The Montreal Canadiens were placed into the NHL’s Atlantic Division ahead of the 2013–14 season as part of the league’s major realignment. Since then, their performance has reflected a franchise navigating the challenges of a highly competitive division while transitioning between eras of contention and rebuilding.
In the early years of the Atlantic Division, the Canadiens were among its strongest teams. Led by elite goaltending from Carey Price and strong two-way play throughout the lineup, Montreal quickly established itself as a regular playoff contender. The Canadiens finished near the top of the division multiple times during this period, including a division title in the shortened 2014–15 season. Price’s Hart Trophy–winning campaign that year was a defining moment, as Montreal was widely viewed as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
However, the Canadiens’ success proved difficult to sustain. Injuries, roster turnover, and inconsistent scoring gradually eroded their position among the Atlantic’s elite. While the team continued to reach the playoffs intermittently through the late 2010s, early exits became more common, highlighting the gap between Montreal and division powerhouses such as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins.
The late 2010s marked a turning point. The Canadiens struggled to keep pace in a division increasingly defined by speed, depth, and star power. Several seasons saw Montreal finish near the bottom of the Atlantic standings, prompting a broader organizational reassessment. Management shifted its focus toward drafting, player development, and long-term sustainability rather than short-term playoff pushes.
Despite these challenges, the Canadiens delivered one of the most surprising runs of the Atlantic Division era during the 2020–21 season. Although the team finished lower in the division during the regular season, Montreal caught fire in the playoffs, ultimately reaching the Stanley Cup Final. That run, powered by disciplined defense and standout goaltending, briefly recaptured the franchise’s historic reputation for postseason resilience.
In the seasons that followed, Montreal entered a more clearly defined rebuilding phase. Younger players were given expanded roles, and short-term results took a back seat to long-term development. While this has led to difficult seasons in the standings, it has also laid the foundation for future competitiveness within the Atlantic Division.
Overall, the Canadiens’ performance since joining the Atlantic Division has been marked by early success, a gradual decline, and a commitment to renewal. Competing in one of the NHL’s toughest divisions has tested the franchise, but Montreal’s history suggests that sustained success remains an eventual goal rather than a fading ambition.
