As the dust settles on another intense NHL season, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves at a crossroads. With the offseason underway, the team’s management faces a series of pivotal decisions that could reshape the roster for years to come. The spotlight often shines on potential new signings and blockbuster trades, but just as critical are the choices surrounding those who may be leaving the organization.

This summer, the Canadiens are navigating a delicate balance between honoring veteran contributions and opening doors for the next generation of talent. The front office, led by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, must weigh the value of experience against the promise of youth, all while managing salary cap constraints and the high expectations of a passionate fanbase.

Among the names circulating in offseason discussions, one stands out as a focal point of speculation and debate. As the team looks to the future, questions arise about the direction they’ll take and the players who will be part of the journey. The coming weeks promise to be filled with anticipation, uncertainty, and perhaps some difficult goodbyes as the Canadiens chart their course for the seasons ahead.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

During this 2025 offseason, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have major decisions to make regarding the future of the Montreal Canadiens.

There’s a lot of talk about potential acquisitions, and rightfully so, but the Habs’ management also has important choices to make regarding possible departures.

And among those departures, the most likely is Christian Dvorak.

The 29-year-old forward, who is well-liked within the Canadiens organization and is also Cole Caufield’s roommate, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, and all signs point to his time in Montreal being over.

That’s the opinion of Eric Engels, and it’s also the opinion shared by most experts.

Eric Engels believes it’s over for Christian Dvorak with the Montreal Canadiens

Here’s the key part of what he had to say:

“Based on how Christian Dvorak played for most of the season, and against the Capitals in the playoffs, I can’t help but think he’ll be too expensive to keep in Montreal.

The Canadiens already gave Jake Evans, 28, a four-year, $11.4 million contract, and it’s hard to imagine they’d go that far with Dvorak, 29, who will likely fetch more than that on the open market.”

– Eric Engels

The journalist also notes that players like Oliver Kapanen, Owen Beck, and eventually Michael Hage will need roster spots with the Canadiens.

They shouldn’t be blocked, and that’s exactly what Kent Hughes said during his end-of season press conference.

The Habs’ leadership doesn’t want to block their young players, and that message seemed directed at someone like Christian Dvorak, who himself appeared to confirm his departure from Montreal during his own media availability, especially by speaking in the past tense.

And you, what would you do with Christian Dvorak?