Canadiens Trade Rumours and Goalie Debates: Habs Face Pivotal Stretch

The Montréal Canadiens are navigating a pivotal stretch of the 2025-26 NHL season as the league prepares for the upcoming Olympic break. Following a high-scoring 7-4 victory over the Colorado Avalanche and a win against the Buffalo Sabres led by a Cole Caufield brace, the Habs faced a familiar hurdle in Saint Paul. On 02 February 2026, the Canadiens extended their winless drought in Minnesota to 15 years, falling 4-3 in overtime to the Wild.

Goaltender Jakub Dobeš has taken over the crease recently, making three consecutive starts. While Dobeš has shown flashes of brilliance, including a strong performance against Buffalo, fans and analysts have begun to debate his workload. Public sentiment on ForumIce suggests concerns over whether the young netminder can maintain “workhorse” consistency, especially after the overtime loss to the Wild where some suggested Sam Montembeault might have been the fresher option.

Roster Moves and Trade Rumours

Management has been active in refining the roster as the trade deadline approaches. On Tuesday, the Canadiens placed forward Samuel Blais on waivers for the third time this season. Blais, who signed a one-year deal in the off-season, has struggled to find a permanent spot in Martin St-Louis’s lineup. Meanwhile, trade winds are swirling around Patrik Laine; reports from NHL insider Nick Kypreos suggest Montréal may be looking to move Laine’s contract, potentially retaining a significant portion of his salary to facilitate a deal.

Historical Context and Legacy

As the most successful franchise in NHL history, the Canadiens’ current rebuilding efforts are measured against a storied past. The club holds a record 24 Stanley Cup championships (23 since the NHL’s founding in 1917). The team’s historical dominance is most noted during the late 1960s and 1970s, including a stretch of four championships in five seasons between 1964 and 1969.

Upcoming Schedule

The Canadiens are set to face the Winnipeg Jets tonight, Wednesday, 04 February 2026. This matchup represents the penultimate game before the Olympic hiatus. The team looks to build on their recent point streak and solidify their standing before the international break. Off the ice, the club is also celebrating Black History Month throughout February, honouring the contributions of Black players to the franchise and the sport of hockey across Canada.