Canadiens’ season outlook drives new Sortie de zone podcast episode

The "Sortie de zone" podcast has dedicated the fifth episode of its eighth season to the many question marks surrounding the Montreal Canadiens as the NHL schedule gets underway. With the season set to begin Tuesday in Toronto, the show focuses on roster decisions and the broader outlook for the team within the Atlantic Division.

Hosted by Jérémie Rainville, the episode brings together panellists Simon-Olivier Lorange, Alexandre Pratt and Stéphane Waite, in a joint production between La Presse and Cogeco Média. Together, they tackle a central issue: what kind of season awaits the Canadiens, whether that means a comfortable playoff berth, a tight race for a spot, or missing the postseason altogether.

Reinbacher and Fowler sent to Laval, Xhekaj forces decisions up front

Early in the episode, the conversation turns to two of the club’s prospects, David Reinbacher and Jacob Fowler, who have been assigned to the AHL affiliate in Laval. The panel looks at what that move represents for their development and for the organization’s depth chart in the near term.

Another focal point is Florian Xhekaj’s push for a regular role among the forwards. A segment of the show is devoted to weighing which player he might bump from the lineup to secure a spot. That debate underscores the difficult choices facing the hockey staff as it finalizes an opening-night roster.

Montembeault’s future, discipline and the Atlantic race

Goaltender Samuel Montembeault is also a major topic. The podcast raises questions about whether he will still be part of the Canadiens at season’s end and, if so, what role he might hold in a crease picture that continues to evolve.

The panel highlights discipline and the penalty kill as key areas to watch in the early going, framing them as factors that could significantly shape the start of the campaign. The episode closes with predictions for the Atlantic Division, outlining possible scenarios for how the Canadiens might stack up in a competitive field as the new season begins.