The Montreal Canadiens are putting together a strong 2025-26 season while also looking at new opportunities for the franchise. Their 40-21-10 record has placed them third in the Atlantic Division, and it has helped create a positive environment around the team.
At the same time, discussions off the ice point to a possible outdoor game that has not been hosted before.
Montreal Canadiens Target 2028-29 Season for First Outdoor NHL Game
The Montreal Canadiens are now exploring the possibility of hosting their first outdoor NHL game, with plans focused on solving a long-standing venue issue.
The team has played in outdoor events before, but has never hosted one, mainly because there has not been a suitable location within the city. A new proposal involving Parc Jean-Drapeau could change that and bring a large-scale event to Montreal.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared the details in his 32 Thoughts column and explained how the idea is developing. He wrote, “The only north-of-the-49th team not to host an outdoor game is Montreal. The issue is not ‘want,’ but ‘where?’ The Canadiens are trying to solve that.
“TVA’s Renaud Lavoie reported Wednesday the plan is to build a temporary stadium where summer music festivals are held at Parc Jean-Drapeau, near the Canadian Grand Prix site. I’ve heard 42,000 seats (Renaud said 40-45K) with a target of the 2028-29 season. A women’s game would be part of the festivities. Would be awesome, and we need an outdoor game in that city.”
The plan includes building a temporary stadium that could hold around 40,000 fans, allowing the Canadiens to host one of the league’s major events. Possible opponents include longtime rivals such as the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Boston Bruins, which would draw more attention to the game. The addition of a women’s game would also turn the event into a full hockey showcase rather than a single matchup.
While this idea continues to develop, Montreal’s current season remains a priority. The team is on a three-game win streak as we approach the end of March and has won seven of its last 10 games, putting it in a strong position for the playoffs. Their offense has been effective, with Cole Caufield leading in goals and Nick Suzuki leading the team in points.
In their next game, Montreal is carrying momentum as they face the Nashville Predators on March 28, following a 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Zachary Bolduc delivered a strong performance in that game, while Jakub Dobes made 25 saves to secure an important two points.
The team has improved immensely compared to last season, helping them maintain control of their position. They are now close to making the playoffs back-to-back.
As the Canadiens experience a surge, the possibility of hosting an outdoor game could bring a new experience to the city and its fans.
