The wait is over and the Canadiens players will soon be out on the ice at training camp.

Until then, the magazine Pool Pro offers six forecasts for the next Swiss season.

The best division in the NHL

Once again, the Atlantic Division will be merciless to the Canadian. The Panthers, Bruins, Lightning and Maple Leafs should secure a playoff berth.

And who knows, maybe the Senators can pull through as a draft team.

The dominance of several teams in the Atlantic will make it very difficult for CH, who have not qualified for the playoffs since 2021.

Over 40 goals for Caufield

The Canadiens forward would have been on track to score 46 goals last season had it not been slowed down by a shoulder injury.

It’s therefore realistic to think that Caufield can break the 40-goal mark this season if he ever stays healthy.

Surrounded by a Nick Suzuki who improves with every campaign and a Kirby Dach who impresses, Caufield has what it takes to hit the net 40 times.

Lots of depth in the middle

Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Sean Monahan and Alex Newhook are technically the four players in Martin St. Louis’ hierarchy who take center stage.

On the other hand, that depth could allow the Canadian’s head coach to use Dach on the right wing to get into the top six qualitatively.

We mustn’t forget Jake Evans in this equation, who is very good at steering a fourth line.

Guhle will be the man of trust

Unsurprisingly, Mike Matheson will be the Canadiens’ blue-line quarterback. The Montreal native could hit the 50-point plateau this season if he avoids the infirmary.

Kaiden Guhle will therefore play a stronger defensive role and his ice time could well increase to an average of 23 minutes per game. The second-year defender is sure to make an impression when it comes to hitting and blocking.

A second chance for Slafkovsky

The Slovak’s rookie season was put on hold with a knee injury he sustained on January 15.

Experts from Pool Pro magazine predict a season with 40 points for the CH hope. With good minutes in Montreal, Slafkovsky will be able to boost his confidence.

Montembeault number 1

The Quebec goalkeeper will replace Jake Allen as first-choice goalkeeper this season. Montembeault has gained a lot of experience over the last season and won a gold medal at the World Championships as a bonus.

The goaltender has enough NHL rhythm to become a No. 1 goaltender, but fans should be reminded that given the scarcity of resources ahead, little should be expected.

Pool pro predicts him a 25 win season.