Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens Prediction, NHL Odds
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens revive a classic rivalry on Thursday night. This kicks off a home-and-home series between the two Original Six rivals, and while it may only be preseason, it should bring lots of emotion.
On Thursday night, the Bell Centre should be rocking as each team throws a mix of starters, rookies, and players trying to prove their worth. Combined, these teams have a 3-0-1 record in the preseason, but how will this one shape up?
Check back for updated lines on the NHL odds.
Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens NHL Betting Odds
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 1-0-1 after two games against the Ottawa Senators in the 2025 NHL preseason so far. They’ve recorded seven goals for and allowed seven goals against. On the flip side, the Montreal Canadiens are 2-0-0 after playing the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, and are playing in their third consecutive road game. They’ve scored six goals in that span, while giving up just three goals.
Last season, the Maple Leafs won the series 3-1-0, and have three straight wins against Montreal in the regular season. They also won each of the two preseason battles last season.
Toronto Maple Leafs
An era without Mitch Marner is here for the Maple Leafs after almost 10 seasons with his childhood team. Head coach Craig Berube has an important preseason to see just what his roster could look like. Luckily for him, the same starting six defencemen remain on the team, as well as the two goaltenders from last season.
Although there has already been some roster drama. The team has announced that goaltender Joseph Woll has left the team to attend to a personal matter, with no timeline for his return. Furthermore, key players Max Domi, Simon Benoit, and Nic Roy are banged up. Star forward Matthew Knies also left for a brief moment after an awkward collision in their most recent game. He later returned to the game.
The season hasn’t started yet, but all of these things must be monitored closely.
Montreal Canadiens
Things are starting to look bright in Montreal. After missing the playoffs for three straight seasons, they returned last season. It was a quick five-game series in a losing effort to the Washington Capitals, but it was still a great step for this young team.
Management has seen this emergence of the team and has continued to bolster the squad. Stud defenceman Noah Dobson leads the way in roster additions after a trade in June. They have started the preseason strong with two wins and will look to continue the trend in building momentum against Toronto.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens?
I think the Montreal Canadiens can take down the Maple Leafs on home ice. Toronto just played most of its A-team in their most recent preseason game, meaning we may see minimal starters hit the ice. This is especially true with some injury issues.
Montreal is on its way out of a rebuild, and over the past few years, they have picked up plenty of exciting young talent. I expect that to be on display in a highly motivated effort.
