The Jacques Beauchamp-Molson Trophy is awarded annually to the Canadiens player who played a crucial yet often overlooked role throughout the regular season—someone who made a dominant impact without receiving other individual accolades.
Established in 1981 to honour the legacy of legendary sportswriter Jacques Beauchamp, who devoted much of his career to covering the Canadiens, the trophy was first awarded to Doug Jarvis following the 1981-82 campaign.
David Savard has been the recipient the past two seasons, but this year, the field is wide open with several deserving candidates.
Josh Anderson
From powerhorse to scapegoat—and now, back to being a force. Anderson has seen it all in a Habs uniform. Before Martin St-Louis took over behind the bench, Anderson was averaging 28 goals per 82 games. Injuries and the transition to a new system took their toll, but this season, he’s turned the corner. While the goal totals haven’t fully bounced back, his impact is undeniable—driving the forecheck, carrying the play, and perhaps most surprisingly, stepping up defensively, even becoming a fixture on the penalty kill. To further enhance his candidacy, he is said to having played most of the season through an injury that most players would have sat for.
Brendan Gallagher
Much like his linemate Anderson, Gallagher has battled through injury setbacks since the Canadiens’ 2021 Cup Final run. The adjustment to St-Louis’ system wasn’t easy for him either—but this year, he’s rediscovered his game. Reaching the 20-goal mark again was something few expected, but he did it. As always, Gallagher brings heart, grit, and unrelenting effort—a heartbeat player in every sense.
Jake Evans
Evans came flying out of the gate to start the season and looked like the frontrunner for this award early on. Though his offensive output has dipped since the New Year, his work on the penalty kill remains elite—among the NHL’s very best. He still brings immense value and deserves to be in the conversation.
Christian Dvorak
While Evans faded, Dvorak surged. After a quiet start to the year, he’s come alive down the stretch. Centering a line with Gallagher and Anderson, Dvorak has been a key driver of momentum and offensive pressure. His faceoff prowess and trust from the coaching staff in high-stakes situations give him a solid case for consideration.
Alexandre Carrier
Carrier’s arrival from Nashville in exchange for Justin Barron sparked debate—but there’s no question his presence has brought stability. With Savard taking a step back this season, Carrier has emerged as a steady, veteran presence on the right side. His defensive reliability has quietly elevated the team’s back end.
And the winner is…
In my view, while all of the above are worthy candidates, two stand out: Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher. Both have weathered criticism and emerged as leaders this season, contributing with energy, physicality, and strong minutes in all situations.
If I had a vote, it would go to Josh Anderson. The X-factor? His newfound role on the penalty kill—a significant evolution in his game that adds real value to St-Louis’ lineup.
That said, Gallagher would get my nod for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy—a player who continues to exemplify perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game.
So, Habs fans—who’s your pick for this year’s Jacques Beauchamp-Molson Trophy?
