment to building a winning culture, signaling to the league and fans alike that Montreal is serious about competing now.
The Canadiens finished 2025 with a strong record of 44 wins, 26 losses, and 14 overtime losses, showing clear progress and hinting at a promising future. Under the leadership of Hughes, Jeff Gorton, and Martin St. Louis, the organization is laying a solid foundation for sustained success, igniting hope for fans long used to ups and downs.
Fan Take: This turnaround is crucial for hockey fans because it marks the resurgence of a historic franchise poised to impact the league significantly. It not only revives the Canadiens’ legacy but also adds fresh excitement and competitive spirit to the NHL, promising thrilling seasons ahead.
