The summer transfer period brings transformation for teams, and the Montreal Canadiens are no exception. With the 2025-2026 season underway, the Canadiens have made significant changes to their roster. They bid farewell to Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak, Logan Mailloux, and Cayden Primeau, while four new players have joined the team. These newcomers are Zachary Bolduc, Noah Dobson, Kaapo Kahkonen, and Joe Veleno, each looking to make an impact.
Introducing the Newcomers: A Fresh Chapter for the Canadiens
Zachary Bolduc: A Promising Forward
Zachary Bolduc arrives in Montreal after playing for the St. Louis Blues. The 22-year-old forward is a native of Trois-Rivières and was selected in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft. In his second season, Bolduc recorded 36 points in 72 games, including 14 goals in the final 28 matches of the 2024-2025 season. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 187 pounds, he combines physicality with scoring ability. This skill set makes him a valuable addition to the Canadiens’ second or third line. Bolduc has already made his mark, scoring two goals in his first two games.
Noah Dobson: Strengthening the Defense
Noah Dobson is the headline addition to Montreal’s roster this summer. At 25 years old, the defenseman from Summerside has played 388 games in the NHL, tallying 230 points. Experts consider the Canadiens’ defense among the top five in the league, and Dobson’s experience will fortify this group. If he replicates his personal best of 70 points in a season, he will join an elite club of Canadiens defensemen, including Larry Robinson, Guy Lapointe, and Chris Chelios.
Kaapo Kahkonen: A Reliable Goaltender
The departure of Cayden Primeau created a gap in the goaltending depth for the Canadiens. To address this, they signed Kaapo Kahkonen to a one-year deal at the start of free agency. The Finnish goalie will share time with Jacob Fowler on the Laval Rocket but remains a top option if a call-up is needed. Kahkonen’s career stats include a record of 49 wins, 68 losses, and 15 overtime losses, with a save percentage of .898 and a goals-against average of 3.34, along with four shutouts.
Joe Veleno: A Fresh Start in Montreal
Joe Veleno is keen to turn his career around after a challenging tenure with the Detroit Red Wings. The Montreal native, a first-round pick in 2018, believes that returning to familiar territory will reignite his competitive edge. With a solid training camp under his belt, Veleno aims to make a significant contribution as he embarks on what he hopes will be the pinnacle of his career.
Conclusion
The Montreal Canadiens are embracing a new chapter with the addition of these noteworthy players. As Zachary Bolduc, Noah Dobson, Kaapo Kahkonen, and Joe Veleno integrate into the team, their performances will be pivotal for the Canadiens this season.
