The Montreal Canadiens’ offseason is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent years, with management facing a series of tough decisions that could reshape the franchise’s immediate future. As the dust settles from another challenging campaign and the echoes of the season-ending interviews fade, all eyes turn to Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton. The two executives are set to address the media and, by extension, an impatient fanbase eager for answers and reassurance.

While much of the attention will naturally gravitate toward headline-making moves and the futures of established veterans, the organization also faces a number of quieter, yet equally significant, crossroads. These less-publicized cases often slip under the radar but can have a lasting impact on the team’s depth and development pipeline. Among them is the curious situation of Ty Smilanic—a once-promising prospect whose name has all but vanished from conversations about the Canadiens’ future.

As Montreal prepares for a summer of transformation and tough calls, the fate of players like Smilanic serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional hockey. His story is a cautionary tale that underscores the unpredictable nature of player development and the challenges that come with building a winning team.

Photo of Ty Smilanic

Photo credit: NHL

Following the Montreal Canadiens’ elimination and the season-ending interviews, it’s now decision time for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.

The two executives, who will be answering questions from the media as early as tomorrow morning, have a lot on their plate this summer.

They’ll have major acquisitions to make and big internal decisions to take, particularly concerning players like Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia, but they’ll also have several “smaller” matters to handle.

Among those lighter cases is Ty Smilanic’s situation.

It Appears to Be Over for Ty Smilanic Within the Montreal Canadiens Organization

Smilanic was a prospect the Habs acquired from the Florida Panthers in the Ben Chiarot trade in 2022, and he has completely disappeared from the hockey scene in recent months.

“The Canadiens surprised many by deciding to retain the rights to forward Ty Smilanic last summer, after a first pro season that didn’t seem to warrant it.

Less than a year later, that organizational decision raises eyebrows.”

– TVA Sports

Smilanic didn’t play at all this season.

He has completely vanished, and it’s unclear what exactly is going on with him, but sources suggest (unsurprisingly) that it’s likely over for him with the Montreal Canadiens organization.

He never ended up signing an entry-level contract with the Habs.

“He hasn’t been seen around the team since, even though the Canadiens confirmed in August 2024 that they had chosen to retain his rights indefinitely.”

– TVA Sports

At the time of the trade, he seemed to be a promising young player.

He came from the well-regarded U.S. National U18 Development Team and had just tallied 21 points in 29 games in his NCAA freshman season.

However, things appear to have fallen apart for him afterward:

2 points in 14 games in his final NCAA season (2022-23)

7 points in 31 games with the Trois-Rivières Lions (2023-24)

Total radio silence in 2024-25.