It’s finally here—the moment Montreal Canadiens fans have been anxiously awaiting all summer.

The first intra-squad game of the 2025 training camp has just wrapped up in Brossard, and with it, the initial forward lines have been unveiled, sending a ripple of excitement and speculation across the fanbase.

But as players hit the ice and reporters scramble for details, one burning question remains on everyone’s mind: who made the cut, and who’s still fighting for a spot?

In a twist that few saw coming, a notable young prospect finds himself on the outside looking in, at least for now.

The lineup, revealed live and confirmed by exclusive photos, features some familiar faces in new combinations, raising eyebrows and fueling debate about the team’s direction.

Yet, with injuries already influencing decisions and the ever-present possibility of dramatic changes before opening night, nothing is set in stone.

What do these new lines mean for the Canadiens’ ambitions this season? Which player’s absence is sparking the most conversation—and could that change in the coming weeks?

As the dust settles from today’s revelations, one thing is certain: the story is far from over. Stay tuned for more details and unexpected twists.

Photo of Martin St Louis

Photo credit: NHL

Over the past few minutes live from Brossard, we had our first intra-squad game at the Montreal Canadiens’ 2025 training camp.

Many of you have been asking the question, and we finally have the answer.

No, Florian Xhekaj is not among the 12 “projected” forwards for the Montreal Canadiens to start training camp.

However, this could obviously change over the next few weeks.

It will be up to him to force management to place him on a regular line to start the season.

The first Montreal Canadiens lines are revealed!

Here’s how it looks:

“Juraj Slafkovsky – Nick Suzuki – Cole Caufield

Patrik Laine – Kirby Dach – Ivan Demidov

Zachary Bolduc – Alex Newhook – Owen Beck

Brendan Gallagher – Jake Evans – Josh Anderson”

We now have an answer for the forwards, as well as for the defensemen:

Exciting stuff! Also, please note that what could explain Owen Beck’s presence on the “third line” is the fact that Kapanen left practice early with an injury scare, as we reported earlier.

These are the starting lines, but I’m especially looking forward to seeing what the lines will look like at the very end of training camp, in about two weeks.

We even have some pictures, courtesy of the excellent journalist Stu Cowan.

More details to come.