Canadiens Wrap-Up: Suzuki Disrespect, Xhekaj’s Fights, Trades

MONTREAL — There’s never a dull moment when it comes to the Montreal Canadiens, but it’s not always possible to keep up to date with every breaking news story.

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

Monday

• The Montreal Canadiens started the week by giving defenceman Mike Matheson a leadership position. He will serve as an alternate captain, an easy decision for all concerned. [Canadiens Defenceman Mike Matheson Perfect Leadership Choice]
• Head coach Martin St-Lous is taking a measured approach when discussing the expectations for forward Juraj Slafkosvky. [Slafkovsky & St-Louis Discuss Approach Next Season]

Tuesday

• No player commanded more attention throughout the summer than Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield. Thankfully, he’s 100% healthy and champing at the bit to get back on the ice.[Caufield Poised For A Strong Season]
• Martin St-Louis doesn’t want to create any preconceived notions regarding newcomer Alex Newhook. He’ll be using the upcoming training camp to evaluate all his players, including the former Colorado Avalanche forward. [St-Louis Giving Newcomer Newhook A Fresh Start]

Wednesday

• Former Canadiens goaltender coach Stephane Waite wanted to compliment Brendan Gallagher by saying he was the “real” captain of the Habs, but by doing so he clearly disrespected the actual captain, Nick Suzuki. [Former Canadiens Goalie Coach’s Lack Of Respect For Suzuki]
• Defenceman Arber Xhekaj met with the media to discuss the fighters that were added by various teams in the division. He responded to the questions perfectly. [Xhekaj Discusses Fighters In Atlantic Division]
• Trading goaltender Casey DeSmith won’t be easy, but an option may have opened up now that the Colorado Avalanche are looking for a backup. [Canadiens May Find Trade Partner For DeSmith]

Thursday

• There was a time when rookie tournaments were nothing but a goon show. Thankfully, that has changed. Nowadays, the Canadiens’ Rookie Camp holds value from a developmental standpoint. [Canadiens Rookie Camp Holds Value For Development Team]
• The Habs swung a BLOCKBUSTER of a deal this week. And by blockbuster, we mean the trade will go down in history as one of the deals the team completed at some point. [Canadiens Complete Minor Trade With The Senators]
• There might not be many roster spots available on the Montreal Canadiens this year, but a solid performance from certain rookies could earn one of them a small cup of coffee to start the season. [Rookie Camp Fuels Internal Competition]

Friday

• The Habs rookies participated in their first game of the 2023 Prospect Challenge. Owen Beck and William Trudeau stood out from the crowd. [Highlights: Beck And Trudeau Stand Out]
• In this week’s edition of the Canadiens Mailbag, we discussed Lias Andersson’s future, Joshua Roy’s potential, the Laval Rocket, Emil Heineman, the goaltending situation, golf partners, Martin St-Louis’ bilingualism, the Xhekajs, and much more.[Habs Mailbag: Top Canadiens Prospects, Goalie Situation, Trades]
• The Montreal Canadiens have announced their 2023 Rookie camp roster, with 27 players invited to attend the festivities. The Canadiens rookie camp opens on September 13, in Brossard. Here are some players you should watch closely. [Eight Montreal Canadiens Players To Watch At 2023 Rookie Camp]

Saturday

• It won’t be easy to make the NHL roster, but prospect Emil Heineman brings something crucial to the table that the Montreal Canadiens lack: shooting talent. [Prospect Emil Heineman’s Odds Of Making The Roster]
• After a rough outing in the first game of the tournament, prospect Logan Mailloux bounced back nicely against the Boston Bruins. Joshua Roy also had an excellent game, showing that he deserves to be considered one of the team’s best prospects. Goaltender Quentin Miller also had a strong showing. [Hightlights: Roy, Mailloux, And Miller Shine Against Bruins]