Demidov missed some time during training camp battling through a foot injury, but was able to suit up on time for Montreal's season opener. Now, the talented 20-year-old forward will return to the sidelines for two to four weeks, but it's unclear if the ailment is related to his previous one. Demidov has two points (1G / 1A) in two games this season.
The Canadiens called Demidov day-to-day but he will be in the lineup for their season opener in Toronto. Demidov had 19 goals and 43 assists (62 points) in 82 games during his rookie season and is a popular breakout pick for 2026-27.
For the first time in his young career, Jakub Dobes will be Montreal's opening night starter as they take on the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Tuesday. Dobes is coming off an impressive second season in which he won 69% of his starts, posting a 29-10-4 record, 2.78 GAA and .901 SV% in 42 starts. He will take on the Maple Leafs on the road Tuesday, who have a whole new-looking roster entering the 2026-27 season, including Darren Raddysh, Gavin McKenna and potentially Kirill Marchenko.
A day before the Canadiens open their regular season against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kapanen has been listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The 23-year-old Swedish forward is coming off a solid rookie season in 2025-26, scoring 37 points (22G / 15A) in 82 games.
Guhle, who has missed 70 games over the last two seasons, will miss at least the first 7-to-10 games of the 2026-27 season after undergoing surgery on his adductor muscle in the summer. This opens the door for one of David Reinbacher, Adam Engstrom or Arber Xhekaj to play as the Canadiens' No.6 defenseman to open the season.
The Canadiens acquired Pastujov from the Ducks in late-July and signed him to a one-year, two-way deal. The 23-year-old winger was a third-round pick in 2021 and has spent the last three seasons with the San Diego Gulls (AHL). In 2025-26, he led the team with 57 points (21G / 36A) in 71 games. Expect him to report to Laval (AHL) to begin the 2026-27 season.
Berard was acquired in late June for William Trudeau from New York and has signed a one-year, two-way contract with Montreal on Thursday. The 23-year-old former 5th round pick (2020) appeared in 13 games with the Rangers in 2025-26, failing to pick up a point while collecting six PIMs. He is expected to provide Montreal with offensive depth this season and will be competing in training camp for a spot in their bottom-six.
