Canadiens Emerge as Stanley Cup Contender

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button believes the Habs are a true Cup contender this season.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Canadiens hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of red, blue, and white representing the team's official colors and the fractured, multi-perspective nature of the sport.The Canadiens' resurgence as a Stanley Cup contender has energized their passionate fanbase and shown the team's rebuild is progressing faster than expected.Boston Today

The Montreal Canadiens have emerged as a surprise Stanley Cup contender this season, according to TSN's Craig Button. Despite being in the early stages of a rebuild, the Habs have been beating top teams and showing they have the talent to make a deep playoff run. Button believes the Canadiens' window of opportunity is starting to open and they should be considered a legitimate Cup contender.

Why it matters

The Canadiens' resurgence as a contender is significant, as they were expected to be in a rebuilding phase this season. Their ability to compete with the league's elite teams shows the team's core is maturing faster than anticipated, giving their passionate fanbase hope for an exciting playoff run.

The details

The Canadiens' improved play this season can be attributed to tougher accountability from the coaching staff, with underperforming players like Patrik Laine and Samuel Montembeault being benched more frequently. Veteran leaders like Brendan Gallagher have also been held to higher standards. This renewed focus on winning has the Canadiens looking like a different team from last season.

  • The Canadiens have been beating top teams throughout the 2026 season.
  • TSN's Craig Button made his comments about the Canadiens being a Cup contender on April 3, 2026.

The players

Nick Suzuki

The Canadiens' young star center who is leading the team's resurgence.

Patrik Laine

A Canadiens forward who has been benched at times this season for underperforming.

Samuel Montembeault

A Canadiens goaltender who has also faced increased accountability from the coaching staff.

Brendan Gallagher

A veteran Canadiens forward who has been held to higher standards as the team focuses on winning.

Kirby Dach

A Canadiens forward who is nearing a return from injury.

Alexandre Texier

Another Canadiens forward who is close to returning from injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't think you can see it any other way.”

— Craig Button, TSN Director of Scouting

What’s next

The Canadiens will look to continue their strong play and cement their status as a Stanley Cup contender as key injured players like Dach and Texier return to the lineup.

The takeaway

The Canadiens' unexpected rise to contender status this season has energized their passionate fanbase and shown that the team's rebuild is progressing faster than anticipated. Their ability to hold players accountable and compete with the league's elite has positioned them as a team to watch in the Eastern Conference playoff race.