Montreal Canadiens reveal roster for pre-season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers

This match is not just a routine opener but a showcase of the team's revitalized roster following a series of strategic off-season moves.

The Canadiens, under the stewardship of President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton and General Manager Kent Hughes, have infused their squad with promising talents and notable names like Patrik Laine, creating a buzz among fans. The acquisition of Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets marks a strategic addition, aimed at bolstering the team's offensive prowess.

Tonight's game will feature Laine, who is determined to make a strong comeback, alongside Kirby Dach, returning from a grievous injury that curtailed his previous season. The line-up, confirmed by reporter Eric Engels, includes dynamic combinations poised to challenge the Flyers:

This selection reflects a mix of experience and youth, with Joshua Roy, Oliver Kapanen, and Luke Tuch, each set to play pivotal roles. Roy, in particular, is coming off a promising albeit abbreviated season due to an injury.

On defense, the Canadiens are not holding back, fielding Lane Hutson alongside veteran David Savard and top enforcer Arber Xhekaj. This strategic alignment on the blue line ensures that the Flyers will face a formidable challenge.

Kirby Dach's return to the ice is particularly noteworthy, having shown significant promise in last year's pre-season before his unfortunate injury. His presence in the lineup is a hopeful sign of what may lie ahead for the Canadiens.

As the Flyers gear up for tonight's game, they bring a fresh squad from their recent victory against the Capitals in Washington. Notably, the Flyers' lineup includes several players from Quebec, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.

Tonight's game is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting pre-season, culminating in the home opener on October 9th against the Toronto Maple Leafs. With new faces and renewed hopes, the Canadiens are poised to turn the page on last season's disappointments and chart a course for success.

Patrik Laine would play in his first game as a Hab, and Kirby Dach would play in a game after requiring knee surgery the previous season.

Groups A and B will also be skating in Brossard for two practices after the morning skate.

The puck drop is set to happen at 7:00 p.m. ET.