Montreal Canadiens start 2025-26 strong with surprising 7-3-0 record in ten games

The Montreal Canadiens entered the 2025-26 season with modest expectations, a team still navigating the complexities of a rebuild while hoping their young core could take meaningful steps forward. Ten games into the campaign, the Habs have delivered one of the more surprising starts in the NHL, compiling an impressive 7-3-0 record that has them atop the Atlantic Division standings. The blend of emerging stars, veteran leadership, and unexpected contributions has transformed what many predicted would be a developmental year into something potentially more significant.

This early stretch has provided plenty of insight into where the Canadiens stand as an organization. From goaltending controversies to offensive explosions, defensive improvements to mounting injury concerns, the first ten games have been a microcosm of both the promise and challenges facing this franchise. As Montreal continues to build toward sustainable contention, these opening contests have revealed critical patterns that will likely define their season trajectory.

Cole Caufield’s elite scoring pace validates Montreal Canadiens first ten games of the 2025-26 season takeaways

Cole Caufield has wasted no time silencing any lingering doubts about his ability to be a true franchise scorer. Through the first ten games, Caufield potted seven goals, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous shooters. His quick release and innate ability to find shooting lanes have made him a constant threat, particularly at even strength where he’s done the majority of his damage.

What makes Caufield’s hot start even more impressive is the maturity evident in his game. He’s no longer just a one-dimensional sniper waiting for power-play opportunities. Instead, Caufield has developed into a complete offensive player who reads the ice exceptionally well, creates space for his linemates, and contributes defensively when required. His chemistry with Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky on the top line has been electric, forming one of the most productive trios in the Eastern Conference.

The consistency of Caufield’s production suggests this isn’t a fluke. He’s maintained his shooting percentage within reasonable bounds while generating high-quality chances at an elite rate. His positioning in the offensive zone has improved dramatically, allowing him to capitalize on rebounds and second chances that might have eluded him in previous seasons. At this pace, Caufield is tracking toward a 40-plus goal campaign, which would represent a career milestone and validate Montreal’s long-term investment in the diminutive winger.

Perhaps most encouraging for Canadiens fans is Caufield’s health. After battling injuries that disrupted his rhythm in recent years, he appears fully fit and confident in his body. That confidence translates to his on-ice performance, where he’s attacking the net with aggression and finishing through contact. If he maintains this trajectory, the Montreal Canadiens’ 2025-26 season start could feature one of the franchise’s best individual goal-scoring performances in decades.

Jakub Dobeš emergence reshapes goaltending outlook for Montreal Canadiens first ten games of the 2025-26 season takeaways

The most unexpected storyline from Montreal’s opening ten games has been the emergence of rookie goaltender Jakub Dobeš. Initially projected as a backup who would spell veteran Samuel Montembeault, Dobeš has instead seized significant playing time through stellar performances that have forced head coach Martin St. Louis to reconsider his goaltending hierarchy. His calm demeanor, technical precision, and ability to make key saves in crucial moments have been revelatory.

Dobeš has demonstrated poise that typically takes years to develop. His positioning has been exceptional, consistently cutting down angles and forcing shooters to beat him with perfect shots rather than capitalizing on poor technique. His rebound control has been particularly impressive, as he consistently directs pucks to safe areas or smothers them entirely, limiting second-chance opportunities for opposing forwards. These fundamentals have translated to strong underlying numbers that suggest his early success isn’t mere luck.

The contrast with Montembeault’s inconsistent start has made Dobeš’s emergence even more pronounced. Through his first five starts, Montembeault posted a troubling 3.82 goals-against average and .842 save percentage, including several games where he was pulled after allowing early goals. While Montembeault has shown flashes of competence in previous seasons, his inability to find consistency has opened the door for the rookie to claim a genuine share of the starting role.

This unexpected goaltending competition could prove beneficial for Montreal’s long-term outlook. Rather than riding one netminder into exhaustion, St. Louis can deploy a true rotation that keeps both goalies fresh throughout the grueling 82-game schedule. Dobeš gains invaluable NHL experience while Montembeault has opportunities to reset and rediscover his form. If this arrangement continues, Montreal’s goaltending situation transforms from a potential weakness into a legitimate strength that could support a playoff push.

Lane Hutson’s offensive brilliance drives Montreal Canadiens first ten games of the 2025-26 season takeaways

Lane Hutson has quickly established himself as one of the NHL’s most electrifying young defensemen, posting nine points in his first ten games while showcasing offensive creativity that few players at his position possess. His skating ability, vision, and willingness to take calculated risks have transformed Montreal’s breakout and power play, providing a dimension the Canadiens have lacked for years. Watching Hutson orchestrate offensive sequences is reminiscent of the franchise’s storied tradition of puck-moving defensemen.

