The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up for the 2026-27 season, but they face several questions that could shape their success. One of the most pressing concerns is the future of their starting goaltender, Jakub Dobes. The Canadiens are confident in Dobes' abilities, having signed him to a three-year, $16.05 million contract. However, the question remains: can he maintain his stellar performance for an entire season? Dobes, understanding the competitive nature of the position, remains grounded, knowing that he must constantly prove himself against fellow goaltenders like Sam Montembeault and Jacob Fowler. This dynamic trio will be crucial to the team's success, and the Canadiens' ability to manage their playing time will be key.
Another critical area of focus is the health of Kirby Dach. Dach, a talented center, has been plagued by injuries throughout his four seasons with the Canadiens. His broken foot and upper-body injury limited him to just 37 games last season, highlighting the mental and physical toll these setbacks can take. Dach's resilience and determination to stay positive are commendable, but the team must also address the underlying issues that contribute to his frequent injuries. The Canadiens' management will need to carefully monitor Dach's health and consider strategic moves to ensure his long-term well-being.
Lastly, the Canadiens must decide on a second-line center. Nick Suzuki, a standout performer last season, led the team with 101 points and formed a formidable line with Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky. However, the team's depth at center is questionable. Kirby Dach, despite his injury concerns, would be an ideal candidate. Oliver Kapanen, who played there for long stretches last season, showed promise but struggled in the playoffs. Jake Evans, while versatile, is better suited for a checking role. The Canadiens must carefully evaluate their options, considering both internal improvement and potential prospect investments like Owen Beck, who scored 33 points in the AHL last season.
