3 Things We’ve Learned About the Canadiens This Season – Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens took another significant step forward this season. Although there were events during the year, the organization learned a lot about where it stands in its rebuilding and what the future may hold. Most importantly, several of the biggest questions that surrounded the team entering the season now seem to have answers. Here are three things we learned about the Canadiens this season.

Canadians Find Their Goalkeeper

For years, one of the biggest questions facing the Canadiens organization was who would be the team’s long-term answer in goal. Ever since Carey Price’s career ended, Montreal has been looking for stability between the pipes. This season, Jakub Dobes has made a strong case that he can be that player.

While Samuel Montembeault struggled at times and posted inconsistent numbers throughout the season, Dobes took advantage of every opportunity he was given. He was given a big role to finish the season and did much better in the play-offs. More than his stats, it was the way he played that impressed the viewers. Dobes looked calm, confident and made a big save when the team needed it most. He also improved significantly in the second half of the season. He looked more relaxed, and his skills definitely improved.

The playoffs often reveal a player’s true potential, and Dobes showed he can handle the pressure of meaningful games in one of hockey’s most demanding markets. Whether it was his positioning, rebound control or ability to bounce back after conceding a goal, he consistently gave the Canadiens a chance to win.

Montreal could still carry a lot of goals next season, but for the first time in a long time, it feels like the organization has a legitimate young starter who can lead the franchise for years to come. Not only did Dobes perform well, but Jacob Fowler also looks like he could be a future starter.

Lane Hutson Is Already an Elite Defender

Canadiens fans knew Lane Hutson was talented. Little did many know how quickly he would become one of the NHL’s best defensemen. This season he confirmed that Hutson is not just a promising young player. He’s still a great defender. He finished the season with 78 points in 82 games, falling short of a point in each game of the season.

Every night, Hutson called the game from behind. His skating, vision and offensive nature allowed him to create scoring chances that few defensemen in the league are able to produce. Whether quarterbacking the power play or creating offense at five-on-five, Hutson quickly became one of the Canadiens’ most valuable players.

His playoff performance further solidified his status. He played big minutes, was productive offensively and showed maturity beyond his years. The Canadiens have spent years looking for a true game-changing defenseman, and it looks like they finally found him.

Players like Hutson are hard to find and almost impossible to replace. His emergence changes the trajectory of the franchise and gives Montreal a quarterback to build around for the next decade.

Canadians Got Their Identity

Perhaps the most important thing we’ve learned this season has nothing to do with one player. The Canadiens finally know what kind of team they are. For several years, Montreal was a team trying to establish an identity. They were small, inconsistent and often struggled to compete against stronger opponents. This season was different.

The Canadiens became a team that relied on speed, work ethic, physicality and depth. They may not have the star power of some Stanley Cup contenders, but they always play with energy and dedication. Every line contributed, the defense competed hard, and the team bought into the Martin St. program. Louis. It was also a team that did not give up and came back many times this season.

That identification was especially evident during the playoffs. Players like Josh Anderson, Jake Evans, Phillip Danault and Alexandre Carrier have embraced tough roles and helped set the tone for the team. The Canadiens blocked shots, won faceoffs, eliminated checks and played a defensive style that allowed them to compete against more experienced opponents.

Most successful organizations end up having a clear identity. Carolina hurricanes are known for their structure. The Florida Panthers are known for their relentless physical play. The Canadiens are starting to establish their brand of hockey. There is still work to be done. The team could really benefit from adding a true second line center and offensive depth. However, the foundation is now in place.

This season has shown that the Canadiens have a goaltender they can trust, a top defenseman they can build around and, perhaps most importantly, a team identity that can sustain long-term success. For a franchise that has spent years rebuilding, those are important lessons to learn.