Canadiens Build Quietly in Atlantic Division | NHL News

NHL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 22, 2026 · 1m

Montreal’s quiet summer rebuild is paying off—or is it costing them? With no flashy free agent signings, GMs Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton are doubling down on internal growth, hiring veteran coach Derek Lalonde to shore up defense and trading Brendan Gallagher for speedier young talent. But while they’ve made smart, patient moves, rivals like Tampa Bay, Florida, and Buffalo are spending big to stay ahead. And with Kirby Dach’s one-year contract hanging in the balance, the Canadiens’ gamble on youth could backfire in a brutal Atlantic Division. Can they win without the splash? Listen in…