The rookie’s impact on Montreal’s power play has been particularly pronounced. He quarterbacks the top unit with confidence beyond his years, moving the puck quickly, finding seams through defensive structures, and creating shooting lanes for his teammates. His ability to walk the blue line while maintaining puck possession forces penalty-killing units to respect him as a shooting threat, which opens up space for Montreal’s forwards. These skills have helped propel the Canadiens’ power play into the upper echelon of NHL efficiency.

Hutson’s transition game has been equally impressive at even strength. His ability to retrieve pucks under pressure, evade forecheckers with his skating, and deliver accurate breakout passes has accelerated Montreal’s attack. He consistently turns defensive zone possessions into offensive opportunities within seconds, catching opposing teams in poor defensive posture. This dynamic playmaking has contributed significantly to the Canadiens’ improved goal differential and overall team speed.

Defensive responsibilities remain the one area where Hutson continues to develop. His smaller frame occasionally gets exposed in board battles and in front of the net, where larger forwards can leverage their size advantage. However, his hockey IQ helps compensate for physical limitations, as he positions himself intelligently and uses his stick effectively to disrupt passing lanes. As he gains experience and strength, these defensive deficiencies should diminish, leaving only the offensive brilliance that makes him such a special talent.

Young forward depth provides scoring punch in Montreal Canadiens first ten games of the 2025-26 season takeaways

Perhaps the most encouraging development from Montreal’s strong start has been the contributions from their young forward group beyond the established top line. Ivan Demidov has exceeded even lofty expectations, accumulating nine points in ten games while displaying the creativity and skill that made him one of the most coveted prospects in his draft class. His patience with the puck, ability to manipulate defenders, and finishing touch have made him look like a future star rather than a developing rookie.

Demidov’s early success has thrust him into the Calder Trophy conversation alongside other standout rookies across the league. What sets him apart is the completeness of his game at such a young age. He doesn’t just produce offensively; he makes smart decisions defensively, wins crucial faceoffs, and elevates his teammates’ play through his vision and passing ability. His adaptation to North American ice and NHL pace has been seamless, suggesting he possesses the hockey sense to become an elite player for years to come.

Oliver Kapanen has quietly carved out an important role with seven points in ten games, combining intelligent two-way play with timely offensive contributions. His positioning and anticipation make him effective in all three zones, while his skating allows him to support the rush and back-check effectively. Kapanen profiles as an ideal middle-six center who can play in various situations, providing the depth scoring and defensive responsibility that playoff teams require.

Zachary Bolduc has added another dimension with four goals that showcase his finishing ability. His willingness to drive to the net and his knack for finding soft areas in defensive coverage have made him a valuable depth scorer. Combined with contributions from other young players stepping into expanded roles due to injuries, Montreal’s forward depth has proven far more capable than many anticipated. This organizational depth will be tested as the season progresses, but the early returns suggest general manager Kent Hughes has assembled a prospect pool that can contribute immediately rather than requiring years of development.

Injury concerns test roster depth in Montreal Canadiens first ten games of the 2025-26 season takeaways

While Montreal’s on-ice performance has been encouraging, their injury situation has emerged as a significant concern that could derail their positive momentum. The loss of Kaiden Guhle to a multi-week injury depletes a defensive corps that was already working to establish chemistry. Guhle’s physical presence and defensive reliability are difficult to replace, forcing younger defensemen into more demanding roles than originally planned.

Patrik Laine’s core injury, which will sideline him for three to four months, represents an even more substantial blow to Montreal’s forward depth. Acquired during the offseason to provide veteran scoring punch, Laine’s absence removes an experienced option who could have helped shoulder offensive responsibilities. His power-play presence and shooting threat would have been particularly valuable as the season progresses and defenses tighten. Instead, Montreal must rely more heavily on their young forwards to produce consistently.

Kirby Dach’s recurring injury problems compound these concerns. His inability to stay healthy has prevented him from developing the chemistry and consistency needed to fulfill his potential as a top-six center. Each absence disrupts line combinations and forces the coaching staff to shuffle personnel, making it difficult to establish the sustained chemistry that drives offensive production. For a team still trying to establish its identity, these constant adjustments create additional challenges.

The positive spin on this injury adversity is that it has forced younger players into action earlier than anticipated, accelerating their development and revealing organizational depth. Players like Joshua Roy and Owen Beck have received call-ups, gaining valuable NHL experience that could pay dividends later in their careers. However, the thin margin for error means that additional injuries could quickly transform Montreal’s promising start into a struggle to remain competitive. The ability to manage these health issues while maintaining performance will be crucial to sustaining their early success.

