The Montreal Canadiens have just dropped a major update that’s set the stage for an intriguing start to their upcoming season.

With training camp kicking off tomorrow, fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the full roster reveal—a moment that always brings surprises and speculation.

But this year, there’s an unexpected twist that’s already sparking heated debates: the Habs have invited only one player on a professional tryout contract, a dramatic departure from previous years when several hopefuls battled for a spot.

What does this mean for the team’s strategy? Is management signaling a bold new direction, or simply doubling down on the talent they already have? With young prospects like Florian Xhekaj, Oliver Kapanen, Filip Mesar, and Joshua Roy all hungry to prove themselves, the competition promises to be fierce.

And with the season opener against the Maple Leafs looming, every move at camp could have huge implications.

Who is the lone invitee, and why did the Canadiens break tradition this year? Could this decision shape the future of the club in ways no one expects?

Dive into the full story to uncover the details behind this surprising roster move and what it means for Montreal’s hockey hopes.

Feb 25, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens players celebrate the win against the Carolina Hurricanes after the end of the game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

In the past few minutes, the Montreal Canadiens organization has unveiled its roster for the main training camp, which will begin tomorrow.

What’s always interesting to watch when this famous full list is released are the invitations!

Each year, the Habs usually sign about 3 to 6 players to professional tryout contracts.. But this year, there’s only one confirmed PTO signing!

Clearly, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton want to focus on the pieces they already have internally.

Only one professional tryout contract this year for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens

For example, last year, the Habs signed PTOs with Logan Nijhoff (forward), Simon Motew (defenseman), Jacob Paquette (defenseman), and Charles Savoie (forward).

This year, it’s only goaltender Kevin Mandolese!

There’s also Marc Del Gaizo, but he signed earlier this summer with the organization precisely for this reason and to bring in depth.

Check out the full list right here:

So it’s confirmed!

Goaltender Kevin Mandolese will be at the Montreal Canadiens’ training camp starting tomorrow, thanks to his professional tryout contract.

He will be the only “invite” this year.

“The Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club announced Tuesday the participation of 60 players in its training camp. It will begin Wednesday, September 17 at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard, with players reporting in the morning for medicals and physical tests.”

– Montreal Canadiens

It’ll be exciting to see which Canadiens’ young prospects, such as Florian Xhekaj, Oliver Kapanen, Filip Mesar, and Joshua Roy, can make the team. They’ll need to give it their all to crack a spot in the bottom six with the big club.

Let’s remember that the very first game of the season will take place Wednesday, October 8 in Toronto against the Maple Leafs.

We can’t wait!