The Montreal Canadiens have taken meaningful steps forward this season. The record is better, several young players are progressing, and the overall direction of the rebuild is encouraging. Still, progress does not mean everything is perfect. For this team to continue moving in the right direction, some players need to elevate their game. Not prospects learning on the fly, but established NHLers who are expected to provide stability. Here are three Canadiens who simply need to give more.
Alexandre Carrier
When the Canadiens acquired Alexandre Carrier, the expectation was clear. He was brought in to stabilize the blue line, play tough minutes, and provide dependable defensive play. He did just that in 2024-25. The story has been different this season.
Carrier currently sits at a team-worst minus-13. While plus/minus is not a perfect stat, it reflects a trend that matches the eye test. Too often, Carrier has struggled in coverage, lost battles along the boards, or been a step late reading plays in his own zone. For a defenceman whose value is rooted primarily in his defensive game, that is a problem.
Related: Comparing the 2025-26 Canadiens to the 2024-25 Team
Montreal’s blue line is young and has been affected by the Kaiden Guhle injury. That makes Carrier’s role even more important. He does not need to be flashy or produce offence, but he needs to be reliable. The Canadiens need him to win battles, make the simple play, and limit mistakes under pressure.
Carrier has shown in the past that he can be that type of defender. The Canadiens need that version of him sooner rather than later. Defensive structure starts with defenders who can be trusted, and right now, Carrier needs to re-establish himself as one of those players.
Jake Evans
Jake Evans earned his contract. Last season, he posted career highs with 13 goals and 23 assists while remaining a dependable defensive forward. He became a coach-trusted player, capable of killing penalties, taking defensive zone faceoffs, and chipping in offensively.
This season, that offensive contribution has dropped off significantly. With just five goals and five assists, Evans’ production is simply not where it needs to be. He is not playing poorly, but for a veteran centre with a defined role, not bad is not enough.
Evans does a lot of things right. He works hard, plays responsibly, and rarely cheats the game. But the Canadiens need more tangible impact. Whether it’s finishing chances, creating more offence off the forecheck, or converting opportunities shorthanded, Evans needs to find ways to be more productive.
The standard has already been set by his own performance last season. This is not about unrealistic expectations. It’s about returning to a level he has already proven he can reach. With injuries affecting the lineup, Montreal needs Evans to help shoulder more of the load.
Samuel Montembeault
This one is the most obvious. Samuel Montembault was a major reason the Canadiens were in the playoffs last season. He gave the team stability in net, made key saves at key moments, and often masked defensive breakdowns. This season, that version of Montembeault has not been there.
A 5-6-1 record, a 3.65 goals-against average, and an .857 save percentage are simply not good enough. Those numbers put enormous pressure on a team that already struggles defensively. Whether it’s rebound control, positioning, or confidence, Montembeault has looked like a goalie searching for answers.
The stint with the Laval Rocket could end up being a turning point. Sometimes, goalies need a reset. Time away from the spotlight, focused work with coaches, and a chance to rebuild confidence can make a difference. The Canadiens desperately need Montembeault to regain his form.
This team is not built to outscore its problems. Goaltending has to be at least steady, and right now, it has not been. Montembeault has proven he can be better. The challenge now is finding that level again.
Progress does not mean avoiding criticism. It means holding players accountable while keeping the long-term picture in mind. Carrier, Evans, and Montembeault are not bad players. They are important players who need to be better.
If the Canadiens want to take another step forward, contributions need to come from every part of the lineup. The expectations are reasonable. The standard has already been set. Now, it’s about meeting it.
