MHN Daily: Fights, Xhekaj’s Role, Trade Options, OHL Call-Ups

Published

1 year ago

January 20, 2023

Marc Dumont

All the latest Montreal Canadiens news, as well as the most recent news from around the NHL.

Arber Xhekaj has become much more than just a good story for the Canadiens. He’s filling a crucial role that is necessary during a rebuild, both for the team and the fans.
Seeing as the team has an abundance of left-handed defencemen, Kent Hughes is ready to use some of his depth if the opportunity arises on the NHL trade market.
There’s a legitimate possibility some of the Canadiens’ CHL prospects, such as Owen Beck, Joshua Roy, Filip Mesar, and Riley Kidney, could end up playing for the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge in the near future.
The Canadiens lost 6-2 to the Florida Panthers, in a game that featured a multitude of fights from players like Xhekaj, Mike Matheson, and Michael Pezzetta.

NYI: The New York Islanders did not do rookie William Dufour any favours during his NHL debut. Here’s what went wrong.
BOS: Linus Ullmark is in the midst of a breakout season for the Boston Bruins, although he admitted it can be overwhelming at times.
PGH: The Pittsburgh Penguins need reinforcements, but Ron Hextall’s moves have been few and far between. Where is Hextall?
PHI: Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella did not back down after his decision to keep Ivan Provorov in the lineup.
WSH: Washington Capitals forward Jakub Vrana scored his first goal since returning from the NHL/NHLPA’s Player Assistance Program.
FLA: The Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice was fined $25,000 for criticizing the referees following his team’s 5-4 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
DET: The Detroit Red Wings are facing the Vegas Golden Knights at the perfect time.
VGK: Fans heading to Golden Knights games will have to deal with significant delays due to construction near T-Mobile Arena.
SJS: San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson has found the fountain of youth, and shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to adding his name to the scoresheet.