Renee: Ivan Demidov is locked in for eight years, Brendan Gallagher has packed his bags for Vancouver, and the defensive logjam is so thick you could park a bus in it. But who actually makes the opening night roster? We are diving into your questions right now.
Joel: It is a massive shift in Montreal’s identity this summer. We have seen the headlines, we have read the extensions, but you want to know how it all fits together on ice. Let’s get into it.
Renee: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, the home of daily hockey analysis. I’m Renee, and this is the Montreal Canadiens Mailbag Edition.
Joel: And I’m Joel. It is September 6th, 2026. The preseason is looming, and the pressure is on to sort out this crowded roster.
Renee: Here is what we are tackling today. First, we answer your burning questions about the new core, specifically Ivan Demidov’s massive eight-year deal and where he fits with Cole Caufield and Patrik Laine. Second, we break down the center ice competition—Kirby Dach versus Owen Beck—and who wins that battle. And third, we tackle the elephant in the room: the defensive logjam. Are we seeing Alexandre Carrier move before the deadline?
Joel: We also touch on the departure of Brendan Gallagher after fourteen seasons. That is a lot of history leaving town. Let’s get straight to your mailbag.
Renee: Our first question comes from @HabsFan4Life in Boston. They ask: 'With Ivan Demidov signed for eight years, does that change the top line structure? Is he playing alongside Caufield immediately?' This is huge because Demidov was the runner-up for rookie of the year honors last season.
Joel: It definitely changes the dynamic. You have Caufield as a pure sniper on the right wing, Laine providing that heavy shot and size, and now Demidov. He brings speed and playmaking. If they put Demidov on the top line, you are looking at one of the most dangerous offensive units in the league. But coaching staffs rarely shuffle that much overnight.
Renee: Right, but the chemistry matters. Demidov already knows these guys. He played with them last year. Do you think he starts on the second line to stabilize it, or do they trust him enough to throw him into the fire on the top unit?
Joel: I think he starts on the second line initially. You want to let him settle into the NHL rhythm without the weight of carrying the offense every single night. But by mid-season, if he keeps producing, he is moving up. The extension signals they see him as a cornerstone, not a prospect anymore.
Renee: That makes sense. Next up, Sarah from Toronto asks about Brendan Gallagher. He was traded to Vancouver for future considerations. After fourteen seasons, what does his departure mean for the locker room culture and the team's physicality?
Joel: It is a significant loss. Gallagher brought that grit, that penalty-killing intensity, and leadership. You lose that edge. Now, you have Josh Anderson on the right wing bringing power, and maybe some of those younger guys like Florian Xhekaj or Alex Belzile stepping up to fill that physical void. But the emotional connection Gallagher had with the fans? That is gone.
Renee: It feels like the end of an era. But maybe it opens the door for a new identity. A faster, more skilled identity led by Suzuki, Demidov, and Caufield. Let’s pivot to another big question. Marcus in Detroit wants to know: 'Who wins the center ice battle, Kirby Dach or Owen Beck? And where does Nick Suzuki fit in?'
Joel: Suzuki is the clear number one center. He is the anchor. The battle is for the number two spot. Dach has the size and the two-way game, but Beck has been impressive in training camps over the last few years. Beck’s hockey IQ is elite. He reads plays better than most veterans.
Renee: So you’re leaning toward Beck getting the nod over Dach? I thought Dach’s size would be too valuable against bigger teams in the Atlantic Division.
Joel: Size is important, but speed kills in today’s NHL. Beck can keep up with the pace. If Dach doesn’t show he can drive play consistently in the preseason, Beck takes that spot. And don’t forget, Phillip Danault is still there too, so it’s really a three-way fight for depth minutes.
Renee: Okay, so Beck might edge out Dach. That’s a bold take. Before we move on, I need to pause for a quick word from us to you. If you love this deep dive into Habs hockey, please consider supporting the show. Your contribution directly funds the daily research, the editing, and keeping this feed running for free. Just check the link in the episode description. Thank you for helping us keep the puck moving.
