Canadiens’ Midseason Standouts: Three Stars Revealed
The Montreal Canadiens reached the halfway mark of their 2025-26 season with their 41st game played last Saturday. Despite facing significant injuries, the team has shown resilience, accumulating 50 points so far. Key players like Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine, and Kaiden Guhle have been sidelined since October, while Alex Newhook has been out since November and Jake Evans has missed recent games. Currently, the Canadiens rank third in the Atlantic Division, leading the Buffalo Sabres by four points and holding a three-point advantage over the Pittsburgh Penguins, who occupy the second wild card spot.
Canadiens’ Midseason Standouts: Three Stars Revealed
As the team reflects on the first half of the season, certain players have emerged as standouts worthy of recognition. Below are three players who have excelled during this competitive period.
Mike Matheson
- Matheson has played an average of 25 minutes per game.
- Despite missing three games, he maintains an impressive plus-nine rating.
- Last season, he recorded 31 points in 30 games and is on pace for 37 points this season.
- His five-year, $30 million contract signals his commitment to the team’s future.
Juraj Slafkovsky
- Slafkovsky is performing exceptionally well on the second line.
- He has scored 14 points in his last 12 games, demonstrating significant improvement.
- This season, he leads all rookies with 35 points in 41 games, aiming for a total of 70 points.
- His confidence and playmaking skills have been key to his development.
Lane Hutson
- Hutson has become an integral part of the Canadiens’ power play, which ranks eighth in the league at 23.9%.
- He has formed excellent chemistry with Slafkovsky, enhancing their offensive capabilities.
- Hutson’s creativity on the ice has made him a formidable player in transition.
Although the spotlight has shifted slightly from the team’s top scorers, Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, they continue to play vital roles. Both players deserve an honorable mention alongside emerging talents like Hutson and rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler. As the Canadiens move forward, they show promise and excitement for the remainder of the season.
