The 2023-24 season marked the third consecutive season of Montreal not making the playoffs in what they hope was the last of their rebuilding years. The organization had a productive offseason and continues to see youth pumped through their lineup.
A stark difference between the upcoming season and that of seasons prior is the Canadiens are back on the ascent. How quickly they get back in the playoffs, though, remains to be seen.
Montreal Canadiens predictions
- Lane Hutson is a Calder Trophy finalist
- Patrik Laine returns to the 30-goal club
- The Canadiens finish above .500 but fall short of the Wild Card
Lane Hutson is a Calder Trophy finalist
For the last 4 seasons, Lane Hutson has been a standout among amateur skaters in his age group. The 5’10”, 162-pound left-handed defenseman has averaged over a point per game across 2 seasons in the USHL and 2 seasons at Boston University. He had a plus rating each of those seasons, as well as in the World Juniors, where he helped the United States take Gold with 6 points in 7 games.
Hutson made his debut with the Habs at the end of last season, playing in the final two games of the year. In those games, Hutson averaged 22:43 of ice time and had 2 points. This is a very talented, young, NHL-ready defenseman. Habs fans should get used to seeing him dazzle, and hockey fans should consider his Calder Trophy props sooner rather than later.
Patrik Laine returns to the 30-goal club
The primary move the Canadiens made this offseason was bringing in Patrik Laine in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris and a 2026 second-round draft pick. Despite ups and downs in his career, Laine can score from anywhere and is entering his age 26 season.
In the first 4 years of his career, Laine tallied 36, 44, 30 and 28 goals respectively. Injury and personal issues have stalled that consistent production, but Laine still has two 20+ goals seasons in his last three years. The raw talent and elite shot this guy possesses is apparent. If he stays healthy and Martin St. Louis can tap into the stardom that he knows Laine has, do not be surprised to see Laine reach the 30-goal level again.
The Canadiens finish above .500 but fall short of the Wild Card
Despite another forward step in this franchise’s rebuild, the Canadiens look poised to fall short of a playoff spot again. The primary factor going against them this season is purely a crowded Atlantic division as part of a crowded Eastern Conference. The stalwarts of both Eastern divisions look to be all but a formality to get back to the postseason. That means Montreal has to jump some combination of Detroit, Buffalo, Ottawa, New York (Islanders), Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New Jersey to get there. Sorry, Columbus.
It is just too crowded for the Canadiens in 2024-25. This is not to say this team will not be competitive. But in terms of cracking the Eastern Conference’s top 8, it looks bleak. This team looks to be another season away.
