Renee: Eight years. That is not a promise; that is a mortgage on the future. Ivan Demidov just signed an eight-year extension with the Montreal Canadiens, locking in the runner-up for Rookie of the Year honors, but while we celebrate the long-term security, the immediate question remains: who actually wins the lineup tonight? We are looking at a roster so crowded it might need its own zip code.
Joel: It’s a beautiful problem to have, Renee, if you’re General Marc Bergevin. You have the talent, but you have limited ice time. The Atlantic Division is waiting, and we’ve projected second place all week, but projections don’t win games. Lineup construction does. And right now, the Canadiens have a logjam at every position group that matters.
Renee: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network, home of America’s number one daily sports coverage. I’m Renee, alongside Joel, and today we are diving deep into the Montreal Canadiens’ roster battles ahead of their season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 29th. Joel, Ava, and I are breaking down three critical areas: the center ice controversy, the defensive corps depth chart, and our final predictions on who makes the cut.
Joel: That’s right. We talked about this yesterday and the day before—the Gallagher trade to Vancouver cleared cap space and opened doors, but it also removed a veteran presence. Now, we are looking at pure competition. From Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield to rookie sensation Ivan Demidov, everyone wants a spot. It’s going to be fierce training camp.
Renee: Before we get into the tactical breakdown, I want to take thirty seconds to talk about how we make this show possible. We put out a fresh, detailed episode every single day, analyzing every team, every move, and every battle. That takes a huge amount of work, research, and passion. A small group of supporters helps keep this network free and daily for all of you. If you love the content, please consider chipping in via the link in the episode description. It means the world to us and keeps the hockey coming.
Renee: Alright, let’s jump into Segment One. The most important position battle in Montreal right now is undoubtedly Center Ice. We have Nick Suzuki firmly entrenched as the number one center, but behind him? It is a six-man buffet. We have Phillip Danault, Kirby Dach, Owen Beck, Jake Evans, Alex Newhook, Jared Davidson, and Oliver Kapanen all vying for those bottom-six minutes. Who do you see winning the race?
Joel: It’s tricky because Danault brings experience, but he’s also older. I think the coaching staff is going to look at two-way play. Jake Evans has always been the penalty kill specialist, so he likely holds a spot. But I’m watching Owen Beck closely. He’s smart, he plays the game the right way, and he fits the system. If he can show confidence in his own zone, he could steal a spot over someone like Newhook or Kapanen initially.
Renee: I agree on Evans for the PK role, absolutely. But what about the offensive upside? With Demidov locked up for eight years, there is pressure on the existing centers to produce. Do you think Kirby Dach gets another shot to prove he can stay healthy and contribute offensively? Or is his ceiling too low compared to the younger guys?
Joel: Dach is a wild card. When he’s healthy, he’s a power forward who can play big minutes. But if he’s not fully recovered from his neck issues, he’s a liability in the neutral zone. I think he’ll start on the third line, but if Beck or even David Reinbacher—wait, Reinbacher is a defenseman—excuse me, if a young forward like Florian Xhekaj shows flashes, Dach could find himself in the press box. It’s not a lock for him.
Renee: Good catch on Reinbacher! He’s on the blueline. Okay, so we have Suzuki, Evans, and maybe Beck or Dach rounding out the top nine centers. But wait, where does Ivan Demidov fit? He was Rookie of the Year runner-up. Is he playing center or wing?
Joel: Demidov is listed as a Right Wing on the roster, but he plays with a center’s vision. He’s probably going to slot in on the top line with Suzuki and Caufield, or perhaps on a line with Juraj Slafkovsky. His skating allows him to join the rush, which is crucial for this team’s speed. He won’t be stuck on the fourth line. That eight-year deal guarantees he gets plenty of ice time, and rightly so.
Renee: So, Demidov on the top six wings, Suzuki anchoring the middle, and a tight race for the other spots. This sets up a fast, skilled middle group. Let’s move to Segment Two. The Defense Corps. This is where things get really interesting. You have Noah Dobson, Alexandre Carrier, Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, and then a wave of young defenders like Adam Engstrom, David Reinbacher, Owen Protz, Ethan Samson, Jayden Struble, Maksymilian Szuber, Arber Xhekaj, and Joel Matheson. How do you break this down?
Joel: Noah Dobson is your number one defenseman. Period. He’s elite. Alexandre Carrier is your number two, though we’ve heard rumors about a potential trade before the deadline, as we discussed previously. If Carrier stays, he’s a solid shutdown defender. Then you have Lane Hutson. Small, but incredibly skilled. He’s going to be used in the power play heavily.
Renee: And Kaiden Guhle? He’s been developing slowly. Does he have enough left to secure a top-four spot, or is he pushed down by the youth movement?
