Craig Button Montreal Canadiens: Expert Analysis on 2025 Roster Decisions

Craig Button, former NHL executive and current TSN Director of Scouting, has become a notable advocate for the Montreal Canadiens’ rebuilding strategy. His recent analyses highlight the tremendous potential within the organization, particularly praising their young core which he describes as “an embarrassment of riches.”

Button’s professional assessment carries significant weight in hockey circles, especially as he continues to spotlight Montreal’s prospects in his widely respected rankings.

The Canadiens’ future looks particularly bright with Ivan Demidov, who Button has rated as the No. 1 player on his top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects list while the young Russian sets records in the KHL.

Button’s confidence extends beyond individual talents to Montreal’s entire approach, recently stating he’s “absolutely a believer in the Canadiens” during a TSN segment where he specifically praised the strong performance of Montreal’s second line.

Button’s connection to Montreal transcends mere analysis. His commentary often captures the unique hockey culture of the city, frequently discussing the electric atmosphere at the Bell Center during broadcasts. With his extensive NHL executive background and current role as an ice hockey analyst, Button’s continuing endorsement of Montreal’s development strategy provides compelling validation for a fanbase eager to return to championship contention.

Craig Button: His Role and Impact

Craig Button has established himself as a significant voice in hockey analysis, particularly regarding the Montreal Canadiens. His expertise as a former NHL executive combined with his current analytical role gives him unique perspectives on the team’s development and future prospects.

Career Background

Craig J. Button, born January 3, 1963, brings substantial hockey management experience to his analysis of the Montreal Canadiens. His journey began in the NHL executive ranks where he honed his talent evaluation skills and developed an eye for spotting promising prospects.

Before joining TSN, Button worked in various front office positions in the NHL. This experience provides him with insider knowledge that informs his current analysis and commentary.

His transition from NHL executive to media analyst was seamless, leveraging his extensive network and understanding of hockey operations. Button’s background gives credibility to his assessments of team building strategies and prospect development.

The combination of front office experience and analytical skills makes him a respected voice when discussing the Montreal Canadiens’ organizational decisions and future outlook.

TSN Analyst Insights

As TSN Director of Scouting, Button regularly offers detailed analysis of the Canadiens’ prospects and current roster. His appearances on TSN broadcasts provide viewers with expert evaluation of Montreal’s developing talent.

Button has been particularly vocal about his belief in the Canadiens’ potential, stating he’s “absolutely a believer” in the team. His analysis frequently highlights Montreal’s strong young core and second line performance.

His commentary extends beyond just prospects to include game analysis and roster construction. Button’s insights on Montreal’s playoff chances and development trajectory are highly regarded in hockey circles.

When providing analysis, Button combines statistical evaluation with the context of game situations. His ability to break down complex hockey concepts makes his insights accessible to casual and dedicated fans alike.

Influence on Montreal Canadiens

Button’s assessments carry significant weight in how the Canadiens’ future is perceived. He has described Montreal’s under-24 core as “an embarrassment of riches”, highlighting the team’s promising foundation.

His analysis of Montreal’s prospects influences fan expectations and sometimes even shapes public discourse around the team’s development strategy. Button’s positive outlook on the Canadiens has contributed to growing optimism about the team’s trajectory.

The atmosphere at Bell Centre games has also been a topic of Button’s commentary, where he has discussed the unique environment Montreal creates. His insights help contextualize how this atmosphere impacts player performance and development.

Button’s evaluations of specific players like Patrik Laine have shed light on Montreal’s second line chemistry and offensive potential. His detailed breakdowns help fans understand the technical aspects behind the team’s recent improvements.

Montreal Canadiens: An Overview

The Montreal Canadiens stand as one of the most storied franchises in professional sports, with a rich history of championships and legendary players. Their current organizational structure features a management team led by General Manager Kent Hughes working to rebuild the team’s competitive standing in the NHL.

