November 29, 2025
Saturday afternoon’s game against the Colorado Avalanche was the 24th of the 2025-26 season for the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs were victims of a potent opponent and a calendar-challenged schedule-maker and the result was a 7-2 loss. They ended their road trip with four of six points. Not too shabby.
With 30% of the season complete, the Habs have a record of 13-8-3 and a win percentage of .604. They’re in playoff position, despite injuries to core players and being forced to ice a gaggle of rookies night after night.
American Thanksgiving is the juncture in the NHL season that management groups make a decision about their path for the rest of the season.
Here are some ways things could go down for the Habs.
Accelerate
If HuGo takes an accelerate mindset, they look at what this team is doing despite adversity, consider their potential with holes filled, and hit the gas. In this approach, they are willing to pay top dollar for an essential piece for the contention window.
If the Habs think their window is opening now, they need a proven second-line centreman. The game against the Avs was another piece of evidence.
The top line has been weakened because Demidov’s line needs help. He and Slafkovsky have chemistry – that Slaf pass on Demidov’s goal was artwork – but one top-six centre is not enough, no matter how you arrange the wingers.
The Canadiens just got a close-up look on Saturday at the value of a 2C, having been victimized by Brock Nelson. Consider how dominant the Avs were with Nazem Kadri, then how dominant they were not in the gap between Kadri and Nelson.
An accelerate deal would have Hughes turning up the heat to land a 2C they’ve been watching and hoping would become available. Accelerate means you’re not looking for a placeholder or short term solution, and you might be willing to trade one of your top prospects, or someone you value on your roster.
In an accelerate deal, the return is not Ryan O’Reilly or Steven Stamkos or an aging Kadri. Perhaps you do it for Sidney Crosby, if he was actually available.
Cruise control
If HuGo sets the cruise control, he’ll be doing what he’s done all along. He’ll be actively looking for ways to improve his team, but never losing sight of the big picture. He’ll take that core-completing 2C and overpay if necessary, but he’s okay if that doesn’t happen this season.
This approach maybe finds a way to land Ryan O’Reilly – his style would sure bring a different dimension to the Canadiens – or another veteran with a couple of years left on his contract, without paying an exorbitant price. The top assets are saved for when the big fish can be landed.
This is the most likely approach, in my view, and a deal any day wouldn’t be shocking.
Hit the brakes
If HuGo hits the brakes, he looks at this team and decides there has been too much adversity, and there are too many holes to fill to make it worth spending any assets on upgrades this year.
In this approach we can expect more bargain bin moves, like the one to add Alex Texier, to support the core and allow kids to develop in Laval. But I think this is the least likely option.
Go hybrid
What if HuGo can’t find the ideal 2C, but another excellent piece can be had for a top price? It might be time to invest in a hybrid.
Perhaps the Canadiens would be content with a placeholder centreman if they could also add another top goal scorer. Doug Armstrong might not be willing to trade Robert Thomas, but would he entertain a Schenn-Kyrou combo for the right price?
There is still a lot of hockey left in this season, and even after a pounding in Colorado, the Habs can return to Montreal feeling good about what they accomplished. We can be sure fans aren’t the only ones talking about what comes next. HuGo is active, and that means a deal is inevitable.
It’s a fun time to be a Habs fan… an odd take after a 7-2 loss.
Hab At Her 