3 Canadiens Prospects Who Could Make Their NHL Debut in 2026-27 – The Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

With a young core already in place and several prospects pushing from the Laval Rocket and overseas, opportunities will have to be earned rather than handed out. Still, injuries, strong performances, and late-season call-ups often create openings for players to make their NHL debut. Here are three Montreal Canadiens players who could skate in their first NHL game during the 2026-27 season.

Sasha Pastujov

One of the newest additions to the organization, Sasha Pastujov could quietly become an interesting option for the Canadiens this season. Acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Sean Farrell, the skilled winger arrives in Montreal after establishing himself as a productive American Hockey League player.

Pastujov enjoyed an outstanding 2024-25 campaign with the San Diego Gulls, recording 45 points in just 43 games before following it up with another productive season in 2025-26, collecting 57 points in 71 contests. Those numbers suggest he has adapted well to the professional game and is ready for a new challenge.

He will almost certainly begin the season with the Laval Rocket, where he’ll have the opportunity to build chemistry with the organization’s young prospects while learning the Canadiens’ system. However, NHL seasons are long, and injuries are inevitable. If Montreal needs offensive reinforcements or simply wants to reward a player for a strong season in Laval, Pastujov could very well get the call.

He may not be projected as a full-time NHL player immediately, but he has done enough over the past two seasons to put himself firmly in the conversation for his first NHL opportunity.

Michael Hage

Unlike the speculation that surrounded him last season, this isn’t about Michael Hage leaving college early. Instead, it’s about what could happen once his season at the University of Michigan comes to an end. Hage is expected to spend one more year in the NCAA before making the jump to professional hockey. Once Michigan’s season concludes, the Canadiens could sign him to his entry-level contract and bring him directly to Montreal for the remainder of the NHL season.

We’ve seen several top prospects make that transition over the years, using the final few regular-season games to get a taste of the NHL before preparing for a full rookie campaign the following fall. The Canadiens have every reason to believe Hage is one of their future top centers. His combination of speed, offensive creativity, and hockey IQ has made him one of the organization’s premier prospects, and giving him a few NHL games could accelerate his development.

If Montreal is comfortably in a playoff position by then, Martin St. Louis may even have the flexibility to insert Hage into the lineup without placing too much pressure on him. There’s also the possibility that, if he impresses quickly, he could remain with the team for the playoffs, gaining invaluable experience during what would likely be the biggest games of his young career.

Alexander Zharovsky

Of the three names on this list, Alexander Zharovsky is probably the longest shot to make his NHL debut this season, but it certainly isn’t impossible. The talented Russian forward will need several things to fall into place. First, he has to complete his season in Russia before becoming available to join the Canadiens. Then, assuming he signs with Montreal, he would have to earn a roster spot or convince management that he deserves a late-season opportunity.

The Canadiens have become increasingly willing to reward talented young players who prove they are ready, and Zharovsky certainly has the offensive skill to make an impression. Still, the jump from Russia directly to the NHL is never easy, especially for a player who has yet to adapt to the North American game.

The Canadiens have built one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, and while not every young player will make the jump immediately, opportunities will present themselves throughout the season. Pastujov appears to be the most likely in-season call-up from Laval, Hage could arrive after his NCAA season concludes, and Zharovsky remains the wild card. Whether it’s one, two, or all three, don’t be surprised if a few new faces make their NHL debuts in a Canadiens sweater before the season is over.