Montreal Canadiens fantasy projections for 2024-25

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has ranked the top 5 players on the Montreal Canadiens and identified other preseason draft targets with point and win projections for the 2024-25 season.

1. Cole Caufield, F

NHL.com point projection: 75

He had NHL career highs in goals (28), assists (37), points (65), power-play points (21) and shots on goal (314) last season. If Caufield's shooting percentage (8.9 last season) reverts closer to his 2022-23 rate (16.5; 26 goals on 158 shots on goal in 46 games), he would have a ceiling of being a top 10 goal-scorer in the NHL and should be considered a top 75 overall fantasy player.

2. Nick Suzuki, F

NHL.com point projection: 81

He led the Canadiens in goals (33), points (77) and power-play points (31) last season, and had their second-highest average ice time (21:16 per game) behind defenseman Mike Matheson (25:33; third in NHL). Suzuki should be considered a fringe top 50 fantasy forward.

3. Juraj Slafkovsky, F

NHL.com point projection: 67

The No. 1 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft is a coveted fantasy option in keeper and dynasty leagues after having 50 points (20 goals, 30 assists) in his second season with frequent usage on the top line with Suzuki and Caufield. Slafkovsky ranked third on the Canadiens in hits (152; 1.85 per game), which would give him rare category coverage if he has a full-fledged breakout season in the coming years.

4. Mike Matheson, D

NHL.com point projection: 54

He led the Canadiens in assists (51) last season and had their third-most points (62) behind Suzuki and Caufield. Matheson ranked ninth among NHL defensemen in points and 11th in shots on goal (187) and should be considered a fringe top 30 fantasy option at the position in redraft leagues.

5. Lane Hutson, D

NHL.com point projection: 38

He had two assists in his first two NHL games last season and averaged 22:43 of ice time per game after being tied for 11th in the NCAA in points (49 points; 15 goals, 34 assists) in 38 games as a sophomore at Boston University. Hutson is among NHL.com's top 10 rookie rankings for fantasy and a sleeper for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL rookie of the year.

---

Other MTL players on preseason draft lists:

Bounce-back candidates: Patrik Laine, F (point projection: 53)*; Kirby Dach, F (point projection: 40)

Deep sleeper: Sam Montembeault, G (win projection: 16)

Keeper/dynasty league watch: Ivan Demidov, F (point projection: N/A)

* Acquired in trade with Columbus Blue Jackets on Aug. 19