What Happened to Montreal Canadiens?
The Montreal Canadiens, one of the NHL's most storied franchises, have recently emerged from a rebuilding phase to become a competitive force. After missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons (2022-2024), the team made an unexpected playoff appearance in 2025 and, as of May 2026, are currently competing in the Eastern Conference Final of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, showcasing a rapid and successful rebuild under General Manager Kent Hughes and Head Coach Martin St. Louis.
Quick Answer
The Montreal Canadiens have significantly improved their standing in the NHL, transitioning from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender. After a three-year playoff drought, they secured a playoff berth in the 2024-2025 season and have further advanced in the 2025-2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, reaching the Eastern Conference Final as of May 26, 2026. This resurgence is largely attributed to a strong young core and the leadership of General Manager Kent Hughes and Head Coach Martin St. Louis.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
End of 2022-23 Season
The Montreal Canadiens finished the 2022-23 NHL season outside of the playoff picture, continuing their rebuilding phase.
Eliminated from 2024 Playoff Contention
The Canadiens were officially eliminated from playoff contention for the third consecutive year after a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, marking their longest drought since 1999-2001.
End of 2023-24 Season
The Montreal Canadiens finished the 2023-24 season with a record of 30-36-16, placing 8th in the Atlantic Division and 15th in the Eastern Conference.
Strong Performance Post-4 Nations Face-Off
Following the NHL's midseason hiatus for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, the Canadiens performed strongly, culminating in a six-game winning streak from March 30 to April 8.
Clinched 2025 Playoff Berth
The Canadiens defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 to secure their first playoff berth since 2021, becoming the youngest team in history to qualify for the NHL postseason.
Eliminated from 2025 Playoffs
Montreal was defeated in five games by the top-seeded Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference First Round.
2025 NHL Entry Draft
The Canadiens made several selections in the 2025 NHL Draft, including Alexander Zharovsky (RW) with their first pick (34th overall) after trading their two first-round picks.
GM Kent Hughes & Jeff Gorton Extended
General Manager Kent Hughes and Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton signed multi-year contract extensions, with Gorton also taking on the role of President of Hockey Operations.
Clinched 2026 Playoff Berth
The Canadiens qualified for the playoffs for a second consecutive time, finishing the regular season with the sixth-best record in the NHL.
Won First Round vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Canadiens defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in a seven-game series, marking their first postseason series victory in five years.
Won Second Round vs. Buffalo Sabres
Montreal advanced to the Eastern Conference Final by defeating the Buffalo Sabres in another seven-game series.
Coach Martin St. Louis Returns for ECF
Head Coach Martin St. Louis rejoined the team for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes after a brief personal absence to attend his son's high school graduation.
Eastern Conference Final (Current Status)
As of today, May 26, 2026, the Montreal Canadiens are tied 1-1 in the Eastern Conference Final series against the Carolina Hurricanes.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Following a period of struggle that saw them finish near the bottom of the league, including a last-place finish in their division for three consecutive seasons from 2021-22 to 2023-24, the Montreal Canadiens embarked on a significant rebuilding effort. The 2023-2024 season concluded with the Canadiens finishing 8th in the Atlantic Division and 15th in the Eastern Conference, missing the playoffs for the third straight year with a record of 30-36-16.
A key turning point came in the 2024-2025 season, where the Canadiens defied expectations to secure an unexpected playoff berth. They finished 5th in the Atlantic Division and 8th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 40-31-11, notably becoming the youngest team in NHL history to qualify for the postseason. Despite a strong effort, their playoff run ended in the Eastern Conference First Round, losing to the Washington Capitals in five games.
The momentum continued into the current 2025-2026 season, where the Canadiens solidified their status as a legitimate contender. They qualified for the playoffs for a second consecutive time on April 5, 2026, finishing the regular season with a strong 48-24-10 record, placing 3rd in the Atlantic Division and 4th in the Eastern Conference, and holding the sixth-best record in the entire NHL. This season has also seen significant individual milestones, with winger Cole Caufield scoring 51 goals, the first Canadien to reach the 50-goal mark since Stéphane Richer in 1989-90, and captain Nick Suzuki achieving 101 points, a feat not seen from a Canadien since Mats Näslund in 1985-86.
Under the leadership of General Manager Kent Hughes and Head Coach Martin St. Louis, who both received multi-year contract extensions in October 2025, the team has fostered a strong young core. As of May 26, 2026, the Canadiens are deep into the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. They successfully navigated the first round, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in a seven-game series, marking their first postseason series victory in five years. They then went on to defeat the Buffalo Sabres in another seven-game series to reach the Eastern Conference Final. They are currently tied 1-1 in the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Looking ahead, the team faces decisions regarding potential player trades, such as Josh Anderson, to manage cap space and continue improving the roster for the 2026-27 season. The rapid acceleration of their rebuild has positioned the Canadiens as a formidable force in the league, with their young talent and strategic management pointing towards a promising future.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Montreal Canadiens made different choices?