The Montreal Canadiens have one of the best prospect pipelines in the NHL, and they had to make some tough decisions as they cut down the roster for this season. That included sending players like Jacob Fowler, David Reinbacher, and Owen Beck down to Laval.
All three of those players have already made their NHL debuts and should be back in Montreal at some point this season. However, there is another group of prospects who haven't made their debut but are right there and could be making that debut as early as this season.
When looking at the prospects, these are the three players with the best chance to make their NHL debut in 2026-27.
Michael Hage
The obvious one is Michael Hage, who is one of the best prospects the Montreal Canadiens have. The expectation was that Hage would have already made his NHL debut as he was expected to make the jump from the NCAA at the end of Michigan's season last year.
He ultimately decided to return for another season in the NCAA and once again the belief is that he will be in Montreal once that season is over.
If Hage has another season like he did last year in Michigan, the Canadiens will probably get him on their roster as quickly as they can. They still have a hole on their second line at center and Hage has the chance to be the answer to that problem.
Luke Mittelstadt
Luke Mittelstadt was a seventh-round pick by the Canadiens in 2023 and spent four seasons at the University of Minnesota. After his NCAA career ended, he finished the rest of last season in Laval and in nine regular-season games had five points, with another two points in five playoff games.
This preseason, Mittelstadt looked great in the games he played for Montreal and really stood out. The challenge for Mittelstadt is that the Canadiens are too deep on the blueline, as noted by having to send Reinbacher back to Laval before this season.
While they have a bit of a jam now, that could change over the next year depending on if they trade anyone. They might move one of their top prospects in a trade or even move Alexandre Carrier or Jayden Struble at the deadline as both players are in their final year of their contracts.
After what Mittelstadt showed in the preseason, it feels like it is only a matter of time before he is in Montreal. That time could be as early as some point this season.
Sasha Pastujov
The Montreal Canadiens traded for Sasha Pastujov from the Anaheim Ducks, as the former third-round pick has been knocking on the door of the NHL for a bit now. He didn't make his debut with the Ducks, but he might get that chance with the Canadiens.
Last season with the San Diego Gulls in the AHL, he had 57 points (21 goals, 36 assists) in 71 games, after 45 points in 43 games the season prior. Pastujov made a great first impression with Montreal in the preseason, as he had two points in three preseason games with a +/- of +3.
While the first forward who likely will be called up will be Owen Beck, it wouldn't be surprising to see Sasha Pastujov get a chance to make his NHL debut this season as well.
Every team has to navigate injuries over a season as long as the NHL's is but the Montreal Canadiens have the depth with the prospects they have to navigate it better than anyone. For some players, it could mean an opportunity to finally take the ice in an NHL game.
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