Locked On Canadiens - Daily Podcast on the Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens edge Toronto Maple Leafs with clutch goals from Josh Anderson and depth scoring—can their revamped lineup spark another breakout season?
Host Ian Boisvert recaps the Canadiens’ 3-2 victory, spotlighting Josh Anderson’s continued dominance against the Maple Leafs and the dynamic play of the fourth line featuring Bolduc and Evans. Discussion centers on the defensive struggles of the Suzuki-Caufield-Kreider top line, Jakub Dobes’ poised goaltending, and early signs from new penalty-kill coach Derek Lalonde’s aggressive system. Fresh line combos like Slafkovsky-Newhook-Demidov shine with high expected goals, while questions linger about Lane Hutson’s pairing stability.
Key takeaways include Montreal’s dominance in the faceoff circle, special teams adjustments, and whether Kreider will find chemistry with the top unit. Can the Canadiens maintain their momentum as they prepare for a tough test against the Pittsburgh Penguins?
00:00 Canadiens' forecheck and depth strategy
04:45 Analyzing goalie performances tonight
09:18 Winning Faceoffs to Control Puck
11:55 New penalty killing strategy
17:57 Analyzing Toronto's 6-on-5 Play
18:54 Canadiens' coaching dynamics with Lalonde
23:07 Adjusting to new team dynamics
25:42 Early Season Patience for Canadiens
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton - Imagn Images
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Montreal Canadiens kick off the 2026-27 NHL season with fresh faces and new line combos, but will early chemistry issues shape their run? Ian Boisvert spotlights standout storylines as Chris Kreider joins Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on the top line, while Alex Newhook steps up as second-line center in Oliver Kapanen’s absence. Can Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov ignite Montreal’s attack, and what’s at stake for Kirby Dach as he battles for a roster spot?
Ian previews key matchups against the revamped Toronto Maple Leafs and the undermanned Pittsburgh Penguins, breaking down the Canadiens’ power play upgrades under Derek Lalonde and potential goalie rotation between Jakub Dobes and Samuel Montembeault. Questions loom: Will Montreal’s aggressive forecheck rattle Toronto’s off-season additions? How should fans react if opening results defy expectations? Don’t miss this strategic season opener breakdown and forecast of the Canadiens’ path forward.
00:00 Analyzing Suzuki, Caulfield, Kreider line
05:08 Discussing fourth line roster decisions
13:20 Maple Leafs trade Matthew Knies
17:47 Penguins' lineup challenges and strategy
23:33 NHL preseason split squad games discussion
26:09 Analyzing Canadiens' penalty troubles
28:44 Talking about the Canadiens' season
Photo credit: Eric Bolte - Imagn Images
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This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
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Montreal Canadiens wrap up their preseason with a strong night and surprising roster decisions. Is Chris Kreider’s chemistry with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki the missing piece for a revitalized top line, or will growing pains slow Montreal’s start?
Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert break down standout performances, including Juraj Slafkovsky’s resurgence and Sam Montembeault’s confident return between the pipes. The conversation explores Florian Xhekaj earning his NHL spot, the puzzling decision to send David Reinbacher down, and what Adam Engstrom’s roster spot means for the defensive pairings. With Owen Beck’s future uncertain and trade rumors circling Kirby Dach, are the Canadiens building a contender or setting up more shake-ups ahead of matchups against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins?
04:33 Penalty trouble
09:03 Caufield, Suzuki, Kreider team adjustments
15:34 Discussing a new hockey player
19:05 Montembeault's impressive saves
20:00 Discussing NHL rosters and predictions
25:35 Contracts expiring and trade talk
30:14 Closing remarks and podcast promotions
Photo credit: Eric Bolte - Imagn Images
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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
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This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
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Montreal Canadiens fans fire up the mailbag before the season opener: Can Nick Suzuki stay healthy and anchor the Habs' top line, or could injuries upend Montreal's playoff hopes? The future of Kirby Dach also hangs in the balance—should management trade him, or is his upside too tantalizing to give up?
Host Laura Saba fields pressing listener questions about best and worst-case scenarios, creative mascot ideas (would a traffic cone or poutine work?), and what acquiring a true 2C could do for the Canadiens' depth. Hot takes abound on the potential impact of Lane Hudson, trade speculation featuring names like Morgan Barron, Timo Meier, and Patrick Laine, and a debate over analytics vs. eye test in player evaluation. Snack debates and Canadien fan traditions round out a lively episode as the NHL season looms.
00:00 Montreal's Construction and Poutine Icons
04:56 Kirby Dach's playoff performance
06:43 Kirby Dach's injury challenges
12:14 Canadiens' Most Indispensable Player
13:28 Discussing Nick Suzuki and Lane Hutson
17:25 3-way trades and bold predictions
20:36 Rivals and player evaluation chat
23:12 Brendan Gallagher's Impact and Player Fit
26:49 Discussing NHL player trades
Photo credit: David Kirouac - Imagn Images
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#NHLHockey #MontrealCanadiens #Habs #nhl #nationalhockeyleague #canadiensmtl #canadiensnews #Canadiens
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FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Montreal Canadiens face crucial roster decisions as preseason ends, with rising stars David Reinbacher, Florian Xhekaj, and Adam Engstrom battling for NHL spots. Could Florian Xhekaj’s relentless drive force the coaching staff’s hand? Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert examine the phantom cuts, the impact of Chris Kreider’s signing, and what these training camp standouts mean for the Canadiens’ depth on defense and forward lines.
A wild rumor surfaces: could Nikita Kucherov land in Montreal if things unravel in Tampa? The hosts weigh the plausibility and potential seismic shift Kucherov would bring to the Canadiens. Plus, a breakdown of Locked On NHL’s Top 100 player rankings reveals where Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Lane Hutson, and Ivan Demidov stand—did Suzuki get the respect he deserves, or is Montreal still being slept on across the league?
00:00 Discussing Canadiens' Defenseman Prospects
05:40 Owen Beck and Florian Xhekaj comparison
08:21 Canadiens' future trade decisions
14:47 Kucherov trade rumors and Canadiens
17:33 Cap space and player contracts
22:08 Rumor roundup and upcoming NHL talk
26:06 Ranking hockey players
28:34 Discussing NHL Calder Trophy Contenders
30:16 Podcast outro and social plugs
Photo credit: David Kirouac - Imagn Images
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCanadiens?sid=YouTube
Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL
Find Locked On Canadiens anywhere:
https://lintr.ee/LockedOnCanadiens
Also make sure to follow Locked on Canadiens and their hosts on Bluesky!
Locked on Canadiens: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedoncanadiens.bsky.social
Find Ian on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maybeitsian.bsky.social
Find Laura on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theactivestick.bsky.social
#NHLHockey #MontrealCanadiens #Habs #nhl #nationalhockeyleague #canadiensmtl #canadiens
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
Talkiatry
Head to https://Talkiatry.com/LOCKEDONNHL to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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