Habs Daily: Slafkovsky’s Encouraging Progress, Trade Talk

Check out the latest Montreal Canadiens news, highlights, and stories you may have missed Wednesday.

Habs News

• There’s a disconnect when evaluating Juraj Slafkovsky. Charts used by some suggest he’s struggled, but as Montreal Canadiens fans know, context is everything. Here’s a deep dive into Slafkovsky’s encouraging development, keeping the important change in his usage in mind. [Canadiens Analysis: Slafkovsky Development Since Usage Change]
• Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki was clearly happy to be reunited with the youngest player in the lineup. Both Slafkovsky and Suzuki scored a pair of goals against the Washington Capitals.

#Habs Nick Suzuki on having Slafkovský back on his line with Cole Caufield: "we love playing together, we have a lot of fun out there on the ice together – just about getting those reps. We haven't played together for two and a half weeks so just getting back more comfortable…"

— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) February 7, 2024

• As for Slafkovsky, his confidence is evidently improving with every shift he takes. It’s a good reminder that he’s still the youngest player in the lineup, and he’s learning on the job, which is incredibly difficult.

"It happened to go in finally, it's nice to see. I'm getting a little confidence. I’ll just keep shooting I guess.” – Juraj Slafkovsky yesterday after his two goal game. pic.twitter.com/gz0ToyThiZ

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) February 7, 2024

• According to Pierre LeBrun, the Habs do not want to trade David Savard. They value his locker-room presence as well as other things covered by his veteran status. Incidentally, that’s almost exactly what Kent Hughes said about Joel Edmundson, whom he traded a few months later. He also said something similar before trading Artturi Lehkonen. And then there was the time Marc Bergevin said he wasn’t looking to trade P.K. Subban. And the time… [What’s Next For Canadiens Heading Into The NHL Trade Deadline]

LeBrun on Insider Trading: “I don’t believe the Montreal Canadiens want to trade David Savard, I think they value him for all kinds of reasons within the organization… If someone sends them an offer that really makes them think, then yea, he could be dealt…”

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) February 6, 2024

National Hockey Now Network

• It seems like the Arizona saga is finally coming to an end. The NHL is expected to make an announcement this weekend. All signs indicate that a move to Salt Lake City is in the works.

Expect the #NHL to make an announcement related to the Arizona Coyotes situation sometime soon after the Super Bowl. The league has been pressuring the team for answers on a daily basis for some time. The league buying the team from the #Yotes current owners is in play.

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) February 7, 2024

• It appears that the waiting game is coming to an impasse for rookie general manager Craig Conroy and the Calgary Flames when it comes to pending unrestricted free agent Noah Hanifin. [Calgary Flames]

• The New Jersey Devils came up with a big victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night. Despite falling behind quickly in the first period and folding like we’re used to seeing, a refreshed club displayed a short memory and quickly responded to tie the game. [New Jersey Devils]