The Montreal Canadiens’ preseason schedule for the 2025-26 season is officially out, and as your trusty NHL rumors expert, I’ve got the inside scoop on what to expect. Forget the fluff; the preseason is where battles are won, lines are tested, and potential breakout stars emerge. For the Habs, this preseason is crucial. After a season of growth, can they take the next step?
Let’s dive into their six-game exhibition slate and what each matchup could reveal about the team’s composition and strategy heading into the regular season. Trust me, there are storylines brewing beneath the surface of these seemingly inconsequential games that could have major implications down the line. Keep reading to get the full breakdown!
Decoding the Canadiens’ 2025 Preseason Matchups: What to Watch For
First up, a home doubleheader at the Bell Centre:
- Monday, September 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT vs. Pittsburgh Penguins. Right out of the gate, a clash with a perennial contender, even in their own transition. This game will be a fantastic barometer to see how the Canadiens’ young core handles pressure against seasoned veterans. Keep an eye on the matchups – who’s lining up against Crosby or Malkin? The answers could tell us a lot about Coach’s early season plans.
- Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT vs. Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers are a team also looking to establish themselves, making this a key early test against a potential divisional rival. This back-to-back will really challenge the conditioning and depth of the Canadiens.
Then, the intensity ramps up with a home-and-home series against the arch-rival Toronto Maple Leafs:
- Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT at the Bell Centre. Need I say more? Even in preseason, games against the Leafs carry extra weight. Expect a high-energy affair as both teams look to make a statement. Pay attention to the special teams battle – that’s often a deciding factor in these contests.
- Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto. The reverse fixture in Toronto will be a hostile environment, a perfect preparation for the regular season grind. How do the young Habs respond on the road against a hungry Leafs squad? This will be a true test of their mettle.
The preseason concludes with two games against the Ottawa Senators, including a neutral site affair:
- Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT at Videotron Centre, Québec City. A bit of a twist here with a game in Quebec City. This not only gives fans outside of Montreal a chance to see the team but also provides a different atmosphere for the players. Expect a strong showing from both teams in front of what should be an enthusiastic crowd.
- Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT at the Bell Centre. The final tune-up before the real action begins. By this point, we should have a much clearer picture of the Canadiens’ opening night roster and potential line combinations. This game against a familiar divisional opponent will be about fine-tuning the details.
Finding the Latest Montreal Canadiens News & Rumors
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