Canadiens Trending Up: Dach’s Grit, Fowler’s Drive, and a System Taking Shape
There’s a different energy around the Montreal Canadiens these days - not just in the locker room, but in the way this team is handling itself in games that feel like they matter a little more. And if you’re looking for a tone-setter, Kirby Dach is making a strong case.
Dach has been stepping up in the kind of games that mimic playoff intensity - the tight, physical matchups where time and space are scarce and every shift feels like a battle. It’s the kind of hockey that separates contenders from pretenders, and Dach is showing he’s built for it. His ability to elevate his game when the stakes rise is exactly what Montreal needs as they continue to build toward sustainable success.
That said, not every outing has been pretty. Take the Canadiens’ recent effort in Minnesota - a game where they clearly didn’t have their best stuff.
But here’s the thing: they still found a way to grab a point. That might not sound like much, but it’s a sign of growth.
A younger, less mature version of this team likely folds in that scenario. This version?
They scrap, they claw, and they walk away with something to show for it. That’s progress.
A big reason for that evolution lies in how the roster is being shaped. Head coach Martin St-Louis now has a defensive group that fits the identity he’s trying to instill.
Management has done its part, supplying St-Louis with blueliners who can move the puck, play with pace, and execute the kind of system that emphasizes transition and smart positioning. It’s not just about raw talent - it’s about fit, and right now, the pieces are starting to align.
Behind the scenes, goaltending prospect Jacob Fowler is keeping his focus razor-sharp. “Every day I’m thinking about what I can do to get back there and help the team win,” he said recently.
That kind of mindset is exactly what you want from a young netminder working his way up the ranks. Fowler’s development is one to watch - not just because of his skill, but because of how dialed in he is to the bigger picture.
Speaking of the future, the Canadiens’ top 10 prospects list for February 2026 paints a promising picture. There’s depth, there’s upside, and there’s a clear organizational direction. The pipeline is stocked with players who could fill key roles in the coming years, and that’s essential for a team still in the thick of a rebuild.
Meanwhile, Samuel Blais being placed on waivers has raised some eyebrows. Moves like that don’t happen in a vacuum - they often hint at bigger roster decisions looming. Whether it’s about making room for a call-up or clearing cap space for something else, it’s a development worth keeping an eye on.
And north of the border, Marie-Philip Poulin continues to do what she does best - come through when it matters most. Canada’s captain is once again proving why she’s earned the nickname “Captain Clutch.” Whether it’s international play or leading by example, Poulin’s impact remains as vital as ever.
All in all, there’s a quiet momentum building in Montreal. The Canadiens aren’t just surviving - they’re evolving. And while there’s still a long road ahead, the signs are starting to point in the right direction.