The Montreal Canadiens released their schedule for the 2024-2025 season and here are my top five games to attend at home this season.
The Montreal Canadiens' calendar for the 2024-2025 season is finally out, allow me to list five games that I believe will be must-attend affairs. Of course, the home opener is always a must-see game, and as it goes without saying, I've left it off this list.
Tuesday October 22 vs. New York Rangers
Arber Xhekaj had to miss the last game against the Blue Shirts last season as he needed yet another shoulder surgery. However, plenty of Rangers fans stated "the Sheriff" was scared to take on their new tough guy Matt Rempke.
If the six-foot-seven and 241 pounds wrecking ball is in the line-up, do not be surprised to see him try to start something up with the Canadiens' protector. Hopefully, Xhekaj's rehabilitation will be done and he'll be in top shape when the bell rings.
Saturday November 16 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
For the last two seasons, center Sean Monahan has been part of the Canadiens' line-up for a lot less money than he was worth. Beggars cannot be choosers though and since Kent Hughes was willing to take a chance on the 29-year-old, he signed up for another year in Montreal.
Sean Monahan by the net on the Canadiens' power play in the 2023-2024 season.
Now that he's proven the rest of the league he could still play, the Columbus Blue Jackets offered him a five-year deal with an annual average value of $5.5 million and a no movement clause on top! Oftentimes, when former Canadiens come back to the Bell Centre, they get booed. I truly hope Canadiens fans will be on their feet to salute the man who help their team rebuild tremendously, and for cheap as well.
Thursday December 5 vs Nashville Predators
On the first day of free agency, general manager Kent Hughes made an offer to former Vegas Golden Knight player Jonathan Marchessault but the Cap-Rouge, Quebec native did not want to play for a rebuilding team at this stage of his career. Hughes also specified his offer didn't have enough term for the player who landed a 5-year pact in Nashville.
It will be interesting to see what kind of welcome the 2023 Conn Smythe trophy winner receives from the Bell Centre crowd and to watch Barry Trotz' version of the Nashville Predators. It could take some time to get use to Marchessault and Steven Stamkos wear the team's bright yellow.
Thursday January 5 vs New Jersey Devils
The Canadiens carried three goaltenders on their roster last season until the trade deadline when Jake Allen was traded to the Devils, making way for backup Cayden Primeau to get more starts. Allen was a real pro during his four seasons in Montreal, but he is more suited to a backup role.
Now that the Devils have signed Jacob Markstrom as a free agent, Allen should see less action, meaning it's not likely that the third-round pick at the 2025 Draft the Canadiens obtained in the trade will become a second-round pick. That was the conditional portion of the trade, if Allen plays 40 games, the pick moves up a round. Hopefully Allen will be in net and the fans will welcome him the way he deserves.
Thursday February 27 vs San Jose Sharks
You might have guessed it, this is if and only if Macklin Celebrini decides to join the San Jose Sharks this season instead of heading back to Boston University. As things stand, the decision has yet to be made and the first-overall pick at the last draft intends to discuss it with both the Sharks and his coaches in the NCAA.
As we've seen with Connor Bedard, a first-overall pick doesn't make the team a winning one, but the player himself is a lot of fun to watch. This game being scheduled in the glacial month that is February, it might warm fans up as they marvel at Celebrini's skills.
