Now that the 2025–26 season is officially over, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate what we just witnessed from the Montreal Canadiens. This was a season filled with expectations, growth, and in many ways, confirmation that this team is no longer just rebuilding, it’s emerging.
With multiple young players taking major steps, veterans settling into more defined roles, and the team competing at a high level, this report card reflects not just raw production, but impact, consistency, and how each player performed relative to their role. From elite performances at the top of the lineup to more questionable contributions in the bottom six, every grade tells part of the story of the Canadiens’ season.
Nick Suzuki — A+
There’s not much more you could have asked from Nick Suzuki this season. Finishing with 101 points and a plus-37 while taking on top defensive matchups every night puts him in elite company. What makes his season truly special is the balance; he wasn’t just producing, he was driving play, winning battles, and being reliable in all three zones. His evolution into a legitimate Selke candidate while maintaining elite offensive production confirms he’s not just the captain of this team, but one of the most complete centres in the NHL.
Cole Caufield — A+
Cole Caufield’s 51-goal season cements him as one of the league’s premier goal scorers. Missing out narrowly on the Rocket Richard Trophy doesn’t take anything away from what he accomplished. More importantly, his overall game took a step forward; he’s no longer just a shooter waiting for chances. He was more involved in puck retrievals, play-driving, and showed improved chemistry with Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovský. When your goal scorer becomes a more complete offensive weapon, that’s when he becomes truly dangerous.
Juraj Slafkovský — A
At just 22 years old, putting up 73 points and 30 goals is a massive step and a clear sign that Slafkovský is becoming a cornerstone piece. He proved he can produce both on the top line and elsewhere in the lineup, which adds to his value. His physical presence and puck protection continue to stand out, and he creates space for his linemates consistently.
Ivan Demidov — A
Ivan Demidov’s rookie season was as impressive as it was intriguing. Recording 19 goals and 43 assists without spending extended time alongside Suzuki highlights just how much offence he can generate on his own. His vision and creativity are already elite, and he often looked like one of the most skilled players on the ice. There are still adjustments to be made defensively and physically, as expected for a rookie, but the offensive ceiling is undeniable. This is a player who could very soon push into superstar territory.
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Oliver Kapanen — B+
Oliver Kapanen exceeded expectations in many ways, especially offensively, finishing with 22 goals as a rookie while handling significant responsibility at centre. Being trusted as a second-line centre for large portions of the season speaks volumes about the coaching staff’s confidence in him. That said, his season wasn’t without inconsistency, particularly in maintaining offensive pressure night after night. Still, for a player in his first full NHL season, this was a strong foundation and a very encouraging sign for the future.
Alex Newhook — B+
Alex Newhook’s season is a bit of a what-could-have-been scenario due to injury. He started the season strong and looked poised to play a key role in the Canadiens’ secondary scoring. His speed and versatility were noticeable, and he was contributing offensively before going down. When he returned, he still provided value, but never quite regained his early-season momentum. Even so, he showed enough to justify a B+, with the understanding that a full healthy season could elevate his impact significantly.
Zachary Bolduc — B-
Zachary Bolduc’s offensive production may not jump off the page, but his contributions go beyond the scoresheet. He brought energy, a consistent forecheck, and showed flashes of being a reliable middle-six player. At 23, there’s still room for growth, particularly in translating his effort into more consistent offensive output. The tools are there, but he hasn’t fully put them together yet, which keeps him in the B- range for now.
Jake Evans — B-
Jake Evans settled into his role as a dependable bottom-six centre, even if his offensive numbers regressed compared to last season. Winning 55.9% of his faceoffs is a major asset, and he remained a trusted option in defensive situations. He’s not asked to produce heavily, and he understands his role well. However, the drop in offence and limited overall impact beyond his specific responsibilities prevent him from grading higher.
Josh Anderson — C+
Josh Anderson is no longer the player he once was, but he still carved out a role for himself on this team. His physicality, north-south play, and ability to create momentum in certain games remain valuable. The issue is consistency and offensive contribution, which have both declined. He’s useful in a limited role, but expectations have clearly shifted, and his grade reflects that reality.
Phillip Danault — C+
Phillip Danault brought stability when he arrived from the Los Angeles Kings, particularly in the faceoff circle where he remained effective at 54.8%. Defensively, he still understands the game at a high level and can be trusted in key situations. However, offensively, he didn’t bring enough to truly elevate the lineup, especially given his role. He helped structure the team, but his overall impact was more subtle than significant.
Alexandre Texier — C+
Alexandre Texier’s season started off strong, showing flashes of offensive upside, especially when given opportunities alongside top players like Suzuki and Caufield. However, once moved into a bottom-six role, his impact dropped significantly. He struggled to adapt and wasn’t able to consistently drive play or produce. The talent is there, but the inability to maintain performance in a reduced role limits his overall grade.
Kirby Dach — C
Another frustrating season for Kirby Dach, largely due to injuries. When he was in the lineup, he showed flashes of skill and potential, but never enough consistency to make a real impact. At this point, durability is becoming a major concern, and it’s fair to question whether the experiment is still viable long-term. The talent is there, but availability and consistency matter just as much.
Joe Veleno — C
Joe Veleno didn’t bring much offensively, but his game evolved in other areas as the season went on. He became more physical, more engaged, and showed a willingness to play a harder style, especially late in the season. That said, for a forward, the lack of offensive contribution is hard to overlook. He showed improvement in role play, but still needs to add more to be considered a reliable piece.
Brendan Gallagher — C
It’s tough to evaluate Brendan Gallagher without acknowledging everything he’s meant to the organization, but this grade is based on current performance. His production has declined, and he struggled to keep up at times, even being scratched late in the season. The effort and leadership are still there, but the physical toll of his playing style is evident. At this stage, his role is more about experience and presence than on-ice impact.
Overall, this season marks a clear turning point for the Canadiens. The emergence of Suzuki as a true elite two-way centre, Caufield as a 50-goal scorer, and the continued progression of players like Slafkovský and Demidov give this team a foundation that few organizations can match. The big picture is overwhelmingly positive; the Canadiens are no longer building for the future, they’re stepping into it.
