Habs Daily: Free Agents, Xhekaj’s Place In The Lineup, Gallagher

All the latest Habs news, recent Montreal Canadiens stories, as well as information from around the National Hockey League.

Habs News

• The Montreal Canadiens will not qualify pending restricted free agent Denis Gurianov, though they are reportedly open to the idea of negotiating a contract that would cost the team less than $2.9M per season. They’re also interested in re-signing Sean Monahan, at the right cost. [Canadiens Must Proceed With Caution Regarding Free Agents]
• The latest edition of the Habs Mailbag discusses Arber Xhekaj’s future, Brendan Gallagher’s resurgence, the NHL Draft, the time Zdeno Chara sucker punched Raitis Ivanans, and much more.  [Canadiens Mailbag: Xhekaj’s future, Gallagher, Chara vs Ivanans]

National Hockey Now Network

• Despite suffering a serious sternum injury, Matthew Tkachuk gave the Florida Panthers everything he could during their run to the Stanley Cup Final. [Florida Panthers]
• The Chicago Blackhawks have salary cap space to give and would likely be more than happy to take on some contracts teams wouldn’t want–especially if it’s including a sweetener in the way of a draft pick or prospect. [Chicago Blackhawks]
• From the depth to prominent players like Conn Smyth winner Jonathan Marchessault and Adin Hill, the big defensemen to coach Bruce Cassidy’s fit behind the Golden Knights bench, Dan Kingerski broke down how it went down and put a bow on the “Cup in Six” championship that owner Bill Foley incredibly predicted. [Vegas Golden Knights]
• The buyout period runs from Jun. 16 through Jun. 30, but it’s debatable whether a buyout makes sense for the San Jose Sharks this summer. But perhaps there will be a surprise buyout from GM Mike Grier, like when he bought out Rudolfs Balcers last off-season. [San Jose Sharks]
• The NHL released the official order for the 2023 NHL Draft on Thursday, and unless they trade up, the Boston Bruins will have to wait until the 92nd overall pick to draft their first player. [Boston Bruins]
• The Penguins have not exercised the buyout window since former GM Jim Rutherford bought out Jack Johnson in October 2020. Still, the 2023 window will be the new Penguins president of hockey operations and Interim GM Kyle Dubas’s first major personnel decision. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
• Former Flyers forward Simon Gagne has been named general manager of the Quebec Remparts, recent winners of the prestigious Memorial Cup. [Philadelphia Flyers]