Renee: Welcome back. Our next question comes from @IceColdJays in Chicago. He asks: 'The defense corps looks incredibly stacked. With Noah Dobson, Lane Hutson, David Reinbacher, and Kaiden Guhle all on the roster, plus veterans like Alexandre Carrier, who is actually getting hurt here?'
Joel: This is the biggest issue. You have twelve defensemen listed on the roster sheet. You can only dress seven or eight. Dobson and Hutson are locks for the top pair. Reinbacher and Guhle are likely next. That leaves Carrier, Adam Engstrom, and others fighting for spots. It is a logistical nightmare.
Renee: And we predicted earlier this week that Carrier would be moved. Do you still stand by that? He has been a reliable defender for years. Why cut him loose now?
Joel: Because the timeline is now. You have young guns like Reinbacher and Guhle ready to step up. Carrier is a veteran, sure, but he blocks the path of the younger players. Moving him clears cap space and opens a slot for someone who can contribute long-term. Plus, you need to shed salary to accommodate these young contracts.
Renee: So it’s not just about talent; it’s about roster construction. What about the goalies? Jakub Dobes, Sam Montembeault, Kaapo Kahkonen. Who is starting?
Joel: Montembeault has been the starter for a while. But Dobes showed flashes last year. If Montembeault struggles in the preseason, Dobes is ready. Kahkonen provides insurance. It’s a strong group, but having three legitimate starters is rare. One of them will likely be moved or sent down to the AHL early on.
Renee: Sending down a goalie is risky. What if they get injured? You need depth. But I guess you can’t carry four goalies. So, one is staying home. Who do you think gets left behind?
Joel: Kahkonen. He’s experienced, but he’s older. If the team wants to build around Montembeault and Dobes, Kahkonen becomes the odd man out. Or maybe he’s used as trade bait later in the season if Montembeault falters.
Renee: Fair point. Let’s look at the forwards again. Liam from Winnipeg asks: 'Where does Brett Berard fit? He’s a left winger, but Juraj Slafkovsky is also there. And what about Oliver Kapanen at center? Is he a lock for the lineup?'
Joel: Berard has raw skill, but Slafkovsky is a machine. Slafkovsky’s size and consistency make him nearly impossible to bench. Berard will likely start on the fourth line, trying to win over the coaches. As for Kapanen, he’s talented, but he needs to prove he can handle the physical grind of the NHL. He’s probably splitting time between Montreal and the AHL.
Renee: So Slafkovsky is untouchable. Got it. And Berard has to earn his keep. What about Jared Davidson? He’s a center, but he’s young. Does he have a shot at the regular season roster?
Joel: Davidson is intriguing. He has good hands. But with Suzuki, Danault, Beck, Dach, Evans, and Newhook all competing for spots, it’s tough. He’ll probably start in the AHL unless someone gets injured. He’s a player to watch, but not a lock yet.
Renee: Alright, let’s lighten it up. Jessica from Halifax asks: 'If you had to build a super-team using only current Canadiens players, who are your six best skaters?'
Joel: Easy. Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, and... Patrik Laine. That’s a scary lineup. Speed, skill, shooting. Opponents would have no idea what hit them.
Renee: I agree. That’s an All-Star caliber group. Okay, lightning round. Name one player who will surprise everyone this season.
Joel: Alex Newhook. He’s versatile, hardworking, and often overlooked. He could carve out a solid role on the second line.
Renee: Good pick. My surprise player? Kaiden Guhle. If he stays healthy, his offensive upside from the blue line is huge.
Joel: Guhle has the potential. But health is always the question. Still, if he plays 70 games, he’s a star.
Renee: Final question from @HabsHopeful in Ottawa: 'What is your final record prediction? We talked about 47-48 wins before.'
Joel: We said 47-48 wins, second in the Atlantic. I still believe that. The offense is potent, but the defense needs to gel quickly. If they can solve the logjam, they go far.
Renee: Agreed. Second place, 47-48 wins. Now, let’s wrap up.
Renee: To recap: Demidov is locked in for eight years, Gallagher is gone, and the defense needs a trade. Subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Go Habs Go!
Joel: Thanks for listening. See you tomorrow.