Canadiens Pre Game
Canadiens Game Preview: Prospect Showdown Versus Leafs
The Montreal Canadiens prospects are set to host the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre, with the puck drop scheduled for 3 pm ET.
This is the second and final game of the Prospect Showdown for the Canadiens, who are coming off a 4-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night. Despite the final result, Habs fans are sure to be encouraged by the instant chemistry formed between top prospect Ivan Demidov and his linemates, Florian Xhekaj and Oliver Kapanen.
Demidov ended up being involved in all three Canadiens goals versus the Jets, including a game-tying goal in the dying minutes of the third period.
Ivan Demidov ties the game with a great goal late in the third period.
I’m just going to say it.
Demidov might have a career in hockey ahead of him.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/QAjmqWh5vH
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) September 14, 2025
Seeing as the excellent play from the first line wasn’t enough to secure a win, the Habs will be looking to some of the other top prospects in the lineup to make their mark on Sunday, before returning to Brossard for the conclusion of the 2025 Rookie Camp. It may be their last opportunity to shine before the team announces cuts ahead of the main training camp.
ON TOPIC: Canadiens Highlights: Demidov Steals Show At Prospect Showdown
The early puck drop connotes there will not be any pre-game availability, leaving any changes in the lineup a game-time decision for head coach Pascal Vincent.
Montreal Canadiens Rookie Lineup From Game 1
| Left Wing | Centre | Right Wing |
|---|---|---|
| Cole Caufield | Nick Suzuki | Juraj Slafkovsky |
| Alex Newhook | Oliver Kapanen | Ivan Demidov |
| Zachary Bolduc | Owen Beck | Owen Beck |
| Josh Anderson | Jake Evans | Brendan Gallagher |
| Mike Matheson | Noah Dobson |
| Jayden Struble | Lane Hutson |
| Arber Xhekaj | Alex Carrier |
| Samuel Montembeault |
| Jakub Dobes |
Toronto Maple Leafs Rookie Lineup From Game 1
Valis – Quillan – Cowan
Barbolini – Haymes – Kressler
Kirwan – Hopkins – Sim
Hlacar – Holinka – Pharand
Chadwick – Danford
Prokop – Mayes
Smith – Sharpe
Akhtyamov
Peksa
How to Watch the Montreal Canadiens vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sunday, September 14, 2025
The Canadiens’ Prospect Showdown will be aired on RDS, as well as canadiens.com, however, the stream on the team’s website will not include any commentary. Once the game is over, an instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Montreal Hockey Now.
