Predicting Canadiens future lineup after Patrik Laine trade

The Montreal Canadiens' offseason was a success after they drafted Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Fans were happy to imagine a future lineup of Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dack, Demidov, and Hage in the top six. Some pieces may have had to move around, but that looked like a solid group. That all changed on Monday afternoon when the Canadiens acquired Patrik Laine and a second-round pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets for Jordan Harris.

Patrik Laine could potentially be a massive upgrade to the Canadiens' lineup this season. He won't elevate the Canadiens into a playoff team by himself, but the Canadiens will be interested to see if he can return to his former 40-goal form. The Canadiens won't need him to become a star this season, as their timeline to be a contender aligns more in two to three years. The Laine acquistion also allows Hage more time to adapt if he turns pro in two years. With all that being said, let's predict the Canadiens' lineup in 2026-27 when all their players are entering their prime.

*This is under the assumption that Laine finds his form and re-signs with the Canadiens after his contract ends in two years.*

Forwards

Juraj Slafkovsky - Nick Suzuki - Cole Caufield
Ivan Demidov - Kirby Dach - Patrik Laine
Alex Newhook - Owen Beck - Michael Hage
Luke Tuch - Oliver Kapanen - Joshua Roy

Other Options: Luke Tuch, Florian Xhekaj, Aatos Koivu, Filip Mesar

Defense

Kaiden Guhle - David Reinbacher
Lane Hutson - Justin Barron
Adam Engstrom - Logan Mailloux

Other Options: Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble,

Goaltenders

Samuel Montembeault
Jacob Fowler

Does this look like a team that can contend for a Stanley Cup? You may be thinking it's a young, inexperienced team. However, remember that most of these players will have two more seasons of experience under their belts when they hit the ice for the 2026-27 season. The only players we may not see are Hage and Fowler, who won't be far from their college hockey careers, while Demidov should be entering his sophomore season.

Hage may eventually surpass Dach as the second-line center, but it will take some time for him to adjust to the professional game. Regardless, it's a good problem to have, since Dach and Laine would likely be entering their third season as being linemates. I believe there's a good chance that the second-line this season will be Newhook, Dach, and Laine.