The Montreal Canadiens head to Toronto on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, to start the NHL regular season, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena. Fans in Canada can watch on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
The matchup has the feel of a familiar rivalry game, but the context is new. Montreal is coming off a run to the third round of the 2026 playoffs, while Toronto missed the postseason, changed coaches, and brought in fresh faces, including No. 1 draft pick Gavin McKenna.
Why this opener stands out
This is the seventh straight year the Canadiens and Maple Leafs have opened against each other, so there is already plenty of built-in tension. That alone makes the game notable, but both teams also arrive with very different storylines.
Montreal wants to prove last season’s playoff success was not a one-time spike. Toronto wants to show that its reshaped roster can settle in quickly under Jim Hiller, especially with a short camp and high expectations from the start.
| Team | Key storyline | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Canadiens | Trying to build on a deep playoff run | Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield driving offense |
| Maple Leafs | Starting fresh after a missed postseason | How quickly the new mix clicks, plus McKenna’s debut |
Montreal’s scoring duo sets the tone
The Canadiens have real firepower at the top of the lineup. Captain Nick Suzuki finished with 101 points, and Cole Caufield reached 50 goals, giving Montreal a pair of proven threats that can punish any defensive lapse.
That production changes how Toronto has to defend. If the Maple Leafs give Montreal space early, the Canadiens have enough finishing talent to turn a tight game into a stressful one fast.
McKenna brings the biggest spotlight
The most intriguing individual in the building is Gavin McKenna. The 18-year-old first-overall pick is expected to make his regular-season NHL debut in one of the sport’s most recognizable Canadian rivalries.
Toronto is projected to use him alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, though the final lineup could still shift before the opening faceoff. If McKenna gets touches in the attacking zone and creates chances, the home crowd could get an immediate jolt.
The most likely game-breaker
Cole Caufield looks like the safest scoring bet. He already showed his touch in the preseason with two goals against Ottawa on September 21, including the overtime winner, and his 50-goal season gives him the strongest recent track record in this matchup.
Auston Matthews is Toronto’s best answer if the Leafs spend long stretches in the offensive zone. If the home side builds pressure, he has the kind of finishing ability that can change the game on a single shift.
What will decide the result
The first team to find its rhythm should have the edge. Toronto has home ice and more than enough talent, but its new combinations may need time before they look smooth. Montreal can exploit that if it cashes in on early chances.
That makes the opening period especially important. A quick start from Toronto could make McKenna’s debut part of a memorable night, while Montreal’s early control would put the spotlight squarely on Caufield’s finishing.
Bottom line: McKenna is the player everyone will be watching, but Caufield is the best scoring pick. The final call depends heavily on the confirmed lineups and starting goalies.