The Canadiens, a Cup contender: “I don’t think you can see it any other way”

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
The Canadiens, a Cup contender: “I don’t think you can see it any other way”
Credit: Capture d'écran Twitter

How wide open is the path in the East to reach the Stanley Cup Final?

The standings look so different from other years because it's tight, but also because teams that are “used to” making the playoffs aren't there.

The result? Many teams have a shot.

(Credit: Screenshot / NHL.com)

Many teams must be afraid of the Lightning, and it seems like they're the team in the East that scares people the most. The Sabres too, but their lack of experience changes the equation.

The Hurricanes? Meh.

All this to say that Canadiens fans are wondering to what extent the Habs should be considered Stanley Cup contenders starting this season.

And this is true even though Nick Suzuki's team is still officially in the early stages of its rebuild.

On this subject, Craig Button is clear: the Habs are a contender. He doesn't hesitate to say that there's no other way to look at things as of right now.

In his view, the 2026 Habs are truly not on the same level as the 2025 team. The recent wins against top-tier teams are no fluke, in fact.

The difference from last year is that players who aren't performing are being benched more often. Patrik Laine and Samuel Montembeault are good examples of this.

On offense, we recently saw Brendan Gallagher sit out a game, and we wonder if that will happen again once Kirby Dach and Alexandre Texier are ready to return.

Last year, it wasn't as obvious. Now it is: winning matters.

The Canadiens' window of opportunity is starting to open, and it will be exciting for years to come. Even if the Habs don't make a deep run right now, it won't matter… though no one would say no to an exciting spring in town.


In brief

– Tough break for Columbus.

– Fine for Brady Tkachuk.

– Ouch.

– The Canucks are officially the worst team in the NHL.

– Must-read.

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