Habs Notes from Preseason Game 4

September 28, 2025

The Montreal Canadiens were in Toronto on Saturday night for another preseason game. The young Habs came to play and the result was a 4-2 win,

Here’s what caught my attention.

Newhook intends to carve himself a role on this Habs team.

Since GM Kent Hughes acquired centreman Alex Newhook, we’ve been all waiting for him to find his perfect role. Newhook thinks he has found it.

When the Habs let Christian Dvorak walk in free agency this summer, we all knew they were losing a left shot centre who could win draws in all situations, and kill penalties like a master. Questions arose about who would fill the hole.

So far in the preseason, Newhook has been better on the draw and is playing the PK. He’s using his speed effectively, and has looked good with Zachary Bolduc. Add Kapanen to that trio and we might have a solid third line.

It looks like Newy has found his spot.

Hutson intends to shoot more this year.

Believe it or not, there were plenty of folks who found things to criticize about Lane Hutson’s game last season. The Calder winner was believed to be too small, not able to defend in front of his own net, and that his game wouldn’t translate to the NHl…especially the playoffs. Lane isn’t fussed about your silly analysis.

There was one area that warranted a look, however. While Hutson demonstrated his power play mastery pretty early, he was little to no threat to shoot. In fact, the Canadiens really didn’t have anyone who was much of a threat to shoot from the point.

Hutson took that as a challenge, and already we have seen him shoot more. Last night he scored a beautifully deceptive goal with that new approach.

Read it and weep, folks. He’s only getting better.

Some other guys intend to give management some tough decisions in the next 10 days.

The Habs finally made a significant cut to their camp roster last night, sending 24 players to Laval’s camp and Vinzenz Rohrer to Switzerland. 34 players still remain at camp.

19 forwards remain, and we are yet to find out whether 13 or 14 will stay in Montreal to start the season. Oliver Kapanen seems to be the favourite to win the third spot on Newhook’s line, especially since he seems readiest to play centre should Kirby Dach struggle. But Owen Beck and Joe Veleno are both knocking at that door.

If it were my call, neither Veleno or Sammy Blais would be waived, but there’s still a little camp left.

12 defenders remain at camp. Presumably, the Habs don’t intend to play Guhle or Dobson before it’s necessary. Beyond that, the pairs seem set, at least for now. If they’re inclined to carry eight defensemen instead of 14 forwards, Adam Engstrom has had a very strong camp. I wonder if someone will be dealt in the coming weeks.

Three goalies remain. Fowler has been sent to Laval, along with a backup plan should Kahkonen not pass through waivers. It looks like Dobes has retained his spot in Montreal.

The clock is ticking now!