Habs Daily: Slafkovsky’s NHL Development, Lane Hutson Contract

All the latest Montreal Canadiens news, highlights, and stories from this past weekend.

Habs News

• Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes had some interesting views on Juraj Slafkovsky’s development path and what’s yet to come for their 1st overall pick. The development of Slafkovsky at this junction of the rebuild is crucial. [Canadiens Kent Hughes On Slafkovsky’s Development & Timeline]
• In addition to discussing Slafkovsky’s improvements, Hughes also mentioned he wants to see Lane Hutson sign his entry-level contract once Boston University’s season is over.

“We’d like to see [Lane Hutson] when the [NCAA] season is over, signed to a contract & start his pro career.” – Habs GM Kent Hughes on The Sick Podcast – The Eye Test (@sickpodnhl)

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 11, 2023

• Speaking of Hutson, for those wondering, he’s still very good. There’s room for improvement in his defensive play, but overall, the prospect is trending toward becoming a star player in the NHL.

Lane Hutson (MTL) remains one of the very best defencemen in the NCAA.

Arguably the best transition results, top-end playmaking numbers, a ton of penalties drawn. Defence remains the weak point. #GoHabsGo https://t.co/6piMwdTTkY pic.twitter.com/Rd5Hb2duuC

— Lassi Alanen (@lassialanen) December 12, 2023

• Defenceman Jordan Harris is expected to miss another two weeks.

Defenseman Jordan Harris continues his rehabilitation process and will skate after the team practice today. He is expected to return to play in approximately 10 to 14 days.#GoHabsGo

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 12, 2023

National Hockey Now Network

• Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, a day after getting a strong endorsement from his boss, said things are good six months into his time with president of hockey operations/general manager Kyle Dubas. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
• Over in Finland, Artturi Lehkonen’s father, Ismo Lehkonen, gave his opinion on what he’s seen so far from the Avalanche. For what it’s worth, he’s very qualified to speak on the matter. He played professional hockey in Finland for several years, and after his playing career was over, he moved into coaching, where he coached for nearly three decades. But his comment led to a response from Mikko Rantanen, who was not pleased when he met with the media to discuss the issue. [Colorado Avalanche]
• Previously, Philadelphia Flyers prospect Matvei Michkov was set to miss the KHL All-Star game due to illness, which was later revealed to be pneumonia. However, that didn’t stop the future Flyers star from showing up for the fans and his peers. [Philadelphia Flyers]