As the Montreal Canadiens continue to defy expectations in the 2025-26 NHL season, it's a perfect moment for reflection. Following General Manager Kent Hughes's mid-season press conference on January 7, 2026, the team's position near the top of the Eastern Conference with 52 points after 42 games invites a review of preseason forecasts. Some predictions proved prescient, while others missed the mark entirely in a year where the rebuild appears ahead of schedule.
The Accurate Forecasts: Slafkovsky's Rise and Goaltending Gambles
One of the most satisfying correct calls centered on Juraj Slafkovsky. The Slovakian winger, the first overall pick in 2022, has silenced his critics with a dominant performance. Since being placed on a line with Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov, Slafkovsky has been on a tear, recording six goals and six assists in his last eight games. His season totals now stand at 15 goals and 17 assists, finally showcasing the consistent, high-level play expected of a top selection.
In the crease, early skepticism about Samuel Montembeault as the undisputed number one goalie was warranted. His shaky performances persisted for too long before the organization finally promoted Jacob Fowler from the Laval Rocket on December 11. This move, while delayed, was a necessary correction for a team struggling with its netminding situation, which Hughes himself acknowledged was not ideal.
Another prediction that held true involved the ongoing saga of Kirby Dach. Plagued by injuries, including a fractured foot that has sidelined him since mid-November, Dach has yet to fulfill the promise of his third-overall draft pedigree. His absence and inconsistent play when healthy have remained a significant wild card for the Habs.
Surprises and Pleasant Developments
Perhaps the most significant miscalculation was underestimating Alex Newhook. After two underwhelming seasons following his trade from Colorado, the Newfoundlander transformed into a key contributor before suffering a broken ankle in mid-November. His improved play and integration into the lineup were developments few saw coming at the start of the campaign.
Furthermore, the internal solution to the club's longstanding second-line centre dilemma emerged from an unexpected source: Oliver Kapanen. The Finnish rookie has excelled between Slafkovsky and Demidov on the so-called "Kid Line," providing a perfect complementary skillset and solving a critical roster need without a costly external trade.
The overall success of the team itself also constitutes a surprise. Sitting just two points out of first place in the Eastern Conference, the Canadiens' rapid ascent has surpassed even optimistic projections. Key to this has been the immediate impact of defenceman Lane Hutson, whose excellence has accelerated the team's competitive timeline. This stands in stark contrast to the struggles of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who with 45 points are languishing near the bottom of the conference—a reversal of fortune that brings no small amount of satisfaction to Montreal fans.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in Montreal
The 2025-26 season has become a defining chapter in the Canadiens' rebuild. While not every individual prediction panned out—such as the anticipated impact of offseason acquisition Zachary Bolduc—the broader picture is overwhelmingly positive. The emergence of young stars like Slafkovsky and Kapanen, coupled with the team's collective chemistry and resilience, has positioned Montreal as a rising force. As Hughes suggested, the future has arrived sooner than anticipated, offering Habs fans legitimate hope and a team that is not just building for tomorrow, but winning today.
