Montreal Canadiens Season Shows How Tough NHL Rebuilds Are

In a season when more was expected, the Montreal Canadiens are in last place in the Eastern Conference. Can they still turn this season around and call it a success?

The 2024-25 season was supposed to be the one that saw the Montreal Canadiens start to rise up in the standings. But as we sit here the week before U.S. Thanksgiving, they find themselves in last place in the Eastern Conference with just seven wins in 20 games and a -21 goal differential.

What’s going on here? Ever since the Canadiens hired Kent Hughes as their general manager, it was expected that a rebuild plan would be in place. He was hired in Jan 2022. It’s coming up on three years under his leadership.

The Canadiens’ situation, like most teams going through a rebuild, reinforces the idea that nothing is ever guaranteed. Even if teams knock it out of the park in the NHL Draft and during the offseason, none of that matters if the other elements needed to succeed are missing.

Hughes Wanted Changes

When Hughes was hired, the Canadiens needed someone with experience. Although he wasn’t a GM before, he was a player agent for over 25 years. Knowing that aspect of the game helped him land this job.

At his introductory press conference, Hughes said that although he needed time to get familiar with the organization, he said clearly “changes will need to be made.” Since he has taken over, changes have certainly been made.

Kent Hughes, Montreal Canadiens general manager (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Through a variety of deals, Hughes has been able to improve the position of the Canadiens overall from a futures standpoint. Most notably, turning Sean Monahan into multiple first-round picks stands out. Also turning Brett Kulak into Lane Hutson could prove to be great.

But the fact remains the Canadiens are in last place in the Eastern Conference as we write this. No one ever said NHL rebuilds are easy. The Canadiens are proving exactly that. Rebuilds are hard and not linear.

What’s Going On This Season?

Why are the Canadiens in last place in the Eastern Conference? That’s because they have obvious holes in their lineup. Because of that, it’s translating to poor on-ice results.

First, the Canadiens are allowing 3.80 goals/game on the season in 20 games. That’s second worst in the NHL with only the Penguins allowing more at 3.96. Allowing almost four goals/game every game is a recipe for disaster.

The Canadiens’ offense would have to offset some of that. But at just 2.80 goals per game, they’re not getting the job done.

The goaltending has not done them any favors. Both Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau have under .900 save percentages and goals-against averages over 3.00.