The Canadiens didn't acquire a single new player this summer. They didn't lose much (Brendan Gallagher, Joe Veleno, and Patrik Laine were no longer part of the plans), but they certainly didn't get any better.
Kent Hughes has undoubtedly tried to acquire some, let's be clear. But so far, he hasn't succeeded.
As a result, the 2026–27 Canadiens will look pretty much like the 2025–26 Canadiens. In an Eastern Conference where many teams have improved (the Panthers and the Capitals, among others) and after a season where everything went perfectly for the Canadiens, one might wonder if this could lead to a step backward.
But Alexandre Carrier doesn't seem to buy into that. The defenseman, who was a guest at the Kevin Raphael Classic, noted that he expects great things from the Habs this season.
The reason? He thinks the experience they gained in the playoffs will help.
Alexandre Carrier on his expectations for the Habs' upcoming season!
Details: https://t.co/wZWtEMETqz pic.twitter.com/wXFDLLVhmf
We know that in 2024–25, seeing the CH play playoff games helped the team improve in 2025–26. At the time, it was a young team that got its first taste of the playoffs.
Their run was (very) brief, lasting only five games, but it had an impact on the following season.
We must now ask whether, one year later, the (longer) 2026 playoff run will have a similar impact, now that the team knows how to handle a longer season. That said, the guys had a shorter summer training camp and have more wear and tear on their bodies, which could be a downside to that experience.
But Carrier, for his part, seems (obviously) fairly confident that the net effect will be more positive than negative. We'll see how it plays out in the coming months.
Is this a make-or-break season for David Reinbacher's future with the #Habs?
Do you think this season will be decisive for David Reinbacher's future with the Canadiens?
YES or NO? #gohabsgo #nhl #thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com/FQ1M5qgSzA
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) August 8, 2026