Canadiens Can Stay One Step Ahead With These 3 Extensions – The Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

One of the biggest reasons the Montreal Canadiens have been able to build such a promising roster is Kent Hughes’ willingness to be proactive. Rather than waiting for players to reach unrestricted free agency or put together career years, the Canadiens’ general manager has often looked to get deals done early. The long-term extensions for players such as Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson are examples of betting on talent before the price climbs even higher.

Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, there are several players entering the final year of their contracts. While not every situation needs to be resolved immediately, there are a few names that Hughes could consider approaching early.

Alex Newhook

Alex Newhook‘s regular-season production has improved last season, but it was his playoff performance that truly highlighted his importance to the Canadiens. The speedy forward came through in the biggest moments, including scoring two Game 7 goals during Montreal’s postseason run. His ability to play both center and wing, drive the pace of play, and contribute offensively makes him one of the team’s most versatile forwards.

There is also an interesting opportunity from a contract standpoint. Newhook has dealt with injuries during his NHL career, something that could keep his asking price lower than it would be after another healthy, productive campaign. If he follows up his 2025-26 season with another big year while staying healthy, his value could increase significantly.

Instead of waiting and potentially paying a premium next summer, Hughes could look to negotiate an extension before the season begins or during the year. It would represent another calculated gamble on a player who appears to be an important piece of Montreal’s long-term core. If Newhook continues developing into a dependable forward, locking him up early could prove to be another excellent piece of business by the Canadiens’ front office.

Josh Anderson

Josh Anderson’s contract has gone through plenty of ups and downs since he arrived in Montreal, but there is no denying the value he brings when the games matter most. The power forward has consistently elevated his game in the playoffs, using his speed, physicality and relentless forechecking to make life miserable for opposing defenses. His combination of size and skating is something very few players around the league possess, and it gives the Canadiens a different dimension that cannot easily be replaced.

Anderson is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2026-27 season, meaning Hughes will eventually have a decision to make. If both sides are interested in continuing the partnership, there is certainly an argument for getting a deal done before he reaches the open market.

The Canadiens are built to compete now, and players like Anderson are often even more valuable during long playoff runs than they are in the regular season. His leadership, experience and physical presence have become major assets inside the locker room as well.

Of course, Montreal would need to be careful about the contract’s length given Anderson’s physical style of play and age. A shorter extension at a reasonable cap hit could make plenty of sense for both sides while ensuring one of the team’s emotional leaders remains in Montreal for several more seasons.

Oliver Kapanen

Oliver Kapanen may be the most difficult contract decision of the three. On one hand, there is still plenty of uncertainty regarding his long-term role. Is he a future second-line center? A reliable middle-six forward? Or someone who settles into a valuable third-line role? Those questions remain unanswered, making it understandable if Hughes prefers to wait.

On the other hand, there may never be a better opportunity to sign him at a reasonable price. Kapanen scored 20 goals during the regular season, showing encouraging offensive growth, but his playoff performance was disappointing and likely prevented his value from skyrocketing. Because of that, the Canadiens may have an opportunity to negotiate a team-friendly extension before another breakout campaign potentially raises his price considerably.

The risk is obvious. If Kapanen doesn’t continue progressing, Montreal could end up committing money to a player who settles into a smaller role than expected. However, if the organization truly believes in his upside, this could be another instance where betting on talent before the market catches up pays off.

Hughes has already shown that he isn’t afraid to make these kinds of decisions. If history is any indication, don’t be surprised if Montreal once again looks to get ahead of the market rather than reacting after it has already changed.