3 Montreal Canadiens Who Won't Be Back in 2026-27
The Montreal Canadiens couldn't keep up to the Carolina Hurricanes and now, held home for the summer. Montreal took a giant step forward in the team's development over the course of this season, but at the trade deadline, GM Kent Hughes sat on his hands, meanwhile during the Eastern Conference Final, head coach Martin St. Louis made zero adjustments down the stretch.
This offseason there's going to be changes as the roster will look a little bit different heading into training camp in September. Here's three Canadiens who aren't expected back next season:
Patrik Laine
The writing is on the wall here as the Canadiens could have used some of Laine's production against the Hurricanes. Laine's a free agent, he's going to move on from Montreal and likely accept a lucrative multi-year deal. There's some speculating brewing the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators are two teams that Laine is open to signing with. The Canadiens have a couple of young forwards, including Michael Hage who will be looking for ice-time next season, so moving on from Laine is in the cards for Hughes and company.
Samuel Montembeault
With Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler dressing for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it put Sam Montembeault on the trade radar's of onlooking teams. Even with the struggles throughout this season, it wasn't long ago Montembeault was being considered to start for Team Canada at 4 Nations Faceoff. The 29-year-old is a very appealing trade target as he's only signed for next season at $3.1 million AAV, and doesn't hold any trade protection. Keep an eye on the Edmonton Oilers.
Brendan Gallagher
After a very up-and-down season, this could be the end for Gallagher in Montreal. He was in and out of the lineup this season and became a healthy scratch for the very first time. Gally's signed for next season at $6.5 million AAV, and his no-movement clause has transitioned to a six-team no-trade clause. Look for the San Jose Sharks to be very interested in adding Gallagher this offseason.
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
