Guhle, who has missed 70 games over the last two seasons, will miss at least the first 7-to-10 games of the 2026-27 season after undergoing surgery on his adductor muscle in the summer. This opens the door for one of David Reinbacher, Adam Engstrom or Arber Xhekaj to play as the Canadiens' No.6 defenseman to open the season.
The Canadiens acquired Pastujov from the Ducks in late-July and signed him to a one-year, two-way deal. The 23-year-old winger was a third-round pick in 2021 and has spent the last three seasons with the San Diego Gulls (AHL). In 2025-26, he led the team with 57 points (21G / 36A) in 71 games. Expect him to report to Laval (AHL) to begin the 2026-27 season.
Berard was acquired in late June for William Trudeau from New York and has signed a one-year, two-way contract with Montreal on Thursday. The 23-year-old former 5th round pick (2020) appeared in 13 games with the Rangers in 2025-26, failing to pick up a point while collecting six PIMs. He is expected to provide Montreal with offensive depth this season and will be competing in training camp for a spot in their bottom-six.
After a successful first season in the KHL with Barys Astana, Reilly Walsh will return to North America after it was announced Wednesday that Montreal had signed Walsh to a one-year, two-way contract. The 27-year-old's only appearance in the NHL came back with New Jersey in 2021-22, where he had an assist in one game played. He is expected to play a key part in Laval (AHL) this upcoming season.
Dobes' role has increased over the past two seasons for the Canadiens, culminating in a solid 2025-26 campaign, in which he posted a serviceable 2.78 GAA and .901 SV% in 43 appearances (29-10-4). That said, the 25-year-old Czech goalie made his real mark in the playoffs, guiding his team to the Eastern Conference Finals with a 2.66 GAA and .908 SV% in 19 games (9-10). Dobes is expected to share the Canadiens' crease this season with Jacob Fowler.
