Habs Daily: Atlantic Division Predictions, DeSmith Trade Options

Published

1 year ago

August 21, 2023

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

The Montreal Canadiens have entered the nitty gritty of their rebuild, and though things seem to be advancing relatively well, general manager Kent Hughes has tempered the expectations for next season. [Canadiens Hughes Sets Expectations Within Bolstered Division]
The Habs made good on their promise to move Jeff Petry quickly, even if it wasn’t a great trade from an asset-management point of view. Now they need to find a new home for goaltender Casey DeSmith, but finding a good trade partner won’t be easy. [Montreal Canadiens Options For Trading Casey DeSmith]

Ryan Merkley might have to learn Chinese. The Beijing-in-name, but currently Moscow-based Kunlun Red Star announced the signing of Merkley to a one-year contract.[San Jose Sharks]
This week the hockey world mourned the loss of Buffalo Sabres play-by-play announcer Rick Jeanneret, who spent more than 50 years behind the microphone belting out goal calls with his iconic voice and flair for perfectly capturing the moment. Pittsburgh Penguins fans had a similar relationship with Mike Lange, whose expressions became pop culture lexicon quoted on TV shows and Sportscenter. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
Czech greats of the past and present were gathering in Litvinov on Saturday to celebrate the memory of former Detroit Red Wings star Petr Klima. And they did so in the best fashion possible – by playing a charity hockey game. [Detroit Red Wings]
He was free to sign with anyone, but Matthew Stienburg wanted to stick with the Colorado Avalanche. [Colorado Avalanche]
The Russian Ice Hockey Federation reportedly has appealed the IIHF’s ruling regarding the contract of Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ivan Fedotov. [Philadelphia Flyers]
The NHL trade chatter picked up a bit this past week. Will the Calgary Flames finally pull the trigger on a big trade? [Boston Bruins]