The 2025-26 season is finally underway after a blockbuster opening night on Tuesday, which served as a sample of what to expect all season long. And the Montreal Canadiens are one team that is looking to make a mark this time.
After acquiring Noah Dobson from the Islanders early in the summer, the Canadiens boast one of the youngest rosters in the league. However, they are not the only team full of fresh talent heading into the season. Here are the five teams with the youngest collective rosters.
Do the Montreal Canadiens Have the Youngest Collective Roster This Season?
While the season has barely started, experts across the league are already making their predictions on who will make the playoffs this time. And one team that is being seen as a favorite this time is the Habs, with their roster full of young talent.
Insider Chris Johnston shared a tweet earlier on Tuesday, which pointed out the five youngest NHL teams this season, and the Canadiens took the top spot. With an average squad age of just 25.8, the Habs have bet on their younger talent this season.
From their forward unit, consisting of Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach, and Ivan Demidov, to their back line with the likes of Noah Dobson and Lane Hutson, the Canadiens have gone all in on fresh talent. But the squad also boasts some seasoned veterans to guide the young talent.
With names like Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson, and Jake Evans in the mix, the team has more than sufficient experience on its side. Not to mention, while Nick Suzuki might be young at barely 26, he is already a locker room leader.
But the Canadiens aren’t the only team with a fresh team. The Buffalo Sabres trail right behind Montreal with an average squad age of 26.48. While some teams have been focusing on acquiring veterans this season, like the Panthers, the Sabres clearly have their eyes on the future.
With talents like Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Bowen Byram, the Sabres boast one of the best prospect pipelines in the league. Not to mention, the franchise has been focusing on its defensive pieces for the last few seasons.
Just behind the Sabres are the Chicago Blackhawks, with an average roster age of 26.49, headed by young talents like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. Bedard, who was the #1 pick in the 2023 NHL draft, has already become a centerpiece of the Blackhawks’ offense.
And with Nazar given a fresh deal earlier in August, the franchise is focusing on finally making the playoffs. In addition to these teams, the Philadelphia Flyers (27.1) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (27.57) aren’t far behind, boasting fresh rosters.
With all these teams heading into yet another action-filled season, it will be a great test to see if fresh names are the key to a great regular season.
