Opening Night Edge: Montreal, Toronto, and the Players Who Can Tip It

The Montreal Canadiens travel to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, to launch the NHL regular season. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena, with Canadian coverage on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

This is an old rivalry with a fresh layer of intrigue. Montreal is coming off a run to the third round of the 2026 playoffs, while Toronto enters after missing the postseason, replacing its coach, and bringing in new pieces, including first overall draft pick Gavin McKenna.

Why this opener matters right away

These teams have opened against each other for seven straight seasons, so the matchup already carries built-in intensity. What makes this meeting especially interesting is that each club is trying to answer a different question on night one.

For Montreal, the issue is whether last year’s playoff push marked the start of something bigger. Nick Suzuki posted 101 points, and Cole Caufield finished with 50 goals, giving the Canadiens two elite weapons who can punish mistakes quickly.

Toronto’s concern is chemistry. Jim Hiller is trying to get a reshaped roster organized in a short camp, even though Auston Matthews and William Nylander remain the headliners and McKenna adds another major name to the mix.

The rookie drawing the most attention

Gavin McKenna is the player most people will have circled, even if he is not the safest scoring bet. The 18-year-old was taken first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft and is expected to make his regular-season debut in one of the league’s most recognizable Canadian rivalries.

Toronto’s projected look has him skating with John Tavares and William Nylander, although the final lines could still change before the game begins. His role will be worth watching from the first shift.

1. Watch how often McKenna gets touches in the offensive zone.
2. Watch whether Montreal can pressure him into quieter shifts.
3. Watch whether a strong debut gives Toronto an early lift.

The clearest goal-scoring threat

Cole Caufield stands out as the best pick to score. That is not a guarantee, but his 50-goal season makes him the most proven finisher in this matchup, and he also scored twice against Ottawa in preseason play on September 21, including the overtime winner.

Matthews is Toronto’s strongest answer if the home team can sustain pressure. Montreal cannot afford to lose track of Caufield, though, because he is the kind of shooter who can change the game with one clean chance.

What likely decides the result

The first team to settle in should have the advantage. Toronto has home ice and plenty of offense, but its new combinations may need time to click, and Montreal can make that process uncomfortable by cashing in early chances.

The opening period may tell the story. If Toronto connects quickly, McKenna’s debut could become part of a memorable home opener. If Montreal controls the pace early, Caufield has the finishing ability to make the Maple Leafs pay.

Opening-night takeaway: McKenna is the must-watch player, but Caufield is the best scoring pick. The final result may stay hard to call until lineups and starting goaltenders are confirmed.