As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for a new season, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch among fans and analysts alike.

The team’s defensive core, long considered a work in progress, is suddenly the center of attention thanks to a high-profile addition that could redefine the blue line’s identity.

With training camp just around the corner, speculation is swirling about how the lineup will shake out—and which players will step into the spotlight.

Rumors are flying, insiders are making bold predictions, and the coaching staff is keeping their cards close to the vest. One thing is certain: the arrival of a young veteran has set the stage for a dramatic shift in Montreal’s defensive strategy.

But who will be the lucky player to share the ice with this newcomer? And how will the team’s existing stars adapt to the changes that are coming?

Whispers from behind the scenes hint at surprising pairings and new roles for some of the Canadiens’ most promising talents.

Will this shakeup be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential—or will it create new challenges on the road to success? The answers are anything but obvious. Read on to discover the intriguing possibilities that lie ahead for Montreal’s defense.

Photo credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Let’s be honest, the arrival of the young veteran Noah Dobson helps solidify the young defense of the Montreal Canadiens.

While we already know he’ll play a lot of minutes next season, we’re all wondering who he’ll be paired with.

The training camp, which will begin in the coming weeks, will give us more clues but until then, Stu Cowan was willing to take a bit of a guess!

According to him, the lucky one to share the blue line with Dobson will be Kaiden Guhle.

As mentioned in a recent episode of the podcast The Sick Podcast, Cowan states that with his $9.5M salary, the newcomer will therefore become the team’s number one defenseman.

Kaiden Guhle as Noah Dobson’s defensive partner?

This title comes with major responsibilities, and that’s why he will be heavily used by Stéphane Robidas as well as Martin St-Louis.

The best defenseman to compliment him is therefore Kaiden Guhle.

What will be Noah Dobson’s role with the GoHabsGo this season?

“He’s going to eat up a lot of minutes.. I expect him to start off on the Number 1 defense pairing, probably with Kaiden Guhle” – Stu Cowan

According to the journalist, this duo could be solid for many more years to come.

Noah Dobson will have a direct impact on Mike Matheson

Last season, Mike Matheson played a lot of minutes (25.05 on average per game). We saw on several occasions that this heavy ice time could have a direct (negative) impact on his performance.

Dobson’s arrival will change the situation and significantly reduce the workload of the veteran defenseman. Likely paired with Lane Hutson on the second defensive duo, Matheson will thus be able to showcase his skills better when on the ice and will have more energy at the end of games.

The impact will also be felt on Hutson’s side, who will be able to pace himself more to stay fresh during key moments.

I pretty much agree with the pairings proposed by Cowan. Here’s how I see it:

Noah Dobson – Kaiden Guhle
Mike Matheson – Lane Hutson
Arber Xhekaj/Jayden Struble – Alexandre Carrier

It will also be interesting to see if David Reinbacher can surprise and earn a spot with the team right from the start of the season.