Bleacher Report Awards A- Grade to Habs’ Rebuild
Recently, Bleacher Report evaluated ten NHL rebuilds, awarding the Montreal Canadiens an impressive A- grade. This score ties them with the San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres, marking the highest ratings on their list. The Canadiens’ rebuild, overseen by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, has drawn significant attention, especially as they transitioned from a Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 2021 to rebuilding just a year later.
Montreal Canadiens’ Rebuild Overview
The Canadiens’ journey has been remarkably swift. Less than four years into the rebuild, they are looking like strong playoff contenders. Previously, they missed the playoffs for three seasons before returning to postseason play during the 2024-25 season, an outcome many did not foresee.
Evaluation of the Rebuild
Joe Yerdon, the article’s author, highlighted the speed at which the Canadiens’ management has effectively assembled a competitive team. Comparatively, the Sabres have endured multiple failed rebuild attempts over several years. Although they have shown improvement recently, the prior challenges surrounding their rebuild cannot be overlooked.
Prospects in the Pipeline
The Canadiens’ successful turnaround places them in a favorable position for the future. Several promising prospects are set to join the lineup soon, including:
- Michael Hage
- Alexander Zharovsky
- Jacob Fowler (projected starting goaltender)
- David Reinbacher
- Bryce Pickford (defensemen with potential)
While the latter two defensemen have noted flaws, their potential is still significant. They will bolster a core that already features young veterans like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Noah Dobson.
Current Core and Future Prospects
The current team shows a lot of promise, with several key players under the age of 26. This youthful core also includes emerging talents such as Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Ivan Demidov. Such depth positions the Canadiens as serious contenders for the Stanley Cup within a few years.
There is no definitive assurance that this talented roster will clinch a championship. However, with their recent strategic acquisitions and development, the Canadiens are increasingly viewed as one of the top rebuilds in the NHL over the last decade, as recognized by Bleacher Report.
Fan Sentiment
As the Canadiens continue to excel, opinions among fans and analysts vary. Some argue that the rapid progress made is a demonstration of the management’s capabilities, while others express skepticism about long-term success. The debate continues: Is the Canadiens’ rebuild one of the most effective in the past ten years?