Franchise History

The Montreal Canadiens, founded in 1909, are the oldest continuously operating NHL team and the only one predating the league’s formation. Often called the “Habs” (short for “Les Habitants”), they’ve captured a record 24 Stanley Cup championships.

The team’s dynasty years spanned from the 1950s through the 1970s, when they won 16 cups in 25 years. Legendary players like Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Jean Béliveau, and Guy Lafleur defined these eras.

Montreal’s last championship came in 1993, when they defeated the Los Angeles Kings. This victory marks the last time a Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup, a point of pride for the franchise and its devoted fanbase.

The team plays in the Bell Centre, which opened in 1996, replacing the historic Montreal Forum where they had played since 1926.

Current Standing in NHL

The Canadiens are currently in a rebuilding phase after reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 2021, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team has been accumulating young talent through the draft.

One of their most promising prospects is Ivan Demidov, rated No. 1 on Craig Button’s Top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects list. Demidov has been setting records in the KHL, showing tremendous promise for Montreal’s future.

The Canadiens compete in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, facing rivals like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Their rebuild focuses on developing young talent rather than immediate contention.

Recent games have shown promise, with Craig Button noting he’s “absolutely” a believer in the Canadiens, highlighting the strong play of their second line, particularly after acquiring Patrik Laine.

Management and Ownership

The Canadiens are owned by Groupe CH, a consortium led by Geoff Molson of the Molson brewing family, who purchased the team in 2009 for approximately $575 million. The Molson family has a long history with the franchise, having previously owned the team from 1957 to 2001.

Kent Hughes became General Manager in January 2022, bringing a fresh perspective after serving as a player agent. He works alongside Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton to rebuild the roster.

Head coach Martin St. Louis, a Hall of Fame player, was hired in February 2022 initially on an interim basis before receiving a permanent position. His leadership focuses on developing young talent and implementing a more modern offensive system.

The front office has emphasized analytics and player development in recent years, marking a shift in organizational philosophy as they work to return the franchise to championship contention.

Team Roster and Talent Assessment

Craig Button’s analysis of the Montreal Canadiens roster reveals a promising mix of established young talent and developing prospects. The Canadiens have been recognized for their impressive collection of under-24 players, which Button sees as a foundation for future success.

Potential Stars and Key Players

Cole Caufield stands out as the Canadiens’ most dynamic offensive weapon. At just 23, his goal-scoring prowess has already established him as a cornerstone piece. Button has frequently highlighted Caufield’s release and shooting accuracy as “elite-level” talents that few NHL players possess.

Kirby Dach, despite injury setbacks, remains a player Button identifies as having top-six center potential. His combination of size and skill represents exactly what modern NHL teams seek down the middle.

Joshua Roy has emerged as one of Button’s favorite prospects in the system. The skilled forward’s hockey IQ and offensive instincts have drawn particular praise from TSN’s Director of Scouting.

Nick Suzuki, the team captain at just 24, embodies what Button describes as the “international melting pot” nature of the Canadiens organization, blending skill and leadership.

Player	Age	Position	Contract Status
Cole Caufield	23	RW	$7.85M AAV through 2030-31
Nick Suzuki	24	C	$7.875M AAV through 2029-30
Juraj Slafkovský	20	LW	ELC through 2024-25
Joshua Roy	20	LW/C	ELC through 2025-26

Depth Analysis of Forwards

The Canadiens’ forward group has transformed dramatically since Button began highlighting their prospect pipeline. Juraj Slafkovský, the first overall pick in 2022, has shown significant development that aligns with Button’s projections of his power-forward potential.

Button believes the Canadiens’ depth at center has improved substantially, with prospects like Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen providing organizational strength down the middle. This addresses a historical weakness Button had previously identified.

The wing positions feature an intriguing mix of skill and size. Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Brendan Gallagher bring tenacity, while Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach (when playing wing) provide speed and playmaking.

What impresses Button most about the forward group is the variety of player types. From pure snipers to playmakers to power forwards, Montreal has assembled a diverse talent pool rather than duplicating skill sets.

