As the Montreal Canadiens prepare for a new era, the excitement surrounding the team is reaching unprecedented heights. With a roster brimming with youthful talent and a management team unafraid to take bold risks, the future in Montreal has never looked brighter—or more unpredictable.

This offseason, General Manager Kent Hughes and his staff made several headline-grabbing moves, but it’s one quiet, almost overlooked decision that might just change everything for the franchise.

While fans and analysts focus on the Canadiens’ rising stars and blockbuster acquisitions, a little-known draft pick is quietly making waves behind the scenes.

Who is this mysterious young player that Hughes believes could become a cornerstone of the team’s defense for years to come?

And why are insiders whispering that this unheralded selection could prove to be one of the most rewarding gambles in recent Canadiens history?

With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, all eyes are on the Canadiens’ next chapter. Yet, beneath the surface, a fascinating story is unfolding—one that could redefine the team’s identity and set the stage for unexpected triumphs. Curious to know more?

The full story of Montreal’s hidden gem is just beginning, and you won’t want to miss it.

Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes

Photo credit: Sportsnet

The future of the Montreal Canadiens looks very promising, and the club is relying on many highly talented young players.

At the most recent NHL Draft, Kent Hughes and management opted for a long-term project that could prove very rewarding in a few years.

Canadiens fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the 2025-26 season, and all eyes will be on forward Ivan Demidov, who will play his very first NHL campaign.

In goal, Samuel Montembeault continues to gain confidence and was extremely impressive during the 2025 playoffs against the Washington Capitals. Jakub Dobes is still learning and, at 24 years old, has been very solid so far.

Captain Nick Suzuki tallied 89 points last season and could now hit the 100-point mark. After scoring 37 goals, can Cole Caufield reach 50?

Their teammate Juraj Slafkovsky is working extremely hard in training this summer and is determined to take his game to the next level. The forward has notably progressed in his shooting, which is now more powerful and accurate.

The arrival of Noah Dobson has fans dreaming, and he is expected to form a duo with Kaiden Guhle. Sensation Lane Hutson certainly isn’t done amazing us yet.

Carlos Handel, a Project by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens, Could Pay Off Big

With Kaiden Guhle, Lane Hutson, Jayden Struble, Noah Dobson, Arber Xhekaj, David Reinbacher, and Adam Engstrom, the Canadiens’ blue line is well-stocked for many years to come.

In addition, the club made a big splash by selecting Bryce Pickford in the 2025 draft. He is extremely talented and will likely enter the picture quickly.

However, Kent Hughes and management also made a much quieter selection – one that could turn out to be highly rewarding.

Carlos Handel, a 6’1″, 176 lb defenseman, was picked by Montreal at 177th overall. Since a young age, the native of Erlangen, Germany, has completely dominated wherever he’s played. In 2022-23 with the under-17s, he finished with 25 points in 12 games.

“Montreal is definitely great. The arena is huge, the fans are incredibly good and interact with the team. It’s like a big family.” – Carlos Handel

Before coming to North America last season, he headed to Sweden and posted 23 points in 28 games with the Malmö Redhawks.

At just 17 years old, Handel joined the QMJHL and recorded 26 points in 52 games with the Halifax Mooseheads. He has great vision, can carry the puck well, and owns an excellent shot.

I encourage you to keep an eye on his performance in 2025-26 – and I have a feeling that by this time next year, we’ll be hearing a lot more about him.