A true sign that the season is approaching is the annual Montreal Canadiens golf tournament. The day signals the unofficial start of the team’s training camp.
Last year, the headline was that the team was looking to take the next step in the rebuild with the mantra repeated by management and ownership being that they wanted to be “in the mix.” The Canadiens got off to a slow start, but in the end rewarded that optimism, making the playoffs in a full season for the first time since 2017.
This year, the team looks to get back there and are showcasing a few new additions via trade, namely Zachary Bolduc and Noah Dobson. It will also be the first full season in North America for forward Ivan Demidov, who is expected to give the Canadiens a legitimate shot at back-to-back Calder Trophies after Lane Hutson won it last season.
This post will continue to be updated throughout the morning.
For starters, Jeff Gorton has suggested that the plan is for Kirby Dach to be ready to go for game one of the regular season.
Jeff Gorton said there's a plan to have Kirby Dach on the ice for opening night
— Costa Rontzocos (@Rontzeeez) September 15, 2025
I wouldn't read it as he's 100% going to but that he's on track to be on ice sooner rather than later #GoHabsGo #GolfTournament
Jeff Gorton also says the team is always looking to improve.
Kent Hughes says the rebuild isn’t over, and they will overpay if the right player to help finish said rebuild is available.
Kent Hughes said it again
— Costa Rontzocos (@Rontzeeez) September 15, 2025
"We are not done building our team. If we have to overpay to get a player who we think will be important to the future of this team, we'll do it"#GoHabsGo #GolfTournament
Translation: Kent Hughes says this team is the most talented he’s had since he’s been in his role. However (as stated in the previous quote) it still isn’t a finished product.
Kent Hughes indique que cette équipe est la plus talentueuse depuis qu’il est en poste. Il indique cependant que la construction n’est pas terminée, ce club n’est pas encore un produit fini. @CanadiensMTL pic.twitter.com/ZJMiSfxRd3
— Jeremy Filosa 🎙 (@JeremyFilosa) September 15, 2025
Hughes couldn’t mention the name on everyone’s radar (Sidney Crosby) due to tampering, but admitted to keeping salary cap flexibility for any players who may become available.
Martin St-Louis says it is possible that he could go with two defenders on the first power play wave, and that they’ll have some nice options with the new look roster.
Martin St-Louis est-il ouvert à l’idée de faire jouer deux défenseurs sur sa première vague d’avantage numérique?
— Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) September 15, 2025
«Tout est possible.», dit le coach.
«Nous aurons de belles options.»
Lane Hutson did not want to open the floodgates to the door his father opened regarding his eligibility to play for Canada after being left off of the Team USA Olympic camp roster.
Nick Suzuki is as confident as ever.
Mike Matheson says he wants to be a Montreal Canadien as long as possible.
Noah Dobson is excited for the opportunity to play closer to home after growing up watching the Bell Centre.
It’s a good thing Noah Dobson is a Montreal Canadien, because he says Ivan Demidov is so talented for his age and he will continue to get better, which is scary.
Zachary Bolduc says that playing baseball helped him improve his shot.
Geoff Molson says this group is special and is a tight-knit group. “They want to build this, and they want to win.”
