Earlier today, Kent Hughes shared an update on the first half of his club's season. And listening to the general manager, it became clear that the club is currently is ahead of the game in terms of controls.
And in fact, the club's 23-13-6 record proves it: The Habs have been one of the best teams in the Atlantic since the start of the season.
As such, we're increasingly starting to imagine a world in which the Habs return to the playoffs this spring. But Grant McCagg sees an even bigger picture for the club.
McCagg, on his own HubsCast in the podcast said that the Canadiens, despite some problems, are capable of being a good club this season… and went even further:
I see no reason why the Habs can't win the East this year. — Grant McCagg
“I'm not sending the Cup to Colorado.
Do I think the Habs can contend THIS year? Certainly. Why not?
Great discussion today with @EricMakramalla.
FULL PODCAST HERE:
https://t.co/vlNkmYOg0r pic.twitter.com/deuHtit5XL
– Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) January 7, 2026
McCagg notes that there is a lot of parity in the East (remember: No club has a record below .500), so there is no real power to knock out. In fact, all the clubs in the East have question marks.
No, it's not just the Hubs that have them.
So in a world where the Habs get their injured players back for the playoffs and can strengthen their position in front of the net, they can truly lay claim to great things this season, McCagg believes. Of course, all this means is that what goes well will continue to go well.
But one thing is clear: the Habs are a good team in a conference that you can take it. There are more long Sure, but if things continue the way they are, it's true that the Habs' playoff streak could be longer than last year.
Let's see what the next few months bring for this team.
After a while
– Enjoy.
NHL Draft: Crosby, Getzlaf, Selanne and others | First choice #1 https://t.co/EGH693R9Jk
– La Poche Bleue (@lapochebleue) January 7, 2026
– Interesting.
– Will this be true despite the injuries to Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox?
According to an NHL source who recently spoke with me: #NYR General manager Chris Drury has been given the green light and is looking to shake things up to get his team into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
More in my latest issue @TheRGMedia: https://t.co/yrU541iSTU
– Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) January 6, 2026
