Canadiens Fantasy Point Projections For 2026-27
With just two weeks left until training camp opens, point projections for individual members of the Montreal Canadiens have been published via the good folks over at NHL.com.
For the most part, the projections are very similar to the production rates from 2025-26, with a few outliers in the mix.
It’s important to note that the upcoming season will feature 84 games, two more than the previous campaign, giving every Habs player more opportunities to improve their production.
Forward Projections
It’s genuinely difficult to establish projections for various players around the league, and with that in mind, we have to be mindful to avoid getting frustrated if we disagree with the predictions.
The Canadiens are indeed a team on the rise, and given that they’re one of the youngest clubs in the league, there’s logic in suggesting they’re bound to take another big step in the evolution, but improvements are seldom linear across an entire roster. There will always be injuries, regressions in shooting percentages, and a bevy of other factors in play.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at how the point projections, as well as the predicted year-over-year difference.
Seeing as Nick Suzuki has improved his production every single season after his rookie year, there’s a strong inclination to dismiss the idea that he may end up taking a step back, scoring just 98 points after his career-best 101-point season.
However, Suzuki will eventually hit a plateau, followed by a regression. There’s no avoiding it in a professional sports setting, as time is undefeated when discussing athletic prowess.
At 27 years old, Suzuki is still in the prime of his career; therefore, it’s also fair to say he’s not remotely close to hitting that eventual regression. There’s a strong possibility he may once again improve his production, though a slight reduction in scoring is also very much on the table.
In that vein, predicting Suzuki will take a step back is the type of prediction that will eventually ring true, but the veracity may only be confirmed in a few seasons.
Beyond the first line, the fantasy experts are awaiting a significant increase in production from four different forwards: Alex Newhook, Jake Evans, Zach Bolduc, and Alexandre Texier.
If Newhook and Texier remain in the lineup for more than 40 games, I have no doubt they can almost double their points totals. Texier, in particular, produced excellent numbers during his shortened season, including a very encouraging stint on the second line with Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen. If he ends up being the solution to the second line’s underlying issues, he will become one of the biggest fantasy steals in the NHL.
As for Bolduc, it will genuinely depend on his usage. When Bolduc was used in the top six, his production followed suit, but once he was dropped to the bottom six, his scoring dried up rather quickly.
Truth be told, every projection will be heavily impacted by usage, but more so in Bolduc’s case.
The one projection that could end up being way off base is the 45-point prediction for fourth-line centre Jake Evans. He’s never registered more than 36 points in a single season, and furthermore, he’s a defensive specialist who receives hellish usage. Defensive zone starts and a rotating cast of linemates means that Evans is facing a considerable uphill battle to reach the 45 points, regardless of the season.
Canadiens Defenceman Projections
There are only three defencemen listed in the fantasy projections, with Lane Hutson leading the charge. I don’t want to seem too arrogant, but I truly believe Hutson will take another step forward in his career, which could lead to a 90-point season, or more.
A two-point increase, while playing two additional games, seems like a regression for such an immensely talented athlete.
We’re yet to see Hutson’s final form, given that he’s only spent two seasons in the NHL, and has not even hit his statistical prime.
On the flip side of the coin, I’m not sure if the Mike Matheson and Noah Dobson predictions will ring true. Dobson could certainly earn eight additional points on the powerplay, but he’s mostly used on the second unit, limiting his man-advantage usage.
And when it comes to Matheson, it’s important to remember he produced all his points at even-strength last year, as he was not used on the powerplay. He gets full credit for keeping a respectable scoreline without the help of the man advantage, but repeating this accomplishment will be a difficult challenge for the 32-year-old defenceman.
Montreal Canadiens fantasy point projections via the NHL.
