The Montreal Canadiens didn't touch their core last summer but lost important pieces to penalties and depth.
• Also read: According to Renaud Lavoie: Montembo was like Primo
• Also read: After an average start to the season, Lane Hutson was Lane Hutson again.
Eight of them will be playing under different skies this season after the 2024-25 season ends with the Habs. This is what they become.
Christian Dvorak – Philadelphia Flyers
A free agent this summer, the 29-year-old would be crazy to turn down a one-season, $5.4 million deal with the Flyers. Centers were sold at high prices, and general manager Daniel Briere trusted Dvorak.
Even though he does well with a +3 differential, the veteran is in no rush to give the Flyers any offense, even when playing with Trevor Zegras and Matvey Michkov. He has only one goal (to an empty net) and two points. We saw him in the top 6 in terms of offense, but here he is again in third place.
Joel Army – Los Angeles Kings
Armia is living his best life with the Kings. Not only does he take the second penalty, he rounds out the team's top line along with Kevin Fiala and Quinton Byfield.
The experience may be short-lived, but the Finn has a chance to prove himself in Los Angeles. He's still looking for his first goal after eight games, but has contributed three assists nonetheless.
Emil Heinemann – New York Islanders
Emil Heinemann may not be leaving the first trio any time soon. Along with Jonathan Drouin and Bo Horvat, the forward, content to play third or fourth line in Montreal, has scored points in his last five outings.
First of all, the left winger shoots on goal with much more regularity. He has five goals, including two against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night. The 23-year-old appears to have taken another step forward over the summer, and Islanders fans certainly won't be complaining.
Logan Mayu – St. Louis Blues
Things are moving quickly for Mailu at the start of the season. The Blues view the attacking full-back as an important player not only for their future but also for their present. But the young man, after five matches, did not convince anyone.
The Ontario resident has been eliminated twice, has no points on his record and a -9 differential, the worst in the entire National Hockey League (NHL). In this case, you will have to be patient.
Cayden Primeau – Toronto Maple Leafs
Photo by AFP
Unfortunately, Montreal no longer had room for Primo, who had just had an exceptional season in Laval. The Canadiens gave him a chance to establish himself elsewhere by trading his rights to the Carolina Hurricanes on June 30.
The 26-year-old goalie likely ended up in Toronto after the Maple Leafs claimed him off waivers. Due to Joseph Woll's injury, Primo became Anthony Stolarz's backup, and he won his only start with the Leafs.
Michael Pezetta – Toronto Maple Leafs
Photo by MARTIN ALARY
Michael Pezzetta was thrilled to join his hometown club this summer after seven years with the CH organization. However, the dynamic forward was unable to take over the position after training camp.
Thus, the 27-year-old player started the season in the American League for the first time since 2021. He didn't score a point in three games with the Marlies but lost to Hayden Hodgson in a disappointing performance.
Pittsburgh Hans from Pittsburgh
Photo by MARTIN CHEVALIER
It was sad to see Harvey-Pinard leave Blue Blanc Rouge after an injury-plagued season. Nothing really worked out for the Quebecers in 2024-2025, and they had to change the situation.
The small forward has four points in as many games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. With 84 NHL games under his belt, Harvey-Pinard is in a good position for a possible recall.
Alex Barre-Boulet – Colorado Avalanche
The Rocket's leading scorer last season accepted a one-year, minimum-salary offer to move to Colorado, raising some eyebrows. The competition against the Eagles in the American League will be tough, and he has just two hits in five games.
Let us remind you that the Montmany native started the last campaign as part of the Canadian team, but after two games he was sent to the Rocket.
