The Montreal Canadiens [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens] took a major step in the right direction this past season, as they finished the campaign with a 40-31-11 record and got back into the playoffs for the first time since 2021. This was significant, especially when noting that many did not expect them to make the post-season before the campaign began. The Canadiens made smart decisions with their roster over the years to become a playoff team again, and that undoubtedly includes a trade made during the 2024-25 campaign. With the Canadiens' blueline needing a shakeup, they traded Justin Barron to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Alexandre Carrier back in December. This move undoubtedly has turned out to be a very good one for the Canadiens. Carrier ended up providing the Canadiens' right side with a strong boost due to his all-around solid play. In 51 games with the Canadiens following the move, the right-shot defenseman recorded two goals, 16 assists, 18 points, 120 blocks, and a plus-4 rating. Overall, he was not only very dependable defensively during his first season with the Canadiens but also gave them a bit of offense from the point along with it. Carrier proved to be a strong veteran addition for the Canadiens' blueline during the 2024-25 season, and what makes this move even better is that he has an affordable $3.75 million cap hit until the end of the 2026-27 campaign. Thus, he will continue to be a nice piece of the Canadiens' blueline for multiple years as they look to continue to head in the right direction. Canadiens' Patrik Laine Is X-Factor To Watch [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/bd87d466-1543-45ea-ba30-754e680494c7.webp] Canadiens' Patrik Laine Is X-Factor To Watch The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens">Montreal Canadiens</a> made a significant trade last off-season, acquiring Patrik Laine and a 2026 second-round pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris. With the Canadiens looking for more scoring, it was understandable that they took a shot on Laine. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/canadiens-patrik-laine-is-x-factor-to-watch] Photo Credit: © Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
