Now in the third year of an ongoing rebuild, the Montreal Canadiens are slowly but steadily improving as a unit.
While their low placement in the standings may not indicate it, there is plenty for fans to be excited about — especially on the individual stat sheets.
Not counting rookies like Lane Hutson and late arrivals like Patrik Laine, as of now, three separate Habs players are producing at a pace that would see them finish the season with the best numbers of their career.
With that in mind, let’s have a closer look.
Nick Suzuki
On pace for: 29 goals, 84 points
Some Habs fans were concerned about Nick Suzuki’s slow start in October, but he’s certainly made up for it over the past few weeks.
With 32 points through his first 31 games, Montreal’s captain is living up to his status as a point-per-game player who contributes at both ends of the ice.
Netting 66 points in 2022-23 and 77 last season, the 25-year-old centre is looking to become the first Canadiens player since Alex Kovalev (2007-08) to break the 80-point barrier.
As long as he stays healthy, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason why he can’t do it.
Cole Caufield
On pace for: 44 goals, 76 points
Among Canadiens fans, it’s been a running joke that Cole Caufield is the best 40-goal scorer to never actually score 30. This season, he seems determined to put that narrative to rest.
The 23-year-old winger has been electric so far, tallying 17 goals in 31 games. His October performance was particularly notable, as he notched a ridiculous 10 goals in an 11-game span.
Caufield has only completed one full 82-game season with the Habs, during which he registered 65 points. At his current pace, he’s set to eclipse that mark comfortably by spring.
Sam Montembeault
On pace for: 23 wins, six shutouts
Just how good has goaltender Sam Montembeault been this year?
Good enough to earn a spot on Team Canada for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.
While he’s only logged 10 wins through 24 starts, Montembeault is riding a solid .902 SV% and 2.92 GAA so far this season. His most impressive stat has been in the shutout department, with three blank sheets on the season already.
As Canadiens backup Cayden Primeau continues to struggle, the Becancour, Quebec, native has undoubtedly become the Canadiens’ starting netminder for the foreseeable future.
Assuming he starts 55 games this year, he is on pace to log 23 wins and six shutouts, surpassing his previous numbers by a country mile.