Canadiens Training Camp: Key Issues Ahead of Season Opener

The Montreal Canadiens are in the midst of their training camp, with significant preparations underway for their upcoming games against the Ottawa Senators. The first match will take place tomorrow night in Quebec City, followed by another at the Bell Centre on Saturday. The regular season is set to commence on October 8, 2025, prompting intense competition among players vying for roster spots.

As the camp progresses, attention is focused on several key issues that could impact the team’s performance. One of the most pressing concerns is the health of defensemen Kaiden Guhle and Noah Dobson. Both players are currently sidelined with groin injuries, and their status is uncertain. The coaching staff will evaluate them daily, leaving fans and teammates eager for updates on whether they will be able to participate in the upcoming games.

Another critical aspect of the training camp is determining which players will secure a place on the final roster. With the recent waiver placements of forwards Alex Belzile, Lucas Condotta, and Sean Farrell, along with defensemen Nathan Clurman and Marc Del Gaizo, the squad has been reduced to 29 players. To finalize the team, the Canadiens will need to make six or seven additional cuts, aiming to finalize a roster of 22 or 23 players.

Among the players still in contention, goalie position remains competitive, with Samuel Montembeault, Dobes, and Kahkonen all battling for a spot. The defensive lineup includes Guhle, Lane Hutson, and David Reinbacher, who, due to his injury, will not start the season. In terms of forwards, a group including Josh Anderson, Kirby Dach, and Joe Veleno are vying for limited positions, particularly as the Canadiens are unlikely to carry 14 forwards.

The coaching decisions of Martin St-Louis will also play a pivotal role in shaping the final roster. His preference for stability within lines and defensive pairs is evident, yet there remains curiosity about potential combinations, such as Zachary Bolduc and Ivan Demidov. Feedback from players like Hutson indicates Bolduc has impressed during camp, suggesting he may soon receive opportunities to showcase his abilities on higher lines.

As the Canadiens prepare for the season opener, the interplay between player health, roster decisions, and coaching strategies will significantly influence their performance. With the clock ticking down to the start of the season, the team’s decisions in the coming days will have lasting implications for their campaign ahead.