Canadiens eye deeper playoff push with 2025–26 schedule in place

The Montreal Canadiens returned to the playoffs last spring, a major step forward for a young roster built around Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovský. Now, with the 2025–26 schedule officially released, the challenge is clear: turn a playoff return into a deeper postseason run.

Head coach Martin St. Louis enters the season with stability behind the bench and growing chemistry throughout the lineup. Montreal’s schedule features plenty of rivalry showdowns, marquee home dates, and road tests that will shape whether the Habs can climb higher in the Atlantic Division standings.

Season opener and early road swing

Montreal begins the year on the road with three straight away games:

• Oct. 8 @ Toronto Maple Leafs

• Oct. 9 @ Detroit Red Wings

• Oct. 11 @ Chicago Blackhawks

The Canadiens’ home opener comes Oct. 14 against the Seattle Kraken, marking the first chance for Bell Centre fans to see their team live after last year’s playoff breakthrough.

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Key rivalry nights

• Battle of Ontario: Three clashes with Toronto, including a high-profile home date on Mar. 10.

• Original Six Matchups: December includes back-to-back tilts with Boston (Dec. 23) and New York (Dec. 13).

• Atlantic Division Stakes: Regular meetings with Tampa Bay, Florida, Detroit, and Ottawa will carry weight in the playoff chase.

Highlight home games

The Bell Centre crowd will have plenty of big nights circled:

• Nov. 22 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs — an early measuring-stick rivalry.

• Dec. 20 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins — a clash with Sidney Crosby and Co.

• Jan. 8 vs. Florida Panthers — a battle against the reigning Stanley Cup champions.

• Apr. 7 vs. Florida Panthers — late-season showdown with playoff implications likely at stake.

The Olympic break

The NHL will pause from Feb. 5–25 for the Winter Olympics, giving the Canadiens a midseason reset. For a young team, the break could serve as both a recovery window and a chance for key players to shine on the international stage.

The final stretch

Montreal closes the season with a demanding April run, including road trips to New York, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay before finishing on Apr. 14 against the Flyers. If the Canadiens are in the playoff hunt, that stretch will test their resilience and depth.

What’s on the line in Montreal?

Last year’s playoff appearance was proof that Montreal’s rebuild is gaining traction. But expectations have shifted; simply qualifying isn’t enough. With a full season of growth under Martin St. Louis, the 2025–26 Canadiens face the task of turning potential into playoff success.