Expectations are higher in Montreal this season after the team blossomed from a rebuilding project into a legitimate playoff contender last year. The eventual Stanley Cup Champions ended the Habs’ Cinderella run to the Eastern Conference Finals, but for Montreal, it announced to the league that the new-look Canadiens have officially arrived. 

Playoff success brings higher expectations from fans and the betting markets. The Canadiens are no longer priced as a long shot to win the Stanley Cup, but are now expected to compete for it. Here’s an early look at how the Habs are being treated at Canadian sportsbooks. 

2025-26 Montreal Canadiens Season Recap

When a team takes as big a leap as the Canadiens did last season, it puts the whole league on notice. 

Montreal finished with a 48-24-10 record with 106 points. This was good for third place in the Atlantic Division and the top-performing Canadian NHL team for the season. 

Despite being one of the youngest teams in the NHL, several players emerged as bona fide stars last year. Captain Nick Suzuki led the team with 101 points, becoming the first Montreal captain to reach that plateau since Guy Lafleur. Forward Cole Caufield broke out with 51 goals, and defenceman Lane Hutson posted 78 points and a +36 for the campaign. 

The Canadiens carried their momentum into the playoffs, defeating both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Buffalo Sabres. Montreal ended up losing to the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Finals, but the postseason run certainly turned some heads in the hockey world. 

What Is Different for the Canadiens This Season?

The young core gained a ton of experience last season that injected a ton of maturity into this lineup. 

It’s not just about how the Habs have grown; it’s about the continued successful development of their young stars. Ivan Demidov is emerging as a legitimate offensive dynamo and Hutson as a true power-play quarterback. 

It was a relatively quiet offseason for the Habs, who made some internal resignings, but didn’t make any splashes in free agency. Montreal’s goaltending situation will need to be monitored. Jakub Dobes emerged as the team’s starting goalie during the playoffs, but he is far from an established option. 

For bettors, the Canadiens could be particularly interesting in Atlantic Division, Stanley Cup and playoff futures, as well as regular-season win totals. Montreal’s young core also creates plenty of potential player-prop opportunities, particularly involving Suzuki, Caufield and the team’s emerging offensive stars.

Montreal Canadiens 2026-27 Betting Outlook

The odds for the Montreal Canadiens’ betting markets have drastically risen since this time last year. Montreal is now seen as a team that can challenge for the Atlantic Division and is expected to make the playoffs. 

As of now, the odds for the Habs to win the Stanley Cup are floating around +2500 at most Canadian online betting sites. While they aren’t yet a favourite, they are certainly among the dark horses who could surprise the league again this year. 

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Feature image courtesy AP Photo/Christinne Muschi vis Canadian Press Images
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FAQs

1 Are the Montreal Canadiens expected to make the playoffs in 2026-27?

Yes! After reaching the Eastern Conference Final in 2025-26, Montreal is expected to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season. The Canadiens’ young core should continue improving, although repeating last season’s 106-point campaign will be a significant challenge.

2 Who is the Canadiens' best player for NHL betting props?

Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield are two of the most obvious players to watch. Suzuki recorded 101 points last season, while Caufield scored 51 goals during a breakout campaign. Lane Hutson is a skilled offensive defenceman, while Ivan Demidov is capable of posting a three-point night in any game.

3 Can you bet on the Montreal Canadiens in Canada?

Yes. Canadian bettors can find Canadiens markets at regulated Canadian sportsbooks, including moneylines, puck lines, totals, player props and futures. Available markets and odds can vary between sportsbooks and will differ depending on which Province or Territory you reside.