Canadiens Daily
Canadiens Daily: Canadiens Trade Talk, Kadri Laughs Last At Blues, Racists
Before we get to your latest Montreal Canadiens, NHL and Stanley Cup playoffs news, let’s start with what transpired in St. Louis since late Saturday night and how professional, admirable, inspiring and clutch Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri has been for the last 48 hours.
After being pushed into St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington by Blues defenceman Calle Rosen, resulting in Binnington suffering a series-ending knee-injury, Kadri became the target of another childish temper tantrum from Binnington. The immature Binnington threw a water bottle at Kadri as the Avalanche center did a postgame interview on TNT.
Sadly that became the least of what Kadri would have to deal with as social media lit up with racial slurs and death threats aimed at Kadri, who is a Muslim. Things got so bad that one ignorant coward phoned the police with a death threat to Kadri, prompting them to put a full-time detail on Nazem Kadri at the team hotel for the Avalanche and a police escort to and from the rink.
After calling out Nazem Kadri for his past suspension history to prove there was intent to injure on the collision with Binnington Saturday, Blues head coach Craig Berube shrugged off a question Monday asking Berube about the racism and threats against Kadri.
Hockey culture at its finest ladies and gents. Head Coach of a National Hockey League team has no comment on a fellow player receiving death threats and Islamophobic slurs. Same guy that called a black player a monkey as a player. No issues here, as you were. https://t.co/wFtilMcqfy
— Akim Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) May 24, 2022
As Akim Aliu pointed out, that shouldn’t have been surprising considering Berube’s racist actions in the past.
So yes, Tim Peel, Nazem Kadri scoring a hat trick in a 6-3 Avalanche win in Game 4 was about him. Following a 48-hour period where he had to fear for his safety and withstand the racial culture that still permeates our game and culture, Kadri answered the bell the best way he could. He did this amidst challenges to fight, late hits, and more harassment from the classless Blues fans.
Apparently Tim doesn't know how to turn his typing mic off either? 🤦‍♂️ https://t.co/UYcph2uJON
— MurphysLaw74 (@MurphysLaw74) May 24, 2022
“I was able to read those messages,” Kadri said. “They were very extreme. Racial, threatening – all that good stuff. (The police) did a great job of making me feel safe, and I really appreciate it.”
Nazem Kadri told TNT after the game, “Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with that a long time. I just try to keep moving forward. I know that doesn’t reflect every fan in St. Louis. For those who hate, that was for them.”
Nazem Kadri shut the haters up after the Blues once again showed how much class and awareness they lack.
"For those who hate, that was for them."
Nazem Kadri spoke to the panel about his performance tonight in St. Louis and dealing with the threats he received after Game 3 pic.twitter.com/w88yIGm7Yf
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) May 24, 2022
Now onto the rest of your MHN Canadiens Daily:
Montreal Canadiens
Should the Montreal Canadiens try to acquire Chicago Blackhawks center Kirby Dach?
What could the next contract for Montreal Canadiens defenceman Alexander Romanov look like?
If plans to get an NHL team back in Quebec City ever get to the point of approval, Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson will play a major role in approving any plans for the return of the Canadiens-Nordiques rivalry.
National Hockey Now
BOS: There have been some ludicrous suggestions floating around Bruins Twitter and Facebook chatter that the Boston Bruins should trade Brad Marchand and Marchand let those supporting this know how ludicrous this idea is.
Pitt: Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ron Hextall told the media that the Fenway Sports Group is on board with his and Penguins President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke’s offseason plan.
WASH: What’s next for Washington Capitals and former Montreal Canadiens forward Lars Eller after a dismal 2021-22 season?
FLA: Another President’s Trophy winner bit the dust Monday night as the Florida Panthers were swept by the Tampa Bay Lightning.Â
DET: What will the offseason bring for the Detroit Red Wings?
Vegas: How does Bryan Rust’s new contract affect the next contract for Vegas Golden Knights forward Reilly Smith?
San Jose: Is ESPN and NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes a leading candidate for the general manager job for the San Jose Sharks?
Canada Hockey Now
Calgary: The Calgary Flames want to get back to their roots in Game 4.
VAN: The Vancouver Canucks have made some coaching changes.Â