Inside the Action: Top Highlights and Standout Moments from the 2025 Canadiens Development Camp Scrimmage…Read More…
The 2025 Montreal Canadiens Development Camp concluded with an electric and fiercely competitive scrimmage that gave fans and scouts alike a tantalizing glimpse into the franchise’s future. Held at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard, the annual event brought together the organization’s top prospects, including recent draft picks, AHL standouts, and unsigned invitees, culminating in a high-paced intrasquad game that delivered no shortage of excitement, surprises, and standout performances.
With management watching closely from the stands—including General Manager Kent Hughes, Head Coach Martin St. Louis, and several members of the player development staff—the stakes were high for the young guns looking to make a lasting impression.
Red vs. White: A Battle for Bragging Rights
The scrimmage was split between Team Red and Team White in a full three-period contest complete with referees, penalties, and an enthusiastic crowd of fans who packed the arena to catch a first-hand look at the Canadiens’ next generation. From the opening faceoff, it was clear this wasn’t just a light-hearted skate. Hits were thrown, passes were crisp, and scoring chances came in bunches.
Team Red ultimately came out on top with a 5-3 victory, but the result was secondary to the individual performances that stole the spotlight.
Lane Hutson Shines Again
All eyes were on defenseman Lane Hutson, Montreal’s 2022 second-round pick who has continued to turn heads with his offensive instincts and high hockey IQ. Now stronger and more polished than ever, Hutson was a force from the blue line. He quarterbacked the power play, set up a pair of goals with tape-to-tape passes, and showcased his improved defensive positioning.
“Every time Lane is on the ice, something happens,” said Coach Martin St. Louis after the scrimmage. “His vision and skating create so many opportunities. He’s taken another step forward.”
Hutson’s performance all but confirmed that he’ll get a long look during main training camp this fall, and perhaps even an early call-up during the regular season.
Ivan Demidov Debuts with a Bang
The most anticipated player at camp was undoubtedly 2025 first-round draft pick Ivan Demidov, who made his North American debut. The Russian forward did not disappoint. His puck control, confidence, and vision dazzled throughout the scrimmage. He scored a highlight-reel goal in the second period, dancing through two defenders before roofing the puck past goaltender Joe Vrbetic.
“I was nervous at first,” Demidov admitted through a translator. “But once the puck dropped, it felt like hockey again. I’m happy to be here and show what I can do.”
Demidov’s offensive prowess, combined with his natural flair, drew loud cheers from the crowd and left many believing he could challenge for a roster spot sooner than expected.
Goaltending Duel: Dobes vs. Vrbetic
Between the pipes, Jakub Dobeš (Team Red) and Joe Vrbetic (Team White) went head-to-head in what turned out to be a goaltending clinic for stretches of the game. Dobes, known for his calm demeanor and technical precision, made several point-blank saves in the opening frame, including a sprawling glove stop on Jared Davidson that brought the crowd to its feet.
Vrbetic, meanwhile, stood tall in the third period, turning away a flurry of chances during a 5-on-3 Red power play. Both netminders are expected to split time in Laval this season, but their play suggested the Canadiens might be deeper in goal than many think.
Unsigned Invitees Making Noise
While the big names received plenty of attention, several unsigned invitees used the scrimmage as their personal proving ground.
One such standout was forward Luke Mittelstadt, a college free agent out of Minnesota, who notched a goal and an assist while showcasing a relentless forecheck. Similarly, 6’3” defenseman Noah Laaouan, formerly of the ECHL’s Trois-Rivières Lions, was solid on the back end and delivered several punishing hits that disrupted Team Red’s rhythm.
“These camps are about opportunity,” said Canadiens assistant GM John Sedgwick. “We’ve seen some guys really seize the moment. That’s what we’re looking for—hunger, work ethic, and a willingness to compete.”
Culture and Camaraderie
Beyond the on-ice action, the camp served as a chance for these young players to understand the Canadiens’ culture and expectations. Veteran leaders from the NHL roster, including Nick Suzuki and Brendan Gallagher, made appearances throughout the week to mentor and encourage the prospects. Workshops on nutrition, media training, and mental performance also gave the players a holistic look at what it takes to be a professional athlete.
“It’s about more than hockey,” Suzuki said. “It’s about representing the jersey with pride and doing the right things on and off the ice.”
Looking Ahead
The conclusion of development camp marks the beginning of the long road to October. Many of the prospects will return to their junior or college teams, while others will report to Laval’s training camp in hopes of securing a roster spot in the AHL.
But for some, like Hutson and Demidov, the next chapter could very well be the NHL.
As fans filtered out of the Bell Sports Complex, there was a tangible sense of excitement and optimism in the air. The Montreal Canadiens’ future isn’t just bright—it’s already starting to shine.
Notable Scrimmage Stats:
- Final Score: Team Red 5 – Team White 3
- Goals: Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson (2 assists), Luke Mittelstadt (1G, 1A), Jared Davidson (1G)
- Top Goalie Save Percentage: Jakub Dobeš (.929)
- Attendance: Approx. 1,500 (capacity crowd)
Stay tuned for full video highlights, player interviews, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the 2025 Canadiens Development Camp all week on Canadiens.com.
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