After years of rebuilding, the Montreal Canadiens have finally clinched a playoff spot, proving the doubters wrong and showing their true potential. The journey, while filled with challenges, has set the stage for what could be an exciting playoff run.
A Bold Vision for the Canadiens’ Future
It was a bold decision by Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens’ executive vice president of hockey operations, to set the bar high for the team this season. With the 2023-24 campaign underway, the message was clear: “In the mix” for a playoff spot. But was that enough for Gorton?
Despite his reluctance to fully embrace the idea of the Canadiens making the playoffs, Gorton hinted at something more ambitious in the months leading up to the season.
“We’re not going to put it past this team to make the playoffs,” Gorton admitted, speaking at the Canadiens’ season-opening golf tournament in September. “There’s so much unknown, so much to learn. But I’m excited about what this team could be.”
Seven months later, Gorton’s cautious optimism has paid off. On a night when the Canadiens beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2, they secured their first playoff berth since 2021, putting the finishing touches on a remarkable season of growth and resilience.
The Return of the Playoff Spirit
For many fans and players alike, this return to the playoffs is especially meaningful. Cole Caufield, who was a rookie during the Canadiens’ unexpected Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2021, remembers the eerie silence of an almost-empty Bell Centre. But now, with the team back in the postseason, Caufield has one thing on his mind: experiencing a playoff game in front of a full arena.
“Uh, yeah, when that was going on, outside the Bell Centre it was crazy. I never got to experience anything like that,” Caufield reflected. “We just want to get there and see it in person.”
A Rebuild Comes to Fruition
The Canadiens’ road to the playoffs has not been a quick one. The team fell into a rebuild following that magical 2021 Cup run, which ended in heartbreak. Gorton took charge in late 2021, bringing in general manager Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St. Louis to reshape the roster and implement a long-term plan.
Despite their slow start and the tempting allure of another high draft pick, Hughes decided it was time for the team to take ownership of their future. He put the onus on the players, many of whom were young and eager to prove themselves.
As St. Louis put it, “When you rebuild, winning has to be part of the equation.”
This philosophy has clearly paid dividends, as the Canadiens’ youthful core has driven their impressive late-season push. With key players like captain Nick Suzuki, Calder Trophy candidate Lane Hutson, and top-line winger Cole Caufield, the team finished strong, securing a playoff spot ahead of many more established teams.
Canadiens’ Resilient Push Post-Break
When the NHL paused for the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Canadiens were teetering on the edge of the playoff race, just below .500 and six points behind a postseason spot. But when the league returned, the Canadiens were unstoppable. Their 15-5-6 record following the break showed just how far this team had come.
“We had a 2 percent chance of making the playoffs and we go 15-5-6, and then we finish the year on a 7-1-2 run,” said St. Louis. “To me, a 2 percent chance, you still have a chance.”
The chemistry among the Canadiens’ young stars was undeniable. Suzuki, Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovský formed one of the most dangerous lines in the league, with veteran Brendan Gallagher praising their dominance in a recent game. “They really controlled the game early on, allowed us to settle in,” Gallagher said.
More Talent on the Horizon
The Canadiens’ success this season has also been fueled by promising new talent. Ivan Demidov, the team’s No. 5 pick in 2024, made an impressive NHL debut, scoring a goal and an assist. Meanwhile, the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, leads the league with an excellent chance to contend for a Calder Cup. The Rocket is filled with several of the Canadiens’ young prospects, further reinforcing the team’s bright future.
A Team That Refuses to Quit
Despite not being a finished product, the Canadiens have already proven a lot this season. Their playoff berth represents an important step in the rebuild process, providing a strong message for the team to build on in future seasons.
“I think it would just prove everything I’ve been selling to the players — that when you quit, you’re not going to get what you want, and when you keep pushing forward and giving everything you’ve got, you’re giving yourself a chance,” St. Louis said, reflecting on the significance of making the playoffs.
For the Canadiens, this achievement is more than just a return to the postseason. It’s a validation of their hard work and commitment, and a sign that they are on the right path toward greater success in the years to come.
As the Canadiens prepare for their playoff campaign, the team’s young stars are determined to make the most of the opportunity. This moment marks a new era for the franchise—one that could see them back on the Stanley Cup contender radar much sooner than expected.
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