October 5, 2025
Last night the 2025-26 preseason for the Montreal Canadiens wrapped up. The result was a 3-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators.
Two things caught my eye.
Joe Veleno will be a serious upgrade on Michael Pezzetta in the 13th forward spot.
With the ability to play both centre and wing, AND the ability to play up and down the lineup, AND the ability to play 200-foot hockey, I expect to see plenty of Veleno. He’s had a strong preseason for the Habs, and has quietly demonstrated that he can be a useful asset.
When Sammy Blais was signed, I saw in him the perfect 13th forward. He wouldn’t be a distraction in the press box, and he could hold his own in NHL games, particularly the rough and tumble kind. I saw him as an upgrade on Pezzetta.
Veleno is an upgrade on both, and I suspect by 2 pm Blais will be waived unless they choose to keep 14 forwards on the roster.
The guys who were not in the lineup give us a clue as to who has won a roster spot.
Newhook, Kapanen and Demidov all sat this one out, and I suspect it means the coach has liked what he’s seen from the trio. It’s all but certain that Oliver Kapanen has won the forward spot in Montreal.
Owen Beck and Florian Xhekaj will both play in the NHL, probably even this season. But it sure looks like Kapanen will still be in Montreal when the final roster cuts are made.
Now we wait for the final cuts to be announced.
Hab At Her 