4 Reasons Why Canadians Are the Most Progressive Team in the Atlantic Division – Hockey Writer – Montreal Canadian
The Montreal Canadiens may not be a Stanley Cup favorite yet, but there is no denying that they have taken an important step in the offseason. During the relatively quiet summer of most teams in the Atlantic division, Canadians are enterprising, strategic and efficient. From savvy acquisitions to internal progress and improved health, everything points to Montreal being the most progressive team in its sector.
Offseason increase
When evaluating improvements, you first look at changes in the roster, and Montreal will stand out in the offseason. General Manager Kent Hughes has made a wave by acquiring two key pieces through trade: forward Zachary Bolduc and defensive player Noah Dobson. Both are young, influential players who fit the Canadians in the competition window. Dobson is a top four defender with a right shot with a hockey abilities, experience in power play and a good NHL track record. Bolduc is a 22-year-old with offensive upside potential, adding to his scoring depth and able to play various roles in the six.
In Net, Kaapo Kähkönen’s signature provides Montreal with an experienced backup and senior competition Jakub Dobeš. This low-risk increase brings insurance and stability to positions that have been lacking consistency for years.
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The Canadians also added depth to Samuel Blais and Joe Veleno, possibly flying under radar, but could play a major role in a tough 82-game season. Both players offer flexibility, grit and bottom six experiences.
Who is equally important is who left: Christian Dvorak, Joel Amiya and Emil Heiniman. All of this is depth fragments, and Armia and Dvorak are often seen as fine killers. Their departure is open to young talents without hurting the team’s current core.
Yes, Habs does trade two first-round picks and Logan Mailloux, but that’s the asset for the future. The reward is the talent that can help now, which is a calculation and necessary step.
Add internally
Sometimes the biggest improvement comes from the inside. Last season, the Canadians dealt with a series of cruel injuries that seriously affected their performance and depth. This season, the return of major healthy key players may be as important as any offseason signing.
Patrik Laine missed the first half of the season and Kirby Dach missed the second half. When both are healthy, they show potential that could be six upper stages. Ryan is still a top 40 goal scorer and can change the game in one shot. Organizers like Ivan Demidov or shooters like Cole Caufield can reignite his work.
Dach is the basic work. His absence last season left a major loophole in the center, damaging the chemistry and limiting Montreal’s options. His return puts Habs in desperate need behind Nick Suzuki.
Kaiden Guhle also missed a lot of time for the injury. When he was healthy, he was one of Montreal’s best defensive defenders. Having him on the roster will always strengthen the left side, especially with Dobson added to balance the pairing on the right.
In short, just going back to Ryan, Dark and Guller throughout the season should be considered like getting three top players without having to give up anything.
The development of young core
One of the most overlooked aspects of team improvement is natural development. The Canadians have one of the youngest and most talented cores in the NHL, and most of these players have just captured the potential.
Juraj Slafkovsky has taken a huge step over the past two seasons, entering only 21 this season. His body tools, improved skating and better decision making, suggests he is ready to be a stable top six contributor.
Vibrant defensive player Lane Hutson entered his second NHL season at the age of 21. With his offensive intuition and strong game ability, he will continue to be the backbone of defense. Demidov, only 19 years old, is one of the most anticipated Habs prospects in decades. His elite vision, creativity and offensive rise may make him a Calder Trophy candidate.
Comparing this to other Atlantic teams like the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning or the Boston Bruins is a clear comparison. These teams rely on aging core, with most of their players over the past 30 years old being the best. Their windows are now. Canadians’ windows just opened.
With another year of growth, chemistry and experience, the Canadians’ young players can only get better, making them even more dangerous.
Atlantic competitors still stand
Finally, improvements are relative. To really say that Montreal is the most progressive, we have to look at what their zoning competitors have done or not.
The Panthers won the Cup and kept the core intact, but they didn’t get better. Their increase is minimal and now they will cause fatigue in the fatigue of the playoff running. Tampa Bay took some small moves, but it didn’t change the game.
The Toronto Maple Leafs lost Mitch Marner, arguably their second best player, and hasn’t fully replaced him yet. This is a huge blow to their offense. The Detroit Red Wings did add John Gibson, which could help stabilize their goalkeepers, but their other moves were limited.
Ottawa Senators added depth, but no top talent. The Buffalo Saber actually lost JJ Peterka, a young player who showed hope and no clear path to replace his work. The Boston Bruins signed some veterans, but in terms of rising and long-term fit, nothing can match Montreal’s increase.
In short, none of these teams have improved the roster this season and beyond than the Habs did. Canadians will not only add; they skillfully add targets, the goal is their needs, and do so without tearing down the future.
The progress of Canadians is undeniable. Between the increase in influential offseasons, the return of major injured players, the natural growth of young cores, and the relatively stagnant moves of division opponents, Montreal can surprise many this season.
