As the curtain falls on another NHL season, an air of uncertainty and anticipation lingers over the Montreal Canadiens. In recent days, players gathered for their final media appearances, reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to an offseason filled with big decisions and potential changes. While some faces are set to depart, others are fighting to remain part of the storied franchise, igniting speculation and debate among fans and analysts alike.

One player’s heartfelt sentiments have particularly caught the attention of the hockey community, as he openly expressed his desire to continue wearing the Canadiens’ iconic sweater. His candid remarks have sparked fresh discussions about loyalty, team chemistry, and the direction management might take as they shape the roster for the 2025-26 campaign. With contract negotiations looming and the ever-present possibility of change, the stakes have rarely felt higher for those hoping to secure their place in Montreal.

As supporters eagerly await updates from the front office, the future of several key players hangs in the balance. Amidst the uncertainty, one thing is clear: the passion for the Canadiens remains as strong as ever, both within the locker room and throughout the city.

Photo credit: NHL

Over the past few days, Montreal Canadiens players met with the media one last time before heading home.

As we know, some of them won’t be returning for the 2025-26 season, such as David Savard, who announced his retirement just before the series against the Washington Capitals.

Other than Savy, Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia will become unrestricted free agents on July 1, and at the moment, it’s unclear what management’s plans are for the two forwards.

Joel Armia clearly announces he wants to sign with Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens

However, if it were up to Armia, he would definitely be back in Montreal for 2025-26.

“I’ve had a few discussions (about coming back next year), I really want to be here in the future!”
– Joel Armia

Of course, the final decision isn’t up to him, but this shows just how attached the Finnish forward is to the Canadiens organization, where he’s been playing for seven years.

He just had an excellent season, collecting 29 points in 81 games and forming one of the most consistent lines for the Habs this season alongside Jake Evans and Emil Heineman.

Armia also added two assists in five playoff games but was hampered by a hand injury over the past few weeks, which significantly affected his performance.

Even though he wants to stay with the Canadiens, the former first-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2011 will have to work with his agent to see if he can land a more lucrative contract elsewhere before considering a return to Montreal.

He earned a salary of $3.4 million over the past three seasons, and there are legitimate questions about whether he’ll be able to benefit from the generosity of another general manager, like Marc Bergevin in the summer of 2021.

The former Canadiens GM had given Armia a new three-year deal worth $13.6 million.