Special teams excellence fuels Montreal Canadiens first ten games of the 2025-26 season takeaways

Montreal’s special teams performance has been a critical factor in their strong start, with both the power play and penalty kill operating at high efficiency. The power play, in particular, has been lethal, converting opportunities at a rate that ranks among the league’s best. Hutson’s quarterbacking has been central to this success, but the movement and shooting from Montreal’s forwards have also contributed significantly to creating high-quality chances with the man advantage.

The penalty kill has shown marked improvement from previous seasons, reflecting better structure and more aggressive pressure on opposing power plays. Montreal’s forwards have been particularly effective at disrupting entries and forcing turnovers in the neutral zone, preventing opponents from establishing possession in the offensive zone. When teams do gain the zone, Montreal’s defensemen have done an excellent job of blocking shooting lanes and clearing rebounds, while the goaltending has provided timely saves to preserve kills.

This special teams proficiency has directly translated to wins. In several of Montreal’s victories, power-play goals provided crucial insurance or broke open tight games, while successful penalty kills preserved narrow leads. The confidence both units have displayed suggests this isn’t a temporary hot streak but rather a fundamental improvement in Montreal’s systems and execution. Maintaining this excellence will be essential as the season progresses and opponents adjust their approaches.

The coaching staff deserves significant credit for the special teams improvements. Martin St. Louis and his assistants have implemented systems that play to their personnel’s strengths while minimizing weaknesses. The power play emphasizes movement and deception rather than relying solely on one-timer opportunities, making it harder for penalty-killing units to predict and defend. The penalty kill’s aggressive approach forces opposing teams to make quick decisions under pressure, increasing the likelihood of turnovers. If these units continue performing at this level, Montreal’s playoff chances improve dramatically.

Defensive structure improvements suggest sustainable success for Montreal Canadiens first ten games of the 2025-26 season takeaways

Beyond individual performances, Montreal’s improved defensive structure has been fundamental to their strong start. The team is allowing fewer high-danger chances, controlling play in their own zone more effectively, and supporting their goaltenders with better coverage. These improvements suggest that the Canadiens are learning to play a more complete 200-foot game rather than relying exclusively on offensive talent.

The defensive zone coverage has been noticeably tighter, with forwards providing better support to defensemen and doing a superior job of tracking back. Montreal’s breakout efficiency has also improved, reducing the number of turnovers that lead directly to scoring chances against. This attention to detail in the defensive aspects of the game reflects a maturing team that understands the importance of limiting opponents’ opportunities.

Mike Matheson and David Savard have provided steady veteran leadership on the blue line, helping guide younger defensemen through challenging situations. Their experience and communication have been invaluable in maintaining defensive structure when the Canadiens are under pressure. The pairing stability has allowed partners to develop chemistry and understanding, improving their coordination and positioning.

While concerns remain about whether Montreal can maintain this defensive commitment over a full 82-game season, the early evidence is promising. The underlying metrics support the notion that these improvements are legitimate rather than the product of luck or unsustainable shooting percentages. If the Canadiens continue prioritizing defensive responsibility while maintaining their offensive creativity, they could surprise many observers who expected them to struggle throughout the season.

The Montreal Canadiens’ first ten games of the 2025-26 season have exceeded expectations and provided genuine reasons for optimism about the franchise’s trajectory. The emergence of young stars like Caufield, Hutson, and Demidov demonstrates that the rebuild is progressing ahead of schedule, while the unexpected contributions from Dobeš and the depth forwards suggest organizational strength beyond just the headline prospects.

However, significant challenges loom on the horizon. The mounting injuries to key players like Laine, Guhle, and Dach will test the roster’s depth and resilience in ways that the first ten games have only hinted at. Montembeault must rediscover his form to provide reliable goaltending alongside the impressive Dobeš. The young core must prove it can maintain this level of production over the grueling months ahead, when opponents will have more extensive video to study and adjust their approaches accordingly.

For Montreal management, these early results validate their patient approach to the rebuild while suggesting they may need to be more aggressive at the trade deadline if the team remains in playoff contention. The development of players like Demidov and Hutson has been accelerated, which could shift the franchise’s competitive timeline. What seemed like a season focused primarily on development and evaluation now carries the possibility of meaningful games in March and April, though it’s similarly important to recognize how different teams navigate early-season challenges.

The lessons from this opening stretch will resonate throughout the season. Can Montreal’s young goaltender maintain his composure when he inevitably hits a rough patch? Will Caufield’s scoring touch remain hot when opponents adjust their coverage? Can Hutson continue creating offense while tightening his defensive game? These questions will be answered in the coming months, but for now, Canadiens fans can enjoy watching a team that has exceeded expectations and provided genuine excitement about the future. The first ten games have been a statement that Montreal’s rebuild is entering a new phase, one where winning isn’t just a happy accident but an increasingly realistic expectation.