The Montreal Canadiens are stepping into a pivotal offseason, one that could define the trajectory of their ongoing rebuild. Following a hard-earned playoff berth in the 2024-25 season—an achievement that marked a major step forward—the franchise is at a crucial juncture. With General Manager Kent Hughes at the helm, the team must navigate several pressing decisions to maintain and build on their momentum. The moves made in the summer of 2025 are likely to have lasting consequences, particularly in determining the Canadiens’ ability to not just reach the playoffs again but to go deeper in the postseason.
After years of restructuring and developmental focus, Montreal now finds itself with a mixture of youth, promising talent, and pressing veteran contract situations that need immediate attention. Foremost among the challenges is the situation surrounding Carey Price. Although the veteran goaltender is effectively retired due to injuries, his contract still sits heavily on the team’s salary cap. With a $5.5 million signing bonus due on September 1st and an additional $2 million base salary, Price’s deal is tying up valuable cap space. Moving his contract to another team—most likely one looking to reach the salary cap floor—could free up substantial financial flexibility. Currently, the Canadiens hold over $8 million in cap space, but this could balloon to more than $18 million if they succeed in offloading Price’s deal. That additional space would provide Kent Hughes with crucial maneuvering room to improve the roster.
Among the most urgent priorities is securing a contract extension for standout defenseman Lane Hutson. The young blueliner made a dramatic impact during his rookie campaign, tallying 66 points—good enough to place him sixth among all NHL defensemen and first among all rookies. That kind of production not only raises expectations but also his market value. A long-term deal for Hutson would demonstrate the organization’s commitment to keeping their young core intact, while also providing cap certainty heading into future seasons. However, Hughes will need to tread carefully, balancing Hutson’s deserved raise with the team’s overall financial structure.
Another key area of focus is strengthening the center depth, specifically the second-line center position. While the Canadiens have promising options in their pipeline, a reliable and experienced second-line pivot is essential for success in a highly competitive Eastern Conference. Adding a capable two-way center who can contribute offensively while shouldering defensive responsibilities would alleviate pressure from top-line players and allow for more balanced scoring across the lineup. This move is not just about increasing production—it’s also about better matchup management in tight games and bolstering Montreal’s ability to compete with deeper teams.
The blue line also requires attention, particularly after the recent retirement of veteran right-shot defenseman David Savard. Savard brought grit, leadership, and experience, qualities that can’t be easily replaced. His departure opens a hole that Hughes will need to fill, ideally with a seasoned, right-handed defenseman who can complement the team’s young D corps. Given the number of young, mobile defenders in Montreal’s system—such as Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj, and of course Hutson—adding a stabilizing veteran presence will be vital to helping the group mature and stay competitive.
From a broader perspective, this offseason is less about building from scratch and more about fine-tuning a foundation that has already been laid. The Canadiens’ surprise playoff qualification signals that their rebuild is ahead of schedule in some respects. However, maintaining progress is often more difficult than initiating it. The organization must ensure that its young players continue to develop without being overwhelmed by expectations, while also surrounding them with the right veterans to foster a winning culture.
Kent Hughes’ challenge is multidimensional. It involves managing the salary cap intelligently, negotiating contracts that provide long-term value, addressing positional needs, and continuing to cultivate a development-focused team environment. Each decision made in the offseason will carry weight—not just in terms of wins and losses next year, but in the shaping of the franchise’s identity and long-term competitiveness.
The Canadiens’ management must be both proactive and strategic. Moving Price’s contract may require giving up assets, such as a draft pick or prospect, to entice a team to absorb the cap hit. On the flip side, adding a second-line center and a veteran defenseman may demand savvy trades or mid-tier free-agent signings. These are not blockbuster decisions on their own, but they collectively have the power to shift the franchise’s course.
In terms of immediate goals, Montreal isn’t likely to transform into a Cup contender overnight. However, they are entering a phase where playoff appearances should become the expectation, not the exception. The team is inching toward sustained relevance, but that leap depends largely on the decisions made between now and the start of training camp.
All eyes will be on Kent Hughes and his front office this summer. Will they be aggressive in moving contracts and pursuing upgrades? Or will they take a more cautious, long-term approach focused on internal development and gradual improvement? Either path carries risk, but standing still is perhaps the most dangerous choice of all.
To summarize, the Canadiens’ offseason will serve as a litmus test for their rebuild. If Hughes can successfully navigate Carey Price’s contract situation, lock in Lane Hutson to a reasonable long-term deal, and address key roster holes with smart, calculated additions, then the team is well-positioned to continue its upward trend. Failure to address these areas, however, could result in stagnation or even regression.
The summer of 2025 could be a make-or-break moment for Montreal’s ambitions. Their recent success has provided hope, but it’s the steps taken now that will determine whether that hope materializes into a true resurgence—or fades into another cycle of mediocrity.
