Keys to the 2024-25 Season

Aylee Ahmadzadeh | September 20, 2024

It’s no secret that the Montreal Canadiens are deep in their rebuild, but they’ve shown a slivering of what’s to come. Last season may not have delivered the results Habs fans were hoping for, but watching the young core battle through adversity, there’s no doubt that the pieces are starting to fall into place. As they head into this season, there are a few key areas they need to focus on if they want to take a solid step in the right direction.

First and foremost player development is front and center. The team’s future rests on the shoulders of its young talent, with names like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Kaiden Guhle leading the charge. Continued development, particularly in getting more consistency from Caufield and refining Suzuki’s two-way game, will be pivotal. Beyond the established young stars, newer prospects such as Lane Hutson and Logan Mailloux will be given a chance to secure their spots and grow into their roles.

Defensive depth and structure are crucial. Injuries last season heavily exposed the team’s fragility on the back end. A solid, dependable blue line will be the backbone of the Canadiens’ success, and focusing on structured defensive play is key. Stabilizing their defense will not only keep pucks out of the net but also give their goalies more confidence to thrive.

Finally, special teams cannot be overlooked. The power play, in particular, has been a weak spot for Montreal. Finding a way to capitalize on the man advantage, whether through strategic puck movement or placing more of their offensive firepower in prime shooting positions, could be a game-changer.

The road to Lord Stanley won’t happen overnight, but this season is about growth, resilience, and learning how to win together. If they focus on these key areas, the Canadiens will be more than just a team in transition—they’ll be a team on the rise, bringing the spirit of Montreal hockey back to the forefront.

Who are you most excited to watch this season?