For the first time since 2020-21, the Canadiens are heading into next season with playoff expectations. Despite this fact, they still have arguably the best prospect pool in hockey, highlighted by Russian phenom Ivan Demidov. Montreal has made some additions in the offseason, and its roster is deeper than it’s been over the last several seasons. However, there are still some potential openings on the roster for some young players out of training camp. We all know that Demidov will be in the NHL next season. But which other prospects could graduate to the next level? Let’s take a look at which Montreal Canadiens prospects could make the NHL roster in 2025-26.
Montreal Canadiens Prospects To Watch in Camp
David Reinbacher
As a former fifth-overall pick in 2023, David Reinbacher has had a lot of pressure to pan out amongst Montreal fans. Especially considering the Canadiens passed on the likes of Matvei Michkov in favour of Reinbacher. However, Montreal was seeking a shutdown right-shot defenceman who could play in their top-4 for years to come. This is exactly what Reinbacher will bring to the team’s lineup, potentially as soon as this upcoming season.
He has struggled with injuries over the first two seasons following his draft. However, we saw him make some strides with the Laval Rocket in the back half of this season. The Canadiens have a logjam on defence currently, especially after the addition of Noah Dobson. However, Reinbacher could force his way onto the team out of camp. This would make players like Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, and even possibly veteran Mike Matheson more expendable to General Manager Kent Hughes.
Oliver Kapanen
Oliver Kapanen gained plenty of pro experience last season, including at the NHL level. He cracked the Canadiens roster out of camp and would play several games before being loaned to the SHL. Kapanen would score at nearly a point per game level in Sweden with 35 points in 36 games. He would then return to Montreal to finish out the year, including being apart of the team’s playoff run.
This season, the 22-year-old may be the most likely prospect not named Ivan Demidov to make the team. He is still a raw player, but he gained a lot of pro experience last season which should serve him well in the offseason as well as in the upcoming campaign. With Kirby Dach potentially missing training camp, Kapanen could claim an available spot down the middle in Montreal.
Joshua Roy
Joshua Roy seemed like a lock to make the Canadiens roster last season out of camp. After a solid 2023-24 which saw him net nine points in 23 games with Montreal, many thought Roy could see top-six minutes. However, he struggled in camp and would be sent back to Laval in favour of Kapanen and Emil Heineman.
Roy has been elite at the AHL level over the past two years with 67 points in 88 games. He also produced ten points in 13 playoff games during the team’s run to the conference finals this past spring. Now at 22 years old, Roy will be hoping to take that next step and prove he belongs at the NHL level.
Owen Beck
Owen Beck could be a likely candidate to battle with Joe Veleno and Oliver Kapanen for a center spot in the Canadiens this season. At only 21 years old, Beck notched 44 points in 64 games with the Laval Rocket. However in 13 games with Montreal in his career he only has one assist. Still, Beck plays a very mature and responsible two-way game. If he can find a bit of that offensive touch in the preseason, he could win a roster spot out of camp.
Sean Farrell
At 23 years old and turning 24 in November, Sean Farrell is the oldest hopeful in this list. Montreal just resigned the RFA to a new one year deal this off-season. Farrell has only six games of NHL experience with one goal to show. He has exceptional hockey IQ but has struggled transitioning to the next level due to his diminutive stature.
Farrell will be eligible for waivers this season for the first time in his career. If the Canadiens opt to return him to the minors he will have to pass through waivers to do so. Farrell was one of Laval’s best players down the stretch this past year so he will need to channel that game in order to crack the Canadiens squad. This training camp will show how much value he hold to the Habs’ brass as if he is waived it will likely mark the end of his Canadiens tenure.
Main Photo: Eric Bolte- Imagn Images
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