Canadiens Poised for NHL Honors as Season Resumes Post-Break

The NHL is set to resume play on February 25, 2026, following a break for the Winter Olympics. As the Montreal Canadiens prepare for the final stretch of the season, they find themselves in a strong position with a recent record of 4-0-1 before the break. The team is currently well-positioned to qualify for the playoffs, but remaining competitive will be crucial as the intensity increases in the Eastern Conference.

Montreal’s head coach, Martin St. Louis, will welcome back key players including Alex Newhook, Cole Caufield, and Lane Hutson. These players return refreshed, enhancing the team’s dynamics as they look to capitalize on their momentum. Additionally, the status of Kirby Dach and Kaiden Guhle adds depth to the roster. Meanwhile, the future of Patrik Laine in Montreal remains uncertain as trade speculation surrounds him.

As the Canadiens gear up for approximately 25 games remaining in the season, discussions about potential NHL trophy contenders have begun. With several players standing out, there is an opportunity for Montreal to secure multiple honors this season.

Hart Trophy Contenders

The race for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the Most Valuable Player, features strong candidates. Leading the pack is Nathan MacKinnon, who boasts an impressive 93 points and a remarkable +48 rating. Following closely are Nikita Kucherov, Macklin Celebrini, Connor McDavid, and Zach Werenski. Kucherov’s recent performances have raised questions about MacKinnon’s frontrunner status, while Celebrini’s potential to lead his team to the playoffs could bolster his candidacy significantly.

Rookie of the Year Race

In the race for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the Rookie of the Year, Matthew Schaefer is currently the favorite with 39 points. However, Ivan Demidov, with 46 points, remains a contender, but will need a stellar finish to surpass Schaefer. Other notable rookies include Beckett Sennecke, who has demonstrated consistent improvement with 44 points, and Oliver Kapanen and Jakub Dobes, who may also find themselves in the top rankings.

Norris Trophy and Defensive Excellence

The battle for the Norris Trophy, recognizing the best defenseman, sees Zach Werenski as a leading candidate. With 62 points and significant ice time, Werenski is a vital component of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ success. Cale Makar, a previous frontrunner, must now contend with Werenski’s strong performance. Other noteworthy players include Lane Hutson, who is known for his competitive spirit and offensive contributions.

Goal Scoring and Defensive Forward Honors

The Rocket Richard Trophy for the leading goal scorer appears to favor MacKinnon, who has netted 40 goals. His nearest rival, Connor McDavid, trails with 34 goals. Meanwhile, the Selke Trophy discussion typically revolves around player reputation, and this year, Nick Suzuki stands as a strong candidate with 89 points and a +19 differential.

Coaching and Management Recognition

In the coaching sphere, St. Louis is again a contender for the Jack Adams Award, particularly after the Canadiens have improved significantly since last season. His ability to lead a young team is noteworthy, and if the Canadiens maintain their position in the standings, he stands a good chance of winning. Additionally, Kent Hughes is a leading candidate for the Jim Gregory Trophy for best general manager, having made strategic moves that have strengthened the team.

The Canadiens could potentially have representatives in the top five for several major NHL awards, including Best Rookie, Best Defenseman, Top Goal Scorer, Best Defensive Forward, Best Coach, and Best General Manager. While the competition remains fierce, the Canadiens’ performance in the upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining their success on the awards stage later this season.