Canadiens roster battles: Reinbacher, Xhekaj and Montembeault push for spots

With the regular season fast approaching, the Montreal Canadiens’ training camp has shifted into a critical phase, with several players making a serious push to stay in the NHL. Local coverage indicates that management will be facing difficult choices as cuts loom ahead of next week’s season opener.

Reinbacher, Xhekaj, Montembeault and Dobes in the spotlight

On defence and up front, David Reinbacher and Florian Xhekaj have worked their way into the roster conversation with their play in camp. Both are trying to convince the organization that they belong in Montreal rather than being reassigned to the minor leagues for more seasoning.

In goal, Samuel Montembeault is also strengthening his case for a full-time role, while Jakub Dobes is battling among a group of four netminders for a place in the hierarchy. After a notable playoff experience last season, Dobes is described as determined not to assume anything as he fights for a job within the organization.

For those on the bubble, Jake Evans is cited as a model of how to carve out an NHL role by focusing less on draft position or past setbacks and more on daily performance. Head coach Martin St. Louis has emphasized that standing out in camp is only part of the equation, stressing that it takes more than a strong pre-season to become an NHL regular.

League coverage has even suggested that this edition of the Canadiens may finally have the ingredients required to put an end to the franchise’s long Stanley Cup drought, an indication that outside perceptions of Montreal’s rebuild are beginning to shift.

Gillett passes away as NHL news continues around the league

The Canadiens’ news cycle is marked by the passing of former majority owner George Gillett Jr., who has died at the age of 87. Gillett oversaw the franchise during a significant era before eventually selling his stake in the club.

Across the NHL, TSN reports that Craig Button has ranked defenceman Landon DuPont at No. 1 on his September list for the 2027 NHL Draft. Sportsnet notes that 34 players were placed on waivers on Wednesday, underlining how aggressively teams are trimming rosters.

In New York, the Rangers will be without forward Adam Sykora for four to five months due to a lower-body injury. TSN also highlights that while the Central Division may be top-heavy, the Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and Utah Mammoth are viewed as ready to challenge the top contenders.

NHL coverage further points to teams that missed the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs but have strong chances to return this year, Ryan Strome’s embrace of the Scotiabank Saddledome Farewell Season, and a look at 23 top prospects under the age of 23 who are either franchise-calibre or on the verge of cracking NHL lineups. In a crossover moment between sports, Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz even spent time on the ice with Evgeni Malkin at the Pittsburgh Penguins’ practice facility.