canadiens de montréal

Habs Buzz: Navigating STM Strike, Pre-Season Prep, and the 2025-26 Season Ahead

Montreal Canadiens fans, get ready! The 2025-26 season is just around the corner, and there’s a lot happening both on and off the ice. From pre-season preparations and potential line combinations to navigating public transit disruptions, here's what you need to know.

STM Strike Shakes Up Game Day Travel

Getting to the Bell Centre just got a little more complicated. A recent STM (Société de transport de Montréal) strike is causing headaches for fans relying on public transportation. La Presse and Le Devoir have both reported on the strike, highlighting the challenges faced by commuters and, of course, Habs fans trying to get to the games.

So, how do you get to and from the Bell Centre during the STM strike?

La Presse offers some guidance on alternative routes and transportation options. Be sure to plan ahead, explore alternative routes, and consider carpooling or other options to ensure you don't miss puck drop. Check real-time traffic and public transit updates before you head out.

Pre-Season is Here: What to Watch For

The pre-season is officially underway, and the Canadiens are gearing up for their first games. NHL.com provided a "what you need to know" article for the PIT@MTL game on September 22, 2025. This included how to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens preseason game on TV and streaming. Keep an eye on the official Canadiens website for the latest news, rosters, stats, schedules, and video highlights. RDS and the Montreal Gazette are also great sources for up-to-the-minute coverage.

Key Pre-Season Storylines:

• Rookie Camp: The Canadiens' 2025 rookie camp started on September 10th and runs until the 16th. The roster includes 15 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders, giving fans a glimpse into the future of the team. Watch for standout performances from these young players as they compete for a spot on the roster.
• Line Combinations: Training camp is the time for experimentation, and early reports suggest some intriguing line combinations. One potential (and potentially controversial) line has Kirby Dach centering Patrik Laine and rookie Ivan Demidov. Whether this line will stick remains to be seen, but it's definitely something to watch. Keep an eye on lines and defense pairings featured in Brossard to get the latest insights.
• Golf Tournament: A true sign that the season is approaching is the annual Montreal Canadiens golf tournament. The day signals the unofficial start of the team's training camp.

Potential Lineup Shakeups and Key Player Developments

The Canadiens are looking to improve upon last season's performance, and that means exploring different lineup combinations and player roles.

The Dach, Demidov, and Laine Experiment:

Putting Kirby Dach between Patrik Laine and rookie Ivan Demidov is a bold move. Dach's playmaking ability could potentially unlock Laine's scoring touch, while Demidov's skill and creativity could add another dimension to the Habs' offense. However, there are also potential risks. Chemistry takes time to develop, and it's uncertain whether these three players will mesh well together. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy that could pay off big time if it works.

Evgeny Kuznetsov to Montreal?

There's speculation about two-time All-Star Evgeny Kuznetsov potentially making a return to the NHL in 2025-26, and Montreal is being mentioned as a possible destination. Kuznetsov's skill and experience could be a valuable addition to the Canadiens' roster, but his past off-ice issues raise some concerns. Whether the Canadiens would be willing to take a chance on him remains to be seen.

Beyond the Ice: Connecting with the Habs

Being a Canadiens fan is about more than just watching the games; it's about being part of a community. Whether you're following the team on RDS, reading the Montreal Gazette for the latest news, or checking ESPN for scores and highlights, there are plenty of ways to stay connected.

Follow the Team Closely:

• Official Website: The official Montreal Canadiens website is your go-to source for all things Habs, including news, rosters, stats, schedules, and video highlights.
• RDS: For French-language coverage, RDS provides comprehensive Canadiens news, live scores, videos, statistics, and analysis.
• Montreal Gazette: The Montreal Gazette offers in-depth coverage of the Canadiens, including scores, game updates, schedules, and athlete news.
• ESPN: Visit ESPN for live scores, video highlights, and the latest news. Find standings and the full 2025-26 season schedule.

The Road Ahead: Expectations and Predictions

The Canadiens are in a rebuilding phase, but there's reason for optimism. With a mix of promising young players and experienced veterans, the team has the potential to surprise some people this season.

Key Factors for Success:

• Development of Young Players: The development of young players like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Kirby Dach will be crucial to the Canadiens' success. If these players can take the next step in their development, the Habs could be a force to be reckoned with.
• Goaltending: Solid goaltending is essential for any team with playoff aspirations. Whether Carey Price can return to form or whether Jake Allen can step up and be a reliable starter remains to be seen.
• Team Chemistry: Building a cohesive team with strong chemistry is essential. If the Canadiens can come together as a team, they can overcome any individual shortcomings.

Potential Outcomes:

It's difficult to predict exactly how the Canadiens will perform this season, but here are a few potential outcomes:

• Playoff Contenders: If everything goes right, the Canadiens could be in the mix for a playoff spot.
• Bubble Team: More realistically, the Canadiens will likely be a bubble team, fighting for a playoff spot until the very end.
• Lottery Team: If the team struggles, they could end up in the lottery again, giving them a chance to draft another high-end prospect.

Final Thoughts: A Season of Hope and Uncertainty

The 2025-26 season promises to be an exciting one for Canadiens fans. With new players, new line combinations, and a renewed sense of optimism, there's plenty to look forward to. However, there are also challenges to overcome, including navigating the STM strike and developing team chemistry. As always, the journey will be full of ups and downs, but one thing is certain: Canadiens fans will be there every step of the way, cheering on their team with passion and unwavering support.