The Montreal Canadiens showed in 2024-25 that their young core is capable of big things, and the future is bright. However, there were often some questions about their veteran players deeper in the lineup. While some will return next season, there are also many fixtures in the Canadiens' lineup that we likely won't see in the historic uniform any longer. David Savard is out after announcing his retirement after the season ended, but four others will likely sign elsewhere.
David Savard
It wasn't the storybook ending to his home province that Savard wanted. He signed in Montreal after beating them in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He likely thought it'd be the beginning of something special, but the team then entered a rebuild after Carey Price and Shea Weber's retirements. Credit to Savard for sticking with the Canadiens, but he never got to contend for long in Quebec. Getting the opportunity to play two playoff games at the Bell Centre was a nice way to go out, but he would've liked to go a bit further in the postseason.
Cayden Primeau
The writing was on the wall for Cayden Primeau once Jakub Dobes took his backup goaltender spot with the Canadiens. Primeau starred for the Laval Rocket during the regular season, but its easy to see how he will be the odd-man out for the 2025-26 season. The pending restricted free agent will likely look to grab a backup spot elsewhere, as the Montreal goaltending room is crowded with Sam Montembeault, Dobes, and the new addition, Jacob Fowler.
Christian Dvorak
It felt like some kind of sick joke when Christian Dvorak started playing his best hockey for the Canadiens at the end of this regular season. It took four seasons for Dvorak to settle in Montreal, and it's unlikely that Kent Hughes will risk him going back to his old ways if they sign him to a new deal. It's nice that fans lasting memory of Dvorak will be his contributions to get the Canadiens into the postseason, but it's okay to also hope that the front office will part ways with him this offseason.
Joel Armia
Joel Armia is an interesting person to have on this list. He was one of the Canadiens' most loyal players through the rebuild, and he built some considerable chemistry with Jake Evans on the fourth line and penalty kill. Montreal could try to bring Armia back on a value deal to bring some familiarty to their already above-average penalty kill and reliable fourth line. However, there are plenty of young players in Laval who could replace him and have earned a chance after the AHL team's successful season.
Michael Pezzetta
Speaking of loyal players, Michael Pezzetta never complained about his role on the Canadiens. Much of his Canadiens tenure has spent eating popcorn and watching games from the press box, but he always came in and gave it 110% when he did get the call. It's unfortunate for the fan favorite, but like Armia, there are others who can fill his role and would likely give more than Pezzetta when called upon.