As the echoes of last season’s unexpected triumphs still reverberate through Montreal, anticipation for the Canadiens’ next chapter has reached a fever pitch.

Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting Kent Hughes’ official proclamation of the team’s ambitions for 2025-2026, with whispers and speculation swirling all summer long.

After a playoff run that saw Martin St-Louis’ squad push the mighty Washington Capitals to their limits, the city’s hockey faithful are hungry for more—wondering if last year’s surprise was just the beginning.

Yet, in a twist that few saw coming, one of the team’s brightest young stars may have already let the secret slip. Juraj Slafkovsky, fresh off a season of growth and promise, appears to have revealed the Canadiens’ true objective before any official announcement could be made. Was this an innocent moment of candor, or a calculated hint at bigger plans brewing behind closed doors?

As Slafkovsky’s words ripple through the locker room and beyond, questions abound: Is Montreal finally ready to chase glory, or is there something even bolder at play?

The full story promises insights, surprises, and perhaps the answer to what every fan is dying to know about the team’s future.

Apr 14, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens left wing Juraj Slafkovsky (20) looks on against the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Last year, the Montreal Canadiens caused the surprise of the season in the NHL, making the playoffs and facing the Washington Capitals.

Despite the final result, Martin St-Louis’ men offered solid competition to Alex Ovechkin and the Caps.

“Even though they didn’t win, they gave Washington everything they could handle.” – Sportsnet

The Montreal Canadiens really did give the Capitals good opposition.

That said, after last season’s pleasant surprise, everyone is eager to see what Kent Hughes will announce, at the golf tournament, as the organization’s objective for the 2025-2026 season.

There has been much speculation this summer on the subject, but young Juraj Slafkovsky may already have given us the answer to this long-awaited announcement from Hughes.

Juraj Slafkovsky gets ahead of Kent Hughes and already confirms the Montreal Canadiens’ objective for the 2025-2026 season

We love to hear that!

After “not wanting to say the P word” in 2023, and after talking about the famous “mix” in 2024, now in 2025 the objective will clearly be to make the playoffs, and even, to go on a playoff run.

“The goal is the playoffs, but we also want to go far in the playoffs” – Juraj Slafkovsky

The message has already spread in the locker room.

Slafkovsky made this statement in the context of a very interesting interview with Anthony Martineau of TVA Sports.

We really recommend Juraj Slafkovsky’s full interview with Martineau.

We already can’t wait for the season to start!