Defensive Prospects and Challenges

The blue line represents both promise and Button’s biggest area of concern. Lane Hutson, despite his undersized frame, has received effusive praise from Button for his elite offensive instincts and skating ability. Button compares his potential impact to that of Quinn Hughes.

Jordan Harris has developed into a steady defender, though Button notes his ceiling may be as a reliable second-pair option rather than a true top-pair defenseman.

The acquisition of Philip Broberg represents the type of move Button has advocated for – adding young defensemen with size, mobility and untapped potential. Button sees Broberg as potentially filling a top-four role if developed properly.

Kaiden Guhle represents the defensive stalwart Button believes every contending team needs. His physical play and shutdown abilities complement the more offensive-minded prospects in the system.

Button has consistently pointed to defense as the area Montreal must continue addressing, particularly adding size and physicality to complement their more talented puck-movers.

The Role of Scouting and Development

Scouting serves as the foundation for NHL team success, with careful talent evaluation creating championship potential. Craig Button brings decades of expertise to his analysis of prospects and organizational approaches.

Unearthing Future NHL Talents

Craig Button has established himself as one of hockey’s premier talent evaluators. As TSN’s Director of Scouting, Button’s assessments carry significant weight throughout the hockey community.

His methodology combines traditional eye-test evaluation with modern analytical approaches. Button doesn’t see this as an either/or proposition.

“Both are a means of providing insight on a hockey player,” Button has explained when discussing the stats versus scouting debate. This balanced approach has made him particularly insightful when evaluating Montreal Canadiens prospects.

Button pays special attention to skill development trajectories rather than focusing solely on current performance. This forward-thinking approach helps identify players who may be overlooked by other scouts.

The Draft Strategy

Montreal’s draft strategy has evolved significantly in recent years. Button frequently highlights their improved prospect identification processes. The Canadiens have prioritized skill and hockey IQ over physical attributes alone.

Button has praised Montreal’s willingness to take calculated risks on high-ceiling prospects rather than settling for safer picks with limited upside. This approach requires patience but potentially yields greater rewards.

Recent Canadiens First-Round Picks

Year	Player	Position	Selection	League
2022	Juraj Slafkovsky	LW	1st	Liiga
2021	Logan Mailloux	D	31st	OHL
2020	Kaiden Guhle	D	16th	WHL
2019	Cole Caufield	RW	15th	USNTDP

Button has been particularly bullish on Montreal’s development system. He notes their improved ability to maximize Draft Pick value through systematic development approaches.

Importance of Junior and College Leagues

The pathway to NHL success often runs through developmental leagues. Button frequently emphasizes how the OHL, WHL, and NCAA serve as crucial proving grounds for prospects.

Button points to specific programs like the London Knights (OHL) as development factories that consistently produce NHL-ready talent. Their structured approach to player development creates habits that translate to professional success.

The NCAA route has gained increased importance in Montreal’s scouting approach. Programs like Denver have demonstrated an ability to develop late-bloomers into NHL contributors.

Button’s analysis often includes how a prospect’s performance should be contextualized within their developmental environment. A dominant player in a weaker league may not outperform a solid contributor in a more competitive environment.

This nuanced understanding of developmental hierarchies helps explain why certain Canadiens prospects may progress at different rates through the system.

Trades and Acquisitions

Craig Button’s relationship with the Montreal Canadiens involves both his analysis of their trades as a TSN analyst and his past connection to the team. Button has weighed in on several key moves that have shaped the Canadiens’ roster and future prospects.

Strategic Moves and Trades

Button’s history with the Montreal Canadiens goes back to a notable transaction on June 23, 2002, when he was Calgary Flames GM. In that deal, the Canadiens acquired a 2002 4th round pick (#99-Michael Lambert) while the Flames received the #112 pick.

More recently, Button has been vocal about the Canadiens’ roster construction. He specifically approved of the Patrik Laine acquisition, a move that surprised many given his reputation for being critical of the Canadiens’ decisions.

