The Montreal Canadiens are a franchise that has endured a difficult stretch over the past few years, as they have struggled to field a competitive roster. High lottery odds have become the norm, but fans, pundits, and betting enthusiasts are hoping this is a year that could mark a true return to form for the legendary franchise.

The Canadiens still field a young, inexperienced roster, but there is a ton of talent. If the team is going to take that next step and really take off, several players will be the primary reasons why. Let’s look at the seven favourites on the Canadiens who could help them surge up the standings.

Cole Caufield

Cole Caufield is the undersized sniper who many believe has the most talent on the team. He has been a highly productive player throughout his career, although it still feels like fans are waiting for him to take things to the next level. Caufield still hasn’t crossed the 30-goal threshold, and his career-high in points was set last year at 65. If Caufield can find his next gear, reaching 40 goals and a point per game, he will be the leader of a powerful offence that could spur this team into the playoffs.

Lane Hutson

If you look at the NHL Calder Trophy odds on most Ontario sportsbooks , you’ll find one defenceman’s name up there around the top: Lane Hutson. Hutson is entering the year with massive hype, as the diminutive defenceman is considered the top prospect at his position. Hutson is a unique talent who can move the puck with the best of them, bringing a highly advanced offensive game that will be massive for the Canadiens power play. There is concern about his ability to hold up defensively, but Hutson is so skilled offensively that it may not even matter.

Nick Suzuki

Suzuki is a known quantity at this point. He is a highly reliable center who plays an excellent two-way game, and he has already established himself as a great leader for this franchise. Suzuki has been highly reliable for this franchise, staying on the ice for every game last season and putting up just under a point per game. The Canadiens need his steady presence, and he is still just 25 years old. Expect another high-quality season from the captain, who is continuing to show fans why he is one to bet on.

Juraj Slafkovsky

After a trying rookie season where he only mustered 10 points in just under 40 games, people seemed all too eager to right off Slafkovsky, the first overall pick in 2022. The big Czech forward showed why that would be a foolish mistake in his follow-up performance. He turned in a massive second half of the season and showed fans what makes him such a superstar prospect. Slafkovsky is still just 20, and he is already on his way to becoming a star. If he continues to develop and blossom, there is a real chance that he will become a superstar.

Patrik Laine

The Canadiens made a high-risk investment this offseason, trading for Patrik Laine. Since arriving, Laine has already received a significant knee injury and will miss the first couple months of the season. However, he is exactly the kind of player who can come in and lead a playoff push. Laine has fallen on difficult times, but he is a top-level talent when he is healthy, capable of scoring 40 goals and fueling the power play unit. Laine is looking for a team where he can return to his previous form, and Montreal is looking for proven stars.

Kaiden Guhle

Every team that will make the postseason needs a reliable, physical defenceman to help lead the way. The Canadiens have their guy in Kaiden Guhle. He may not be a Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar type, but that is not what the team needs him to be. Guhle signed a long-term contract with the Canadiens to serve as their workhorse defenceman and handle the other team’s top pairing. He is physical, strong, and still brings a high-quality offensive game that has room for growth. Best of all, he is still just 22.

Samuel Montembeault

Arguably, the biggest thing holding back the Canadiens from having high odds of making the playoffs is their goaltending situation. Samuel Montembeault seems like he will be the starter for the team, but he lacks the high-end experience one would hope for. Still, Montembeault has potential, even if he hasn’t been the most reliable in the NHL. Montembeault’s career numbers are not great, but he has never played more than 41 games in a season. The Canadiens are hoping that more time in the crease will lead to better results. If Montembeault can become a viable starter, the Canadiens are in a good position.