Joel: Guhle is on the bubble. He’s physical, which this team needs, but his skating isn’t quite there yet for high-speed counterattacks. I think he starts on the fourth line, battling with Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher. Reinbacher is a huge addition if he’s here—he’s got great puck-moving ability. The competition between Guhle, Engstrom, and Reinbacher will define the bottom pair.
Renee: What about the physical presence? We have Arber Xhekaj on the list. Is he more of a energy player than a strategic defenseman?
Joel: Arber Xhekaj is definitely an energy guy. He’s big, he hits hard, but he’s not going to be moving pucks across the blue line effectively. He’s likely a seventh or eighth defenseman who comes in when the game gets gritty. Same goes for Joel Matheson. They provide size, but they aren’t driving play. The real battle is for the remaining spots among the skilled kids.
Renee: So, Dobson and Carrier on top, Hutson and Guhle fighting for the next spots, and a three-way battle for the bottom pairs involving Reinbacher, Engstrom, and Xhekaj. It’s a massive logjam. And don’t forget the goaltending. We have Jakub Dobes, Jacob Fowler, Kaapo Kahkonen, and Sam Montembeault. Who is starting?
Joel: Sam Montembeault has been the starter in recent years, but Kaapo Kahkonen is a proven NHL goalie. If Kahkonen is healthy and sharp, he might edge him out. Jakub Dobes is a prospect who could surprise everyone. If he dominates camp, he could force a decision. But realistically, it’s likely Montembeault and Kahkonen sharing the load early on, with Dobes in the press box or AHL.
Renee: Kahkonen bringing stability is key. If the goalies are solid, the defense can play more aggressively. Let’s wrap up the positional analysis in Segment Three. We’ve looked at centers, defense, and goalies. Now, let’s talk roster cuts. Who is trending up, and who is in danger?
Joel: Trending up: Ivan Demidov. Obviously. His contract secures his future, and his skill set is exactly what this team needs. Also, Owen Beck. If he shows maturity beyond his years, he’s a lock for the bottom six. On the downside, Alex Newhook. He’s talented, but if he doesn’t score in camp, he’s likely sent down. The depth at center is just too strong.
Renee: I agree on Newhook. He’s versatile, but versatility doesn’t guarantee a spot when you have seven centers. What about the wingers? We have Brett Berard, Juraj Slafkovsky, Alexandre Texier, Florian Xhekaj, Josh Anderson, Alex Belzile, Zack Bolduc, Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov, Patrik Laine, and Sam Poulin. That’s eleven wingers for four spots. Who gets cut?
Joel: This is brutal. Slafkovsky and Caufield are locks. Laine is a lock, assuming he’s ready. Demidov is a lock. So that’s four. Who makes five? Josh Anderson provides power and size. He’s probably the fifth winger. That leaves Berard, Texier, Xhekaj, Belzile, Bolduc, and Poulin. I think Belzile and Poulin are the most likely to go, unless one of them lights up the preseason.
Renee: Belzile and Poulin going down seems harsh for experienced players, but the youth movement is real. What about Alex Newhook again? Could he slide to wing to save a spot?
Joel: He could, but then you’re displacing someone else. It’s a numbers game. I think the team might keep six forwards and send one down to the AHL. Probably Alex Belzile. He’s a reliable two-way forward, but if he doesn’t score, he’s expendable. The risk is too high keeping too many veterans who can’t finish.
Renee: Final predictions. We’ve said all week: Second in the Atlantic, 47-48 wins. But based on these roster battles, do you think the Canadiens are better equipped this year to challenge for a higher seed? Or is the lack of depth a concern?
Joel: I still stick with 47-48 wins. The core of Suzuki, Caufield, Laine, and Demidov is dangerous. But the depth is thin. If injuries hit the top six, the team struggles. I predict they finish second, but they might lose in the first round if the goaltending isn’t consistent. It’s a fragile contender.
Renee: Fragile but exciting. The opening night against Toronto on September 29th will tell us everything. Who is starting in net? Who is on the top line? Those answers will set the tone for the entire season. Joel, any final thoughts on the Demidov extension?
Joel: It’s a statement. The organization believes in him. It changes the dynamic of the locker room. Young players want to play with winners, and if Demidov becomes a star, this team becomes a destination. It’s a bold move that pays off if he delivers.
Renee: It sure is. To recap: We broke down the center ice battle between Beck, Danault, and Evans; analyzed the defensive logjam featuring Dobson, Carrier, and the rising stars like Reinbacher; and predicted roster cuts favoring youth over veteran depth. We expect the Habs to finish second in the Atlantic with 47-48 wins.
Renee: If you enjoyed this deep dive into the Montreal Canadiens’ roster battles, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with a fellow Habs fan. Support the network via the link in the episode description if you haven’t already. Go Habs Go!