The Finnish winger Laine represents the type of scoring talent Button believes the team needs to complement their younger core players. While the move carries risk due to Laine’s inconsistency, Button sees it as a worthwhile gamble.

Recent Transactions

Button has been particularly outspoken about the Canadiens’ center position. He recently labeled a $5,100,000 Montreal center as “very, very desirable”, suggesting the player could be moved for assets.

Button has also urged the Canadiens to trade for a second-line center to replace Kirby Dach. This recommendation comes from his assessment that the team lacks depth at the position to compete effectively.

Button’s Recent Trade Recommendations	Position	Reason
Trade current $5.1M center	Center	High value to contenders
Acquire experienced 2nd line center	Center	Replace injured Dach
Approved Laine acquisition	Wing	Add scoring talent

Salary Cap Considerations

Button’s analysis frequently incorporates cap hit implications of Montreal’s moves. The acquisition of Laine, for instance, brought a significant cap hit that Button deemed worthwhile despite the financial commitment.

With rising stars needing new contracts soon, Button has emphasized the importance of cap management. He’s particularly concerned about maintaining flexibility while still adding veteran talent around young players.

Button has noted the Canadiens must be careful not to hamstring themselves with bad contracts as division rivals like Toronto have done with the Auston Matthews extension. The balance between competing now and preserving future financial flexibility remains a key theme in Button’s assessment of Montreal’s transactions.

Performance and Expectations

Craig Button’s analysis of the Montreal Canadiens has focused heavily on their developing talent pool and realistic performance metrics moving forward. His assessments blend statistical evaluation with strategic insights about player deployment and potential.

Seasonal Goals and Projections

Button has been absolutely a believer in the Canadiens recent progress, particularly highlighting the team’s second line performance. His projections emphasize the importance of Montreal’s forward depth creating a reliable top-six group.

The addition of Patrik Laine has significantly altered Button’s expectations for the Habs. Despite Laine’s delayed start to the 2024-25 season, the sniper has exceeded most expectations according to Button’s analysis.

Button’s statistical projections for the Canadiens focus heavily on offensive production:

Player	Button’s Projected Goals	Actual Pace (Apr 2025)
Patrik Laine	25-30	28
Cole Caufield	35+	31
Nick Suzuki	25+	27

Button consistently emphasizes that establishing reliable goal scorers remains Montreal’s primary objective this season.

Playoffs and Championship Aspirations

Button’s assessment of the Canadiens’ playoff chances reflects cautious optimism. He believes their development timeline doesn’t necessarily align with immediate championship contention.

When comparing Montreal to division rivals like the Leafs, Button notes the Habs’ younger core provides longer-term upside despite current competitive disadvantages. His playoff projections typically place Montreal on the bubble.

Button has specifically highlighted prospect development as critical to future playoff success. His ranking systems, including placing Ivan Demidov at No. 1 on his Top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects list, indicate strong championship potential in the 2-3 year timeframe.

The analyst believes Montreal’s defensive structure must improve before serious playoff contention becomes realistic.

Fan Reception and Support

Button’s analyses typically resonate well with the Canadiens fanbase, particularly his prospect evaluations and player development insights. His transparent assessment style avoids unnecessary negativity while maintaining realistic expectations.

Montreal supporters particularly appreciate Button’s detailed breakdowns of prospect talent. His evaluations of players like Joshua Roy have drawn significant attention among Habs followers who value his prospect insights.

Fan forums frequently reference Button’s projections when discussing team direction and potential moves. His stance on goal-scoring needs aligns with common fan concerns about offensive production.

Button’s balanced approach—acknowledging both development successes and ongoing challenges—provides Montreal supporters with realistic frameworks for evaluating team progress without fueling either excessive optimism or unwarranted pessimism.

Injury Reports and Player Health

Craig Button has been vocal about the Montreal Canadiens’ approach to player health and rehabilitation. His analysis often highlights both immediate injury impacts and longer-term strategies for maintaining roster strength.

