The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up for one of the most fiercely contested training camps in recent memory as the 2025-26 NHL season approaches. With at least one open roster spot at center and several positions up for grabs throughout the lineup, the stakes have rarely been higher for veterans and prospects alike. The anticipation is palpable among fans and insiders, with storylines swirling around who will seize the opportunity to skate alongside established stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, and who will be left battling for a future in the organization.
At the heart of the Canadiens’ training camp intrigue lies the competition at center. The situation is fluid, with at least one and possibly two open spots depending on the health of Kirby Dach. If Dach is fit to start the season, he’ll be slotted into a top-six role, but should he be unavailable, the door swings wide open for others to step up. As of now, the only certainties down the middle are Nick Suzuki and Jake Evans. Beyond them, it’s anyone’s guess—a rarity for a team with playoff aspirations.
Joe Veleno, a Montreal native and recent unrestricted free agent signing, enters camp as the favorite to secure at least a bottom-six center position. Veleno, who split last season between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, tallied eight goals and 17 points in 74 games. While his possession numbers left something to be desired, his 138 hits showcase a willingness to play with physicality—a trait head coach Martin St. Louis values. This training camp is a pivotal moment for Veleno, who faces the challenge of either cementing his place as a bona fide NHLer or risking being surpassed by the organization’s younger talent.
"There are similarities between Florian Xhekaj and Adam Lowry," Laval Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent remarked recently, drawing attention to one of the camp’s most intriguing wild cards. Florian Xhekaj, known as "the Unicorn" for his unique blend of size, physicality, and offensive upside, is coming off a strong AHL season with 24 goals and 175 penalty minutes. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 203 pounds, Xhekaj’s power-forward style could fill a need identified during Montreal’s playoff series against the Washington Capitals, where the team’s grit was put to the test. While the odds are against him making the NHL roster immediately, a standout camp could force management’s hand and add a new wrinkle to the bottom-six competition.
Youth will be served at this camp, with Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen both vying for a chance to impress the coaching staff. Kapanen, who boasts 18 regular-season and three playoff games of NHL experience from last year, is currently higher on the depth chart. His responsible two-way game and defensive reliability make him a logical candidate to fill in while the Canadiens await Dach’s return. Beck, an AHL All-Star in 2024-25, brings heft and faceoff acumen, qualities that could prove vital in a supporting role. Both prospects spent time with the Laval Rocket during the AHL playoffs, with Kapanen getting the nod at center and Beck shifting to the wing—a sign of how management currently views their progression.
But the competition doesn’t end at center. The Canadiens’ forward corps is brimming with possibilities, especially in the top six. The upcoming camp could see a heated battle for the coveted first-line left-wing spot beside Suzuki and Caufield. Juraj Slafkovsky has occupied that role, but two names are generating plenty of buzz as potential challengers: Zachary Bolduc and Ivan Demidov.
Bolduc, in particular, is turning heads. Many believe the Quebec native is poised for a breakout, possibly netting 20 to 25 goals this season. Not only does Bolduc bring a physical element that Slafkovsky has struggled to provide, but he also possesses playmaking skills that could complement Suzuki and Caufield’s offensive prowess. In an interview with La Presse, Bolduc stated, "I want to help the Canadiens be a better team, whether it's five-on-five, on the power play, or on the penalty kill. I've never really had the chance to play on the penalty kill, but I'm smart and I see the game well. It's something I could add to my toolbox. I'm going to come in with that mindset." Imagine the chemistry he could develop with the Canadiens’ top guns if given the opportunity!
Ivan Demidov, the talented Russian forward, is also in the mix for a first-line audition. While Bolduc’s physicality sets him apart, Demidov’s pure skill and offensive instincts make him a tantalizing option to join Suzuki and Caufield. Head coach Martin St. Louis is keeping his cards close to his chest, but the flexibility he has with his top six could lead to creative combinations as the season unfolds.
Defensive battles are also expected to be fierce, with Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble vying for spots on the bottom pair and penalty kill. The competition is just as intense on the blue line as it is up front, and every shift in camp will be under the microscope. Meanwhile, the backup goalie position and the sixth and seventh defenseman slots are also up for grabs, ensuring that no one can afford to rest on their laurels.
For the Canadiens’ coaching staff, led by Martin St. Louis, this abundance of options is a welcome headache. The ability to adjust lines and pairings on the fly will be crucial as injuries and slumps inevitably arise over the course of the long NHL season. Yet, the one missing piece remains another center in the top six—a puzzle that could be solved if someone seizes the moment during camp.
As the puck prepares to drop on the 2025-26 season, all eyes will be on Montreal’s training camp. Will Veleno lock down his spot and deliver on his physical promise? Can Bolduc or Demidov unseat Slafkovsky on the first line? Does a surprise like Florian Xhekaj force his way onto the roster with a dominant performance? And which of the young guns—Kapanen or Beck—will take a step forward and become a mainstay in the Canadiens’ lineup?
One thing’s for sure: the battles at this year’s camp will be the talk of the preseason, setting the stage for a season filled with promise, uncertainty, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines Montreal Canadiens hockey. As decisions loom and dreams hang in the balance, the intensity in Montreal has never felt higher.
