Most impactful Canadiens player debated by NHL.com panel

The Montreal Canadiens have been one of the better stories in the first quarter of the season, doubling down on the excitement they generated through their surprising run to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2024-25.

Despite a rough patch that has seen them lose five of six (1-3-2), the Canadiens (10-6-2) are third in the Atlantic Division, two points behind the first-place Boston Bruins (12-8-0). The Detroit Red Wings (11-7-1) are second.

Montreal looks to turn things around against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday (7:30 p.m. ET; Prime, FDSNOH) with a chance to reclaim the top spot in the Atlantic.

It's not one player who has carried the Canadiens so far this season; they have seven players with at least 10 points in their first 18 games and eight players with four or more goals. In goal, it has been almost a strict platoon with established veteran Sam Montembeault and rookie Jakub Dobes, who has been a pleasant surprise.

Injuries have put a strain on Montreal recently.

Center Kirby Dach (fractured foot) was ruled out for at least a month on Sunday, just days after announcing forward Alex Newhook (fractured ankle) was lost for at least four months and defenseman Kaiden Guhle (abductor muscle surgery) could miss up to 10 weeks. Last month, the team announced that forward Patrik Laine would miss four months because of core muscle surgery.

However, the Canadiens are in a position to qualify for the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2019-20 and 2020-21 because they are receiving contributions across the board.

In fact, it's hard to identify a most valuable player though the first quarter of the season, but we asked a panel of NHL.com writers to give it a go. Here, in alphabetical order, are their answers.

Cole Caufield

Sure, a different player has stepped up to earn the spotlight at various points for the Canadiens, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a more consistently clutch performer than Caufield. Selected one of the Three Stars seven times this season, including No. 1 five times, Caufield leads Montreal in goals (13), is second in points (19), and leads in game-winning goals (three). It's crazy to think that the 24-year-old right wing already has 11 career OT goals, the most in franchise history. Since 2021-22, his first full NHL season, Caufield leads Montreal in goals (127) and ranks second in points (233) in 295 games. At this pace, USA Hockey's managerial group might find it tough to deny him a spot for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. -- Mike G. Morreale, senior draft writer

Jakub Dobes

The 24-year-old goalie has taken advantage of an uneven start by Montembeault to get more playing time than perhaps anyone with the Canadiens expected at the start of the season, but the rookie has played like a No. 1. He allowed two goals or fewer in each of his first four starts to help the Canadiens get off to a 6-0-1 start. Montreal's high-skill offensive attack has gotten a lot of headlines, but Dobes' strong play has empowered the skaters to attack knowing they have a solid, reliable last line of defense. His play has put him into the conversation to represent Czechia at the Olympics. -- Adam Kimelman, deputy managing editor

Lane Hutson

The winner of last season's Calder Trophy, awarded annually to the League's top rookie, Hutson has been a big part of the Canadiens' start. He has 14 points (one goal, 13 assists) in 18 games. The 21-year-old defenseman is averaging 22:51 of ice time per game and playing like a grizzled veteran. Montreal is paced by some terrific young talent, and Hutson is at the top of that list. -- Tracey Myers, staff writer

Mike Matheson

The 31-year-old defenseman leads all Canadiens skaters by averaging 24:42 of ice time, almost two minutes more than Hutson, his closest competitor. Matheson doesn't play on the power play, so he doesn't pile up points and get the glory others receive; in fact, his ability to eat minutes frees others to get that glory. Still, he entered Monday plus-9, second on the Canadiens behind captain Nick Suzuki (plus-10). He has three goals and nine points at even strength. Basically, Matheson's on the ice a ton, and when he's on the ice at even strength, good things tend to happen. -- Nicholas J. Cotsonika, columnist

Nick Suzuki

The Canadiens captain is their No. 1 center, leading scorer and leader in ice time among forwards. This is an exercise on who has been Montreal's most influential player to date. How is it even a debate? Suzuki does everything for the Canadiens. He has a team-high 17 assists and 21 points in 18 games. He's averaging 20:24 per game. When coach Martin St. Louis wants to, he can give Suzuki the toughest matchup and he turns those in his favor. His influence is seen especially on Caufield, who leads Montreal with 13 goals. They play together. They form a dynamic pairing; Suzuki has an assist on eight of Caufield's goals. Beyond the on-ice influence, Suzuki handles the Montreal market as well as anyone. He's gracious with his time and understanding of the importance of his role as the captain of the NHL's most decorated franchise. He's Montreal's most important player and most influential too. -- Dan Rosen, senior writer