Grant McCagg has never been afraid to speak his mind and has proven it once again. A former Canadiens scout who is now very active on social media caused a stir when he stated that the Canadiens could be a true Stanley Cup contender. Yes, yes… for the Stanley Cup.
The latter spoke out in a post on his X account.
“Some people have unfollowed me because I had the audacity to suggest that the Canadiens might have a chance to win the Cup. Chicago's first win came quickly too. There are a lot of parallels with this team. I didn't say that to get clicks – I truly believe they are contenders.” — Grant McCagg
Some people unsubscribed because I had the audacity to suggest that the Canadiens had a chance to win the Cup. The first Cup victory for Chicago also happened quickly. This team has many parallels. I didn't say this about the cliques – I think they're rivals. https://t.co/5QWDlT8lI9
– Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) October 26, 2025
In other words, he truly believes the Habs can surprise the same way the Blackhawks did when they went from rebuilding team to Stanley Cup champion.
Of course, this comparison did not go unnoticed. We're talking about a team that struggled to make the playoffs last year and is still counting on a number of young, developing players. But according to Grant McCagg, the ingredients are starting to look a lot like Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith's Hawks before they blew up.
Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki as young offensive stars. Lane Hutson is developing into an elite NHL defenseman. Jakub Dobes is a modern vision of a goalkeeper who surprises everyone at the right time.
It seems that this is exactly the parallel the former intelligence officer wants to draw.
And Grant McCagg isn't the first to notice the change in tone within the organization. Over the past year, there has been less talk about “recovery” and more about “progress.” A young core is settling in, with the likes of Ivan Demidov and Noah Dobson being added, with Mike Matheson and Brendan Gallagher serving as mentors and stabilizers.
But to say the Habs are Stanley Cup contenders requires a healthy dose of optimism (or faith in Kent Hughes).
On the other hand, the former Habs scout firmly believes it. And he makes it clear that this is not a marketing ploy: he is not looking for clicks, but expressing real conviction.
However, his statement raises an interesting debate: At what point does a young team stop being a rebuilding team and become a legitimate threat? If the Canadiens continue their good form and their young players continue to develop, perhaps this idea will seem less far-fetched than it does today.
after a while
– David Pagnotta sees Mike Matheson sign a three-year contract worth between $6.25 million and $7 million per year.
David Pagnotta: On talks with Mike Matheson: I could see it in the range of $6.25 to $7 million for a three-year term – Hello Hockey (10/25)
– NHL Rumors Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 27, 2025
– Nikita Kucherov resolves the dispute in overtime.
GUESS WHO
Nikita Kucherov scores a goal @Energizer OT to win it for @TBLightning! pic.twitter.com/OQ7qd11h0S
– NHL (@NHL) October 26, 2025
– A blow for the Canucks as Quinn Hughes will miss the game against the Oilers.
Quinn Hughes will miss tonight's game against the Oilers with a day-to-day lower-body injury. pic.twitter.com/ohyf9WLjXH
– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 26, 2025
– Michael Misa becomes one of the youngest players to score his first goal in Sharks franchise history.
Michael Misa scored his first NHL goal and became one of the youngest @SanJoseSharks players to do this.
#NHLStatistics
Watch now
: https://t.co/dT3 4F4mhkc pic.twitter.com/XT1ho8CaJe
– NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) October 26, 2025
– “Mammoth” has not lost a single game since the birth of its mascot – a winning streak of seven games.
Utah Mammoth:
Before Taska is revealed: 1-2
After Tasca's reveal: 7-0KISHKIKYKYKYKYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! pic.twitter.com/Q0Ez2GihVw
– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 27, 2025
