Canadiens Wrap-Up: Hughes’ Trade Strategy, Dach’s Growth

MONTREAL — There’s never a dull moment when it comes to the Montreal Canadiens, but many fans lead a very busy life, meaning it’s not always possible to keep up to date with every news story.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

Every Sunday we will recap the most exciting and relevant news stories that you may have missed throughout the week.

Monday

• Juraj Slafkovsky received some good and bad news when he showed up at practice on Monday.
• The top line of Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach & Cole Caufield has been dominant, and the numbers suggest it’s sustainable. But the rest of the lineup is failing to provide secondary scoring.
• The Montreal Canadiens announced Rem Pitlick would not participate in practice and would be placed on waivers
• With Josh Anderson suspended and Evgenii Dadonov about to come off IR, the Montreal Canadiens might need Gary Bettman‘s help to buy some time and avoid using waivers.

Tuesday

• Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes won his gamble, as Rem Pitlick cleared waivers and will report to Laval.
• TSN analyst Craig Button released his early projected roster to Team Canada at the WJC. There are 2 Habs prospects on the list, but 1 giant omission.
• The Canadiens placed Rem Pitlick on waivers, a decision met with widespread confusion, but it was a calculated risk focused on future dividends.

Wednesday

• Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky suspended for 2 Games
• It’s time for this week’s edition of the Canadiens Prospect Power Rankings! There was a lot of movement and a new player in the No.1 spot.
• Canadiens Logan Mailloux will need to be cleared by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman before being allowed to play in the NHL.

Thursday

• The Canadiens will be looking to deal as the season progresses, and Sean Monahan‘s name is already being linked to potential suitors.
• Video analysis on how Nick Suzuki‘s fantastic anticipation allows him to turn defensive awareness into scoring opportunities.
  
• The Montreal Canadiens continue to look for ways to create a market for their veteran forwards like Mike Hoffman and Evgenii Dadonov, and their recent play could be a big help.
• Now that Mike Hoffman has found his scoring rhythm Evgenii Dadonov should be next.

Friday

• Filip Mesar talks benefits of playing in the OHL, the World Juniors and which Canadiens players he wants to emulate.
• The World Junior selection camps will begin at the end of the month, and a few Montreal Canadiens prospects are heating up just at the right time.
• Josh Anderson‘s north-south style of play has led to a lot of exciting moments, but it’s simply not working within Martin St-Louis’ concepts. The Canadiens would be wise to start making trade calls sooner rather than later.
• The top-3 early-season surprises among Canadiens players.

Saturday

• Mike Matheson‘s imminent return will force the Montreal Canadiens to trim their roster down, and here are the likeliest waiver candidates.
• Rookie Jordan Harris discussed his early-season progress, as well as the play of his fellow rookies.