Mike Matheson (8) of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates with teammates Jake Evans (71) and Juraj Slafkovsky (20) after scoring the overtime winner against the Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on Monday, March 3, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi)
The Montreal Canadiens are making it tough for General Manager Kent Hughes to decide whether to trade key players before the NHL deadline. With their recent form, they might just convince him to hold off on selling.
Canadiens Extend Winning Streak
Montreal secured its fifth straight victory with a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against the Buffalo Sabres. Mike Matheson sealed the game with an early OT goal, keeping the team undefeated since the NHL’s 4 Nation's Face-Off break. The Canadiens, now at 30-26-5 with 65 points, are just one point away from a wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
A Team Determined to Contend
Brendan Gallagher, one of Montreal’s most experienced players, emphasized the team's determination. “Kent [Hughes] is happy,” he said. “Nobody wants to be sellers—we all want to compete.” Gallagher remains optimistic, believing that if they maintain their level of play, they’ll be exactly where they need to be at season’s end.
Trade Deadline Pressure
Despite their push for a playoff spot, several Canadiens players face uncertainty. Jake Evans, Joel Armia, and David Savard—all unrestricted free agents—have been at the centre of trade speculation. With a four-game road trip starting Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers, there’s a chance they’ve already played their final game in Montreal.
Goaltender Sam Montembeault acknowledged the tension. “Some guys are really nervous,” he said. “We’ve got such a close group, and everyone wants to stay. But we trust the management’s plan.”
Evans, in particular, has made a strong case to remain in Montreal. The 28-year-old centre has delivered one of his best seasons yet, tallying 12 goals and 16 assists. However, reports suggest negotiations for a contract extension are at a standstill. “He’s done everything he can,” Gallagher noted. “We love having him around, but we’ll see what happens.”
Playoff Chase a Valuable Lesson
Head coach Martin St. Louis believes that fighting for a playoff spot—regardless of the final outcome—is a crucial experience for his squad. “Our playoffs have already started,” St. Louis said. “Every game feels like a Game 7. Those high-pressure moments will help us grow.”
Although Montreal nearly let Monday’s game slip away—squandering a 3-0 lead before bouncing back in OT—St. Louis chose to focus on the bigger picture. “We secured two big points,” he said. “Sometimes, you don’t nitpick the details—you take the win and move forward.”
The Canadiens are no longer a team watching the playoffs from the sidelines. Whether they make it or not, they are proving they can compete—and that may be enough to keep Hughes from making drastic moves before the trade deadline.
