Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Montreal Canadiens on September 29, 2026, at 23:00 UTC in the opening game of the NHL regular season. This matchup at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto marks the 24th time these franchises have met to begin their seasons and the seventh consecutive year they have faced each other in their opening game.
The Maple Leafs enter the contest with high expectations following the selection of forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, who is expected to make his regular-season debut against Montreal. The team has also revamped its roster, replacing defensemen Brandon Carlo and Simon Benoit with Darren Raddysh and Emil Andrae, while implementing a new coaching staff and front office.
The Montreal Canadiens arrive in Toronto following a 2025-26 campaign that saw them reach the third round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Coached by Martin St. Louis, the Canadiens' roster features captain Nick Suzuki, who recorded 101 points last season, and 50-goal scorer Cole Caufield. The team has also added forward Chris Kreider to their core, which includes 2025 Calder Trophy-winning defenseman Lane Hutson, as they look to build on their previous postseason success.