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.<\/p>\n
Kent Hughes has undoubtedly tried to acquire some, let's be clear. But so far, he hasn't succeeded.<\/p>\n
As a result, the 2026\u201327 Canadiens will look pretty much like the 2025\u201326 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The reason? He thinks the experience they gained in the playoffs will help.<\/p>\n
Alexandre Carrier on his expectations for the Habs' upcoming season!<\/p>\n
Details: https:\/\/t.co\/wZWtEMETqz pic.twitter.com\/wXFDLLVhmf<\/p>\n
We know that in 2024\u201325, seeing the CH play playoff games helped the team improve in 2025\u201326. At the time, it was a young team that got its first taste of the playoffs.<\/p>\n
Their run was (very) brief, lasting only five games, but it had an impact on the following season.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Is this a make-or-break season for David Reinbacher's future with the #Habs?<\/p>\n
Do you think this season will be decisive for David Reinbacher's future with the Canadiens?<\/p>\n
YES or NO? #gohabsgo #nhl #thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com\/FQ1M5qgSzA<\/p>\n
\u2014 The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) August 8, 2026<\/p>\n