As the NHL hits pause for the Olympic break, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves at the center of two major storylines: the international exploits of their Olympic-bound players and the looming decisions ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. With four players representing their countries in Milan and a playoff push waiting on the other side of the break, the Habs are navigating a pivotal stretch - both on the ice and behind the scenes.
The “Habs Quartet” Takes Center Stage in Milan
With NHL play on hold, four Canadiens have swapped the red, white, and blue of Montreal for their national colors - and they’re making their presence felt on the Olympic stage.
Juraj Slafkovsky (Slovakia) is once again the heartbeat of his national team. Four years removed from his MVP performance at the 2022 Games, Slafkovsky is no longer the teenage sensation - he’s the offensive engine for Slovakia in Group B. He’s carrying the weight of expectation and delivering, looking to guide his country to another podium finish.
Nick Suzuki (Canada), meanwhile, is playing a key role for a loaded Team Canada roster in Group A. He may not be the flashiest name in the lineup, but his two-way game, hockey IQ, and leadership are proving invaluable in a tournament where every shift matters.
Alexandre Texier (France) has embraced a leadership role for a French squad fighting for survival in the Qualification Playoffs. France faces long odds, but Texier’s presence gives them a fighting chance - and for a team like France, just being in the mix is a statement in itself.
Oliver Kapanen (Finland) is filling a depth role for a Finnish team that’s always a threat in international play. While he’s not logging top-line minutes, Kapanen’s responsible play and ability to contribute in key situations give Finland flexibility - and that’s gold in a short tournament.
One name noticeably absent from Olympic action? Cole Caufield.
Despite his scoring touch in Montreal, he didn’t crack the Team USA roster. It’s a snub that’s sparked plenty of conversation, but for Caufield, the break offers a rare midseason breather - and for the Canadiens, a chance to have one of their top weapons fully rested for the stretch run.
Trade Deadline: Canadiens Shifting Into Buyer Mode
As the calendar inches toward March 6, the Canadiens find themselves in a position they haven’t been in for a while - legitimate playoff contention. That changes the calculus for General Manager Kent Hughes.
Montreal went into the break firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff race, and the internal chatter suggests they’re leaning toward buying - not selling - at the deadline. The focus? Adding playoff-tested grit and possibly another center to bolster depth down the middle.
But it’s not as simple as adding pieces. The Habs are dealing with a logjam up front, particularly among their forwards. That could lead to a move involving a veteran winger or even a young defenseman like Jayden Struble, especially as injured players return and the cap picture tightens.
The Canadiens are walking a tightrope: improve the roster without disrupting the chemistry that’s gotten them this far. It’s a delicate balance, but one that playoff teams have to master.
Patrik Laine Nearing Return - and the Trade Rumor Mill is Spinning
One of the biggest X-factors for Montreal post-break? Patrik Laine.
The sniper has been sidelined since late October following core muscle surgery, but the Olympic break has served as a perfect rehab window. He resumed skating before the pause and is officially listed as “close” to returning. All signs point to him being ready when the Canadiens resume play on Feb. 26 against the Islanders.
Laine’s return adds a serious scoring punch to the top six - but it also complicates the lineup. Someone’s minutes are going to get cut, and with the trade deadline looming, that’s sparked speculation that Laine himself could be on the move. Whether that’s just noise or something more remains to be seen, but his status will be one of the most-watched storylines in the days ahead.
Goaltending in the Spotlight
The Canadiens’ crease is another area under the microscope. Samuel Montembeault struggled heading into the break, with sub-.900 save percentages in some key losses. Now, the coaching staff has a decision to make: stick with Montembeault as the starter, or give more runway to Jakub Dobes, who’s shown flashes of potential.
This break offers a reset - not just for Montembeault’s game, but for the team’s goaltending strategy. With the playoff race tightening, there’s little room for error. Whoever gets the nod will need to bring consistency, because Montreal’s margin for error is shrinking by the day.
Olympic Men’s Hockey Schedule: Key Dates for Habs Fans
If you’re keeping tabs on the Canadiens’ international contingent, here’s when to tune in:
- Tuesday, Feb. 17 - Olympic Qualification Playoffs Watch for: Alexandre Texier (France) Time: 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM ET
- Wednesday, Feb. 18 - Olympic Quarterfinals Watch for: Nick Suzuki (Canada), Juraj Slafkovsky (Slovakia) Time: 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM ET
- Thursday, Feb. 19 - No Men’s Games (Women’s Medal Games)
- Friday, Feb. 20 - Olympic Semifinals Time: 10:40 AM & 3:10 PM ET
- Saturday, Feb. 21 - Bronze Medal Game Time: 2:40 PM ET
- Sunday, Feb. 22 - Gold Medal Game Time: 8:10 AM ET
The Olympic break is often seen as a midseason breather, but for the Canadiens, it’s anything but quiet. With players shining on the international stage, trade winds swirling, and a playoff chase heating up, Montreal is gearing up for a high-stakes sprint to the finish. Buckle up - the second half is going to be a wild ride.