Canadiens' Top 25 Players Since 2000: Spotlight on Standouts Ranked 16-20
With the NHL schedule featuring a lengthy Olympic break, it presents an ideal opportunity to reflect on the top 25 Montreal Canadiens players who have graced the ice since the turn of the century. This period has seen its share of challenges for the storied franchise, including ten playoff misses, but also moments of glory with two Eastern Conference final appearances and a Stanley Cup final berth in 2021.
Over 300 skaters and 28 goaltenders have donned the iconic Canadiens sweater since the 2000-01 season. From this extensive roster, twenty-five individuals have distinguished themselves through a combination of personal statistics, awards, team impact, fan connection, and longevity. In this second installment of a five-part feature series, we delve into the players ranked from 16 to 20, highlighting their contributions and memorable moments in Montreal.
No. 16 — Mike Cammalleri
Mike Cammalleri joined the Canadiens on July 1, 2009, signing a five-year, $30 million contract as a free agent after an impressive 82-point season with the Calgary Flames. His debut season in Montreal was marked by solid regular-season performance, but it was in the playoffs where he truly shone. Cammalleri exploded with 19 points in 19 games, playing a pivotal role in the team's run to the Eastern Conference final, where they fell to the Philadelphia Flyers.
The following season, he continued to contribute offensively, but tensions arose as the team struggled. After a comment about the team developing a "losing attitude," Cammalleri was traded back to the Flames in a mid-game deal, a move that coincided with the Canadiens missing the playoffs for the first time in five years. Despite the abrupt departure, he later received his No. 13 sweater and a heartfelt letter from team owner Geoff Molson, underscoring his impact on the franchise.
No. 17 — Brian Gionta
Brian Gionta signed with the Canadiens on the same day as Cammalleri, agreeing to a five-year, $25 million deal after a 60-point season with the New Jersey Devils. In his first year, he notched 46 points and added 15 in the playoffs, finishing second in postseason scoring. Gionta's leadership was recognized when he was named team captain in 2010, following Saku Koivu's departure.
During his five seasons in Montreal, Gionta helped the team reach the playoffs four times, including a conference final appearance in 2014. His tenure was only marred by a biceps injury in 2011-12 that limited his play. After his contract ended, he signed with the Buffalo Sabres, leaving behind a legacy of consistency and captaincy that resonated with fans and teammates alike.
No. 18 — Phillip Danault
Phillip Danault's acquisition from the Chicago Blackhawks in 2016 stands as one of Marc Bergevin's best moves as general manager. In Montreal, Danault evolved into one of the NHL's premier defensive centers and faceoff specialists, earning top-seven finishes in Selke Trophy voting for three consecutive seasons. He was a key component of a dominant five-on-five line with Brendan Gallagher and Tomas Tatar, contributing to the team's deep playoff run in 2021 that ended in the Stanley Cup final.
After a contract dispute, Danault signed with the Los Angeles Kings, where he scored a career-high 27 goals. However, in a surprising twist, he returned to the Canadiens in a 2026 trade, bringing much-needed defensive experience to a young roster. His second stint has seen him excel in faceoffs and provide steady play, reaffirming his value to the organization.
No. 19 — Michael Ryder
Michael Ryder, an eighth-round draft pick by the Canadiens in 1998, made an immediate impact as a rookie with 25 goals in 2003-04. He followed this with back-to-back 30-goal seasons, leading the team in scoring both years. After a dip in production, he left for Boston but was reacquired by Montreal in 2013, where he added 10 goals in 27 games.
In total, Ryder scored 109 goals in 341 regular-season games with the Canadiens, placing him among the top goal-scorers for the franchise since 2000. His ability to find the net consistently, especially during his early years, cemented his place as a fan favorite and a reliable offensive threat during his time in Montreal.
No. 20 — Richard Zednik
Richard Zednik was acquired by the Canadiens in a 2001 trade and quickly made his mark. In his first full season, he posted 44 points and then exploded in the 2002 playoffs with 8 points in 4 games against the Boston Bruins. His postseason was cut short by a controversial hit, but the team rallied to win the series. Zednik led the Canadiens in goals for the next two seasons, with 31 and 26 respectively, showcasing his scoring prowess.
After a decline in production, he was traded back to the Washington Capitals. Despite his departure, Zednik's offensive bursts and playoff performances left an indelible mark on the Canadiens' recent history, highlighting his role as a dynamic forward during his tenure in Montreal.
This ranking offers a glimpse into the diverse talents that have shaped the Canadiens over the past two decades. As the series continues, it will further explore the players who have defined this era for one of hockey's most iconic teams.
