The Montreal Canadiens’ schedule is entirely dominated by the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. The NHL is currently on a league-wide pause until Feb. 25, meaning there are no Canadiens games this week.
The “Buyer” vs. “Seller” Dilemma
With the March 6 Trade Deadline approaching immediately after the Olympic break, general manager Kent Hughes faces a critical decision. The Canadiens are currently in the thick of a tight Eastern Conference playoff race.
Rumours suggest the team is looking for “playoff grit” (potentially linked to veterans like Blake Coleman) or a centre to bolster depth.
The problem is, despite the playoff push, the team has a roster logjam. The potential return of Patrik Laine (see below) complicates the salary cap, leading to speculation that the team might have to trade a forward or a young defenceman (like Jayden Struble) to make the math work.
Patrik Laine’s Imminent Return
Laine has been out since late October following core muscle surgery but is reportedly “close” to returning.
His return adds elite scoring talent but creates a lineup headache. He is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), making him a potential trade chip if the team decides to sell, though his contract is difficult to move. Rumours indicate the Canadiens may be willing to retain up to 50 percent of his contract to clear some space.
Goaltending Controversy
Samuel Montembeault has struggled recently, posting sub-.900 save percentages in key losses prior to the break. This has sparked a debate in Montreal media about whether the team should lean more heavily on Jakub Dobes down the stretch.
2026 Winter Olympics Storylines (Habs Edition)
While the Canadiens as a team are off, four key players have headed to Italy to represent their countries.
- Nick Suzuki (Team Canada):
- Role: Unlike his role in Montreal, Suzuki is expected to play in the bottom six for a stacked Canadian roster. Look for him to be utilized in defensive situations and on the penalty kill.
- Storyline to Watch: Can he prove his elite two-way game on a roster full of superstars like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby?
- Juraj Slafkovsky (Team Slovakia):
- Role: The undisputed star. Slafkovsky was the MVP of the 2022 Olympics as a teenager and returns as a centrepiece for Slovakia.
- Storyline to Watch: He will be relied upon to carry the offence. A strong tournament could be a massive boost to his confidence for the Canadiens’ playoff push.
- Oliver Kapanen (Team Finland):
- Role: A depth forward for the Finns.
- Storyline to Watch: Gaining experience on the international stage against best-on-best competition.
- Alexandre Texier (Team France):
- Role: A primary offensive catalyst for the French team.
- Storyline to Watch: Can Texier and Team France surprise the powerhouses?
Notable Snubs: Fans were disappointed that Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson were left off the Team USA roster. They, and the rest of the team, will use this break for rest and recovery.
Visit THW’s Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
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