Montreal Canadiens Notebook: Suzuki’s Selke Case, Slafkovský’s Surge, and Dach’s First-Line Impact
There’s a lot happening in Montreal right now - and if you’re a Canadiens fan, it’s the kind of buzz you want to hear in February. From leadership on the ice to rising young stars and defensive workhorses doing the heavy lifting, the Habs are showing signs of growth and identity. Let’s break it all down.
Nick Suzuki: Quietly Building a Selke-Worthy Resume
Nick Suzuki doesn’t always get the national spotlight, but make no mistake - he’s doing the kind of work that deserves Selke consideration. His two-way game has matured into something special. He’s not just producing offensively; he’s taking on the toughest matchups night in and night out and holding his own.
What stands out is his ability to read plays before they develop. He’s consistently in the right spot, disrupting passing lanes, backchecking hard, and winning key faceoffs.
That’s the kind of 200-foot game that coaches love - and awards voters should be noticing more. In a league full of flashy scorers, Suzuki’s all-around impact is the kind of value that often flies under the radar but wins games.
Slafkovský’s January Earns Him the Molson Cup
Juraj Slafkovský’s January was exactly what the Canadiens were hoping to see when they drafted him first overall. He’s starting to put it all together - the size, the skill, the confidence. That earned him the Molson Cup for the month, and it wasn’t just about points.
He’s playing with more assertiveness, driving the net, making smart plays along the wall, and showing improved chemistry with his linemates. It’s not just flashes anymore - it’s consistent contributions. That’s a big step forward for a young player who’s still finding his NHL footing.
Kirby Dach Back on the Top Line - and It’s Working
Getting Kirby Dach back in the lineup was a boost in itself. Putting him right back on the top line?
That was a swing - and so far, it’s connecting. Dach’s ability to carry the puck through the neutral zone and create space has reignited some of the offensive flow up front.
He complements Suzuki and Caufield well, giving the line a different dimension with his size and puck protection. It’s early, but the chemistry is showing signs of returning to what it was before injuries disrupted the plan.
Cole Caufield and Mike Matheson: Different Roles, Similar Impact
At first glance, Cole Caufield and Mike Matheson don’t seem like they’d have much in common - a sniper and a defenseman with very different playing styles. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find they both play crucial roles in driving play for the Canadiens.
Caufield’s offensive instincts and Matheson’s puck-moving ability each tilt the ice in their own way. They’re both high-IQ players who see the game a step ahead, whether it’s Caufield finding soft spots in coverage or Matheson navigating the breakout under pressure. Their impact goes beyond the scoresheet - it’s about how they help the Canadiens control tempo.
Mike Matheson: Taking On the League’s Toughest Assignments
Speaking of Matheson, his workload isn’t just heavy - it’s elite-level tough. He’s regularly tasked with shutting down top lines across the NHL, logging big minutes in all situations. And he’s not just surviving - he’s thriving.
There’s a calmness to his game that helps stabilize the back end. He skates out of trouble, makes smart first passes, and doesn’t shy away from the physical stuff. It’s the kind of role that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but it’s absolutely vital to a team’s success.
Around the Organization: Laval Rocket Return Home After Strong Road Trip
The Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, are back home after a road trip that turned a few heads. They found ways to win in tough buildings, and several prospects stepped up in key moments. That kind of momentum is exactly what you want to see from your development pipeline.
Marie-Philip Poulin: A Family Connection That Fuels Greatness
Marie-Philip Poulin’s story is well known in Canadian hockey circles, but what’s often overlooked is the role her brother has played in her journey. Their bond has been a steady source of support and motivation throughout her career. It’s a reminder that behind every great athlete, there’s often a personal story that fuels the fire.
Around the League: Noah Dobson’s Breakout Paying Off
Outside of Montreal, one of the more rewarding developments this season has been the emergence of Noah Dobson. The investment in his growth is starting to pay off in a big way. He’s become a cornerstone on the blue line and is showing the kind of poise and production that teams dream about when they draft a defenseman high.
The Canadiens are still in the thick of a rebuild, but there are encouraging signs all over the organization. Suzuki’s leadership, Slafkovský’s growth, Dach’s return, and Matheson’s consistency are laying the groundwork for something sustainable. There’s still a long road ahead, but this team is starting to look like it knows where it’s going.