Montreal (0-0-0) at Toronto (0-0-0)
- When: Oct 8 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON, CAN
- TV: ESPN+
Montreal vs Toronto NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Toronto -168
Spread: Toronto -1.5 (+150)
Total: 6.0
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Outlook
The Maple Leafs are turning the page on a new era, one without Mitch Marner. After years of speculation, Toronto finally parted ways with the All-Star winger in a sign-and-trade deal with Vegas, marking the end of an era and the start of what the franchise hopes is a grittier, more balanced roster.
Marner’s departure removes 102 points from the lineup, but Toronto’s leadership core isn’t panicking. Captain Auston Matthews and veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly both emphasized the team’s renewed focus and motivation after another playoff letdown. Toronto has made the postseason nine years in a row but hasn’t advanced past the second round since the Beatles topped the charts.
Head coach Craig Berube’s arrival signals a cultural shift, expect tighter defense, more forechecking, and less of the finesse-first hockey that’s defined this group for too long. The Leafs made several under-the-radar additions, including Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, and Nicolas Roy, aiming to strengthen depth and physical play. Maccelli will get an early chance to prove his worth, skating alongside Matthews and Matthew Knies on the top line.
Between the pipes, Anthony Stolarz gets the nod with newcomer Cayden Primeau backing up, as Joseph Woll remains away for personal reasons. Berube’s system will put more pressure on the defense to protect the crease, something Toronto hasn’t done consistently in years.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Outlook
The Canadiens enter the season trending upward and brimming with optimism. After a rocky start last year, they clawed their way into the playoffs behind breakout seasons from Nick Suzuki (89 points) and Lane Hutson, who captured the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie with 66 points from the blue line.
Montreal’s front office kept building over the summer, adding defenseman Noah Dobson, forward Zack Bolduc, and preparing for a full season from Ivan Demidov, a dynamic young forward and early Calder candidate. Their core, Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, gives the Habs a legitimate top line capable of keeping pace with high-powered opponents.
Goaltender Sam Montembeault will start the opener after establishing himself as Montreal’s most reliable option last year. He’ll need to be sharp against a Maple Leafs team that still boasts elite offensive firepower even without Marner. Head coach Martin St. Louis continues to preach growth and maturity, noting that Montreal isn’t “starting over,” but rather “building on” last year’s progress.
NHL Prediction & Betting Angle
Toronto enters the season opener with questions but plenty of confidence. The Leafs’ revamped lineup and home-ice energy should give them the edge in a fast-paced, physical battle. Montreal’s youth and speed will keep it close, but Toronto’s experience prevails late.
Score Prediction: Maple Leafs 4, Canadiens 2
Pick: Toronto -1.5 (+150)
Total: Under 6.5 Alt Lines (-135)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
