Montreal Canadiens path to Stanley Cup contention: How close are they? What changes can they make? (Episode 1333)

Montreal Canadiens' path to contention: How close are they? Potential Habs roster moves take center stage as the team eyes a return to NHL prominence. Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert dissect the Habs' current lineup, pinpointing crucial needs at forward, defense, and in net. From Nick Suzuki's role, to Ivan Demidov’s impact, to pipe dream blue line additions like Aaron Ekblad, no stone is left unturned. The hosts debate the development of prospects such as Jacob Fowler and Cayden Primeau, while speculating on free agent targets to bolster the roster. Will the Canadiens' rebuild strategy pay off? Tune in for expert analysis on Montreal's journey back to Stanley Cup contention. 0:00 Intro: Analyzing Canadiens' path to contention 5:07 Top six forwards: Who stays, who goes? 10:15 FanDuel sponsorship and NBA playoffs 12:10 Defensive lineup predictions for 2025-26 season 17:54 Potential X-factors on Canadiens' blue line 22:06 Goaltending situation and development challenges 27:12 Managing goalie workload and development next season 29:25 Canadiens draft trivia and mailbag questions Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. Wonderful Pistachios Get snackin' and get crackin' with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.