As the Montreal Canadiens prepare for a pivotal 2025-2026 campaign, the team’s defensive lineup has quietly undergone a transformation that few could have predicted just a year ago.

With new faces arriving and young talent emerging, whispers around the Bell Centre suggest that the blue line is no longer the weak link it once was.

But just how much has changed, and what does this mean for the Canadiens’ chances in the fiercely competitive Atlantic Division?

A recent radio segment ignited passionate debate among fans and experts alike, bringing one player’s name into the spotlight and raising an eyebrow-raising question that few dared to consider before.

Is Montreal’s defensive corps now among the elite in the East, or is this newfound optimism simply wishful thinking? And what about the bold claim involving a rising star and a storied rival—could it be true?

One host’s statement has sent shockwaves through the hockey community, challenging conventional wisdom and forcing a fresh look at the Canadiens’ roster.

As the season approaches, all eyes are on a young defenseman whose role may be more significant than anyone expected. What was said, and why has it fueled such heated discussion? The answer might surprise you.

Apr 1, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle (21) skates during the warmup period before the game against the Florida Panthers at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The arrival of Noah Dobson and Lane Hutson’s exceptional rookie season have completely changed the situation for the Montreal Canadiens’ defensive brigade.

Considered fairly average a year ago, it’s safe to say that Martin St-Louis can now rely on a solid group of defensemen for the 2025-2026 season.

Without claiming it’s the best defense in the National Hockey League, the Canadiens’ blue line can still be compared to some of the powerhouses in the Atlantic Division-and a comment heard on a radio station has sparked a lot of discussion.

During a segment on BPM Sports, the hosts asked whether the Montreal Canadiens had one of the best defensive brigades in the Atlantic Division.

A big statement about Kaiden Guhle and the Toronto Maple Leafs that says a lot about the Montreal Canadiens’ defensive brigade

That’s when Olivier Paiement chimed in and made a revealing statement about the strength of the Canadiens’ defense group:

“Kaiden Guhle would be a number one defenseman with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Here, he’s the third (following the major acquisition of Noah Dobson).”

– Olivier Paiement via BPM Sports

Wow!

Can we really say that if Kaiden Guhle were a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he would be their number one defenseman?

That statement doesn’t sound so far-fetched when comparing the defensive rosters of the two teams.

Aside from Morgan Rielly, it’s hard to argue Craig Berube has many Norris Trophy candidates to manage.

But regardless of the BPM Sports host’s opinion, one thing remains clear: the upcoming season will be a crucial one for Kaiden Guhle.