Here’s a harsh reality for Montreal Canadiens fans: their team’s promising start to the season is crumbling faster than a snowman in July. Four straight losses have turned early optimism into frustration, with the latest setback coming in a heartbreaking 4-3 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. But here’s where it gets interesting: amidst the disappointment, there’s a glimmer of hope—and it’s all about the kids.
Head coach Martin St. Louis made a bold move by shuffling his top line for the first time this season, and it paid off—not in terms of immediate results, but in the long-term development of two young stars: Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov. And this is the part most people miss: young players often hesitate to take charge early in their careers, deferring to veterans instead. This can stunt their growth, as they avoid shooting when they should or holding onto the puck with confidence. But on Monday, Slafkovsky and Demidov broke free from this pattern, playing with a newfound assertiveness alongside Oliver Kapanen.
Slafkovsky’s performance on the Canadiens’ first goal was a highlight reel. He confidently carried the puck through the attacking zone, using his body to maintain possession and even executing a 360-degree turn to create space before delivering a perfect pass. It was the kind of play you’d expect from a first-overall pick. Demidov, too, seemed more relaxed, making smart decisions and winning battles for space. Kapanen, meanwhile, did what he does best—finding the back of the net for his seventh goal of the season.
Controversially, while Zach Bolduc’s move to the first line was expected to steal the show, it was Slafkovsky and Demidov who truly shone. This raises a thought-provoking question: should the Canadiens prioritize the development of their young stars over immediate wins during this rebuild? For now, the answer seems clear—let these players build chemistry and confidence. When they’re playing with such freedom, let them cook.
Another standout was Lane Hutson, who dominated with a goal, an assist, and a staggering 34-8 shot attempt advantage for the Canadiens when he was on the ice. His late wrist shot tied the game, sending it to overtime, where Montreal controlled the play. Despite the shootout loss, the team’s two-goal comeback in the third period showcased their resilience.
But let’s not sugarcoat it: the Canadiens are struggling. As the youngest team in the NHL, with an average age of just 25.2 years, they’re bound to experience extreme highs and lows. Add to that a string of injuries—Patrik Laine, Kaiden Guhle, Kirby Dach, and Alex Newhook—and the challenge becomes even greater. The replacements simply don’t match the talent of the starters, and the goaltending has been subpar, with save percentages hovering in the .800s. Here’s a bold statement: if the goalies don’t improve to around .900, the offense will be forced to carry an impossible load.
Yet, there’s reason for optimism. This rebuild is still on track to be one of the best in NHL history, rivaling even the Toronto Maple Leafs’ rapid resurgence. The return of injured players, the arrival of top prospects like Alexander Zharovsky and Jacob Fowler, and the smart contract management by GM Kent Hughes all point to a bright future. Even the team’s current struggles—like their lack of size against powerhouse teams—are valuable lessons for the long haul.
So, while the next two months might be tough, don’t let negativity cloud the bigger picture. The Canadiens’ rebuild is far from troubled—it’s just missing depth for now. Patience is key. The horizon still holds a beautiful future for this team. What do you think? Are the Canadiens on the right path, or is there cause for concern? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