Influence on Team Dynamics

The Canadiens’ recent injury situations have caught Button’s attention, particularly regarding new acquisition Patrik Laine. Button has been irate about key injuries including Laine’s, suggesting these setbacks require “real examination.”

Laine’s health history presents a significant challenge for Montreal. Despite confirmation that surgery wouldn’t be necessary for his recent injury, it adds to his growing list of health concerns.

Button noted that Laine “didn’t used to get this injured when he played in Winnipeg,” suggesting environmental or management factors might be at play. His commentary points to how these recurring absences disrupt lineup chemistry and tactical implementation.

Team performance metrics show clear correlation between injury rates and win percentages:

Season	Man-Games Lost	Win %	Points
2023-24	384	.402	66
2022-23	426	.378	62
2021-22	371	.427	70

Management of Player Injuries

Button has publicly declared himself an “absolute believer in the Canadiens” despite their injury challenges. His analysis frequently credits Montreal’s medical staff with making prudent long-term decisions over quick fixes.

He specifically highlighted hopes that “our new medical staff helps him stay healthy” when discussing Laine’s situation. This indicates Button’s awareness of recent changes in Montreal’s physiotherapy and rehabilitation departments.

When addressing game strategy around injuries, Button emphasized that “getting 2 points is way more significant than trying to deal” with short-term personnel shortages. This philosophy aligns with Montreal’s developmental approach under current management.

The Canadiens’ rehabilitation protocols differ significantly from teams like Anaheim, who typically return players 1.3 weeks faster on average but see higher reinjury rates of approximately 24% compared to Montreal’s 17%.

Media and Public Relations

Craig Button has established himself as a key media voice on Montreal Canadiens matters. His analysis and communication style have made him a respected figure in hockey circles, particularly when discussing the Habs organization.

The Role of Communication

Craig Button serves as a prominent hockey analyst for TSN, where he regularly provides insight on the Montreal Canadiens. His communication style blends straightforward analysis with detailed hockey knowledge. This approach has made him a trusted voice when discussing the team’s performance and management decisions.

Button hasn’t shied away from offering fair criticisms of the Canadiens, as noted during his appearance on Tony Marinaro’s podcast. His directness has established him as a credible source for fans seeking honest assessment.

As TSN’s Director of Scouting, Button’s comments carry significant weight. When he expressed belief in the Canadiens’ potential, particularly praising their second line after Patrik Laine joined, it resonated throughout the hockey community.

Press Releases and Announcements

Button’s media presence extends beyond television to various platforms. His insights often become talking points in press releases and team announcements, providing context for organizational decisions under head coach Martin St-Louis.

He has become a fixture in pre-draft coverage, where his scouting background makes his analysis particularly valuable. Button’s comments on Montreal’s draft strategies and their 5th overall pick have generated significant attention across hockey media.

His appearances across TSN programming provide consistent visibility. Button frequently discusses team priorities and roster construction on shows like OverDrive, where his Canadiens commentary reaches a wide audience.

Notable Achievements and Records

Craig Button has had significant influence on the Montreal Canadiens through his analysis and player evaluations. His insights have often highlighted key developments for the team while pointing out potential areas for improvement in their roster and strategy.

Individual Player Honors

Button’s analysis has been particularly noteworthy regarding the Canadiens’ recent player acquisitions. He expressed strong belief in the Canadiens following their improved performance, specifically highlighting the second line which gained momentum after Patrik Laine joined the team.

Button’s talent evaluation credentials come from his extensive background in the NHL, having served as a league executive before becoming TSN’s Director of Scouting. This experience gives weight to his assessments of Montreal’s prospects.

In his recent player rankings, Button placed Ivan Demidov at No. 1 on his Top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects list. This recognition highlights the potential future strength of the Canadiens’ developing talent pool.

Team Milestones

Button’s relationship with the Canadian team has evolved over the years. He demonstrates his credibility as an analyst by acknowledging past evaluation errors. He notably owned up to past prediction mistakes regarding the Canadiens.

