The Montreal Canadiens are making one thing abundantly clear as they head into their final preseason game this Saturday: no spot is safe, and no line is sacred.
In a move that has stunned fans and insiders alike, head coach Martin St. Louis has split up the much-hyped trio of Ivan Demidov, Kirby Dach, and Patrick Laine. The experiment, once billed as a potential powerhouse line, has fizzled — forcing the Habs to shuffle the deck in search of chemistry.
Now, Demidov is skating alongside Alex Newhook and Oliver Kapanen, while Dach and Laine have been dropped into a new unit with Joe Veleno and Riley Beck. The message? Production matters more than hype. And with the regular season looming, the Canadiens are desperate to find combinations that actually deliver.
But that’s not the only drama brewing in Montreal. Off the ice, the spotlight has shifted squarely onto Lane Hudson’s contract situation. After Anaheim locked up Jackson Lome to a massive eight-year deal, Habs fans are demanding answers: When will Hudson — the crown jewel of Montreal’s blue line future — get his extension?
Hudson’s name is on every fan’s lips, and comparisons to Lome’s deal have only intensified the pressure on management. If the Canadiens want to show they’re serious about building a contender, locking down Hudson isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Meanwhile, there’s at least one reason to exhale in Quebec City: Ivan Demidov returned to practice after precautionary rest, reassuring fans that the franchise’s prized rookie is ready to go. His presence on the ice electrified practice, drawing cheers from fans who see him as the spark that could define the Habs’ season.
The bottom line? The Canadiens’ final preseason clash isn’t just another exhibition — it’s a statement game. With new line experiments, contract tensions, and roster battles all colliding at once, the path forward is coming into focus.
It’s clear now: if Montreal wants to compete in the brutal NHL landscape this year, the time for excuses is over. The roster must be set. Hudson must be secured. And the Canadiens must prove they’re ready.
