Habs Daily: Canadiens Rebuild Outlook, NCAA Playoffs, St-Louis

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Monday.

• How close are the Montreal Canadiens to putting an end to their rebuild and becoming legitimate Stanley Cup contenders? It depends on a myriad of factors. There are several important elements already in place, but as is the case for most franchises, there’s still a lot of work to be done. Our expert analyst took an in-depth look at the team’s current roster, the franchise’s outlook, and the potential timeframe for the team to be judged as a true Cup contender. [Canadiens Roster Outlook: How Close Are They To Contending?]

• There was some good news on Monday as head coach Martin St-Louis will rejoin the team ahead of their game against the Colorado Avalanche. In addition, his son’s situation has stabilized, which is the best news of all. [Habs Head Coach Martin St-Louis Rejoins Team]

• The NCAA’s Frozen Four tournament is upon us! This means several of the top Habs prospects will be in action, including Jacob Fowler (Boston College) and Lane Hutson (Boston University). We published a Canadiens-related cheat sheet for all the forthcoming NCAA action, including schedules, which prospects will be involved, and the impact it will have on when players such as Hutson sign their entry-level contracts and make their NHL debuts. [NCAA Frozen Four Schedule And Impact On Canadiens Prospects]

• Speaking of Hutson, check out this cool video that was edited via colour grading.

3…2…1…🎨

Color Grading Lineup Introductions from the Hockey East Championship at TD Garden🎥✂️ pic.twitter.com/k7h16qfQoH

— Bernie Perisie (@bernieperisie) March 25, 2024

• Team Captain Nick Suzuki is always focused on the present. He offers the same type of impressive work rate every night. But that doesn’t mean he is not keeping an eye on some of the long-term possibilities that come with being one of the best players in the league. Say, for example, earning a roster spot with Team Canada at the Olympics.

Reporter: "Do you think about making Team Canada in the Olympics?"

Nick Suzuki: "Yeah I've definitely thought about it a lot. I'd love to be part of that team. We'll see what happens, I just gotta keep doing my job, show what type of player I could be & we'll see what happens” pic.twitter.com/Xwy1BN040t

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) March 25, 2024

• Former Avalanche forward Alex Newhook is excited to face the team that drafted him. He’s also thankful for his time with the Avalanche, even if it ended with an unceremonious exit from the franchise.

#Habs Alex Newhook: "I'm very thankful for my time in Colorado and don't think I'd be where I am without the [#GoAvsGo] organization and without the help of everyone there but I'm happy to be here and happy to be going into tomorrow night."

— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) March 25, 2024

National Hockey Now Network

• If there was ever a time when Frank Nazar made his strongest case for an entry-level deal, it was this weekend. Of course, there are still games left to play with the Michigan Wolverines. But the sophomore made an emphatic yet to be inked by the Chicago Blackhawks as soon as it’s possible. [Chicago Blackhawks]

• The Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads that were stolen on their way to Pittsburgh have been recovered, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced Monday, and the team has plans to get them into fans’ hands. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

• The Florida Panthers added another undrafted college player to their ranks on Monday, announcing the signing of University of Minnesota-Duluth sophomore Ben Steeves to an entry-level contract. [Florida Panthers]