Montreal’s young core has shifted from underdog expectations to a team now seen as a genuine contender after a standout season. The Canadiens’ performance last year reshaped how they’re viewed, with fans and analysts alike recognizing their potential to compete at a higher level. With a roster built around emerging talent, the focus has turned from incremental improvement to serious playoff ambitions. The question now isn’t whether they can advance, but how far they’ll go.

The Montreal Canadiens are no longer entering a season simply hoping to see progress from their young core. After what they accomplished in 2025-26, expectations have changed significantly. Montreal showed…