The Montreal Canadiens are suddenly staring down a storm of uncertainty after a disheartening 3–1 loss to the Ottawa Senators — a result that has left fans and analysts questioning the team’s direction just days before the regular season begins. While preseason games rarely define a campaign, this one exposed glaring issues that management can no longer ignore.
General manager Kent Hughes, executive Jeff Gorton, and head coach Martin St. Louis now face a critical balancing act: how to finalize a roster that still feels unsettled. The performances of young players such as Joe Veleno and Adam Engström have added intrigue — both have shown flashes of brilliance, but their inconsistency underscores the challenge of deciding who stays in Montreal and who heads to Laval.
Veleno, in particular, continues to be a fascinating storyline. Once viewed as a depth option, he’s now making a serious case for a full-time roster spot. His ability to drive play and create scoring chances has been one of the Canadiens’ few offensive sparks. Meanwhile, Engström’s poise and decision-making have impressed coaches, though his readiness for an 82-game grind remains in question.
Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine, however, stood out as rare positives in an otherwise frustrating night. Their chemistry and physicality offered a glimpse of the potential this top line could unlock — if properly supported. Still, the team’s lack of secondary scoring and inconsistent shot generation were troubling signs, revealing an offense that remains top-heavy and vulnerable.
Adding to the unease is the continued absence of Ivan Demidov, whose wrist injury has left a noticeable gap in the lineup. While the team insists his recovery is progressing, his absence in preseason has made it harder to gauge how the Canadiens’ full roster might gel once the regular season begins.
The big question now confronting management: do they prioritize immediate competitiveness or player development? Prospects like Florian Xhekaj and Owen Beck are on the bubble — talented enough to tempt the coaching staff, but perhaps better served gaining top minutes in Laval rather than limited ice time in Montreal.
The Canadiens’ preseason record of 4–2 paints a deceptively positive picture. Beneath the surface, lingering problems with offensive depth, power play efficiency, and defensive cohesion persist. With the season opener looming, time is running out for St. Louis and his staff to find the right balance of youth, experience, and chemistry.
One thing is clear: this isn’t just about one loss — it’s about what it revealed. The Canadiens are at a crossroads, and the next few days could define their trajectory for the entire season. Fans are holding their breath, waiting to see which version of this team will emerge when the games finally start to count.