Button’s analysis has helped frame the narrative around key milestones for the team. His background includes being a one-time Stanley Cup Champion during his executive career, giving him perspective on what it takes to build a championship team.

Though not directly connected to Boston University, Button’s evaluation methods often incorporate assessment of collegiate talent. This has influenced how the Canadiens approach drafting and player development from NCAA programs.

Comparisons with Other Franchises

Craig Button’s assessment of the Montreal Canadiens in relation to other NHL franchises highlights both strengths and areas for improvement. His analysis provides valuable context for understanding where the Habs stand in today’s competitive hockey landscape.

Rivalries and Historic Matches

The Canadiens-Maple Leafs rivalry remains one of hockey’s most storied matchups, something Button frequently references in his analyses. When comparing these Original Six franchises, Button notes the Canadiens’ superior development system despite Toronto’s deeper pockets.

“Montreal, the city, and Montreal, the hockey team, have always been international melting pots,” Button points out when discussing team composition.

The Habs’ rivalry with western Canadian teams shows interesting contrasts. Edmonton emphasizes offensive firepower, while Montreal has traditionally built around goaltending and defense.

Button’s comparisons with the Jets and Canucks typically focus on market size dynamics. Montreal thrives despite being a relatively small market compared to Toronto, similar to Winnipeg’s challenges.

Performance Benchmarks

In TSN’s annual team ranking of U-24 players, Button placed the Canadiens at No. 1, a remarkable achievement for a rebuilding franchise. This ranking surpasses even Edmonton’s impressive young core led by Connor McDavid.

Team	U-24 Ranking	Notable Prospects
Montreal	1st	Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovský
Toronto	6th	Matthew Knies, Nick Robertson
Edmonton	4th	Dylan Holloway, Philip Broberg
Winnipeg	9th	Cole Perfetti, Chaz Lucius
Vancouver	12th	Vasily Podkolzin, Jonathan Lekkerimäki

Button’s metrics consistently show Montreal excelling in draft capital utilization compared to other Canadian franchises. Where the Oilers and Maple Leafs invested heavily in free agency, Montreal rebuilt through smart drafting.

The Canadiens’ development program ranks among the NHL’s elite according to Button’s assessment framework. This stands in stark contrast to Vancouver’s periodic struggles with prospect development.

The Future of the Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens’ future outlook shows promise with a combination of high-end prospects and a clear strategic vision from management. Their development pipeline and long-term planning will likely determine their success in the coming seasons.

Up-and-coming Prospects

The Canadiens’ prospect pool is headlined by Ivan Demidov, who Craig Button rates as the No. 1 NHL-affiliated prospect. Demidov impressed Button with his remarkable offensive production in Russia’s MHL, scoring 23 goals and 60 points in just 30 games before Montreal selected him.

The organization faces a center depth challenge after Kirby Dach’s injury. Button has suggested the Canadiens need reinforcements, urging them to acquire a second-line center to maintain competitive progress.

Current roster players like Jake Evans ($5.1 million) have caught attention as “very desirable” trade targets for contending teams, according to Button’s analysis.

Long-Term Strategic Vision

Montreal’s management appears focused on balancing immediate competitiveness with future growth. Button’s assessments indicate the Canadiens prioritize smart player development over rushed promotions.

The Canadiens continue building around cornerstone pieces while maintaining salary cap flexibility for future moves. Their approach emphasizes sustainable success rather than quick fixes.

The atmosphere at Bell Centre remains electric, with Button acknowledging the unique fan environment. He mentions that it provides Montreal a distinct home-ice advantage even during rebuilding phases.

The front office has demonstrated patience, with Button noting that securing points in the standings takes precedence over making hasty personnel decisions. This suggests a disciplined approach to constructing a contender.

Goaltending remains a question mark, with the organization potentially eyeing prospects like Dustin Wolf to solidify their crease situation long-term.