The Montreal Canadiens are soaring into the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, set for an electrifying showdown with the Buffalo Sabres. After a thrilling Game 7 victory on the road against the seasoned Tampa Bay Lightning, the Habs are proving they belong among the Eastern Conference elite. With a core featuring stars like Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Noah Dobson, and Ivan Demidov, the future in Montreal has never looked brighter.

But as the roster strengthens, the front office is already eyeing the off-season. To make room for emerging prospects or proven talent, the Canadiens could part ways with a few familiar faces. Here are three players who might not be back when the puck drops next season.

Patrik Laine seems destined for an exit. The Canadiens explored trading him before the deadline, and his contract expires at season's end. After a promising 2024-25 campaign with 20 goals and 33 points in 52 games, Laine has been sidelined since October due to injury. In just five games this season, he managed zero goals, one assist, and a minus-3 rating. It's a tough break for a player with his talent, but the Canadiens' evolving lineup simply has no room for him. Expect Montreal to let him walk into free agency.

Samuel Montembeault could also be on his way out. With two promising young goaltenders—Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes—waiting in the wings, the 28-year-old netminder has become expendable. His 2025-26 season has been disappointing, and he's been demoted to third string during the playoffs, with Dobes starting and Fowler backing up. Given his $3.15 million cap hit, moving on from Montembeault would free up valuable space and allow the younger duo to take the reins.

As the Canadiens gear up for their second-round clash with the Sabres, these roster decisions loom large. Whether it's clearing cap space or elevating younger talent, Montreal is playing the long game—and these moves could be key to their championship aspirations.