Habs Daily: Armia Masterton Trophy Nominee, Ylonen’s Future

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

Habs News

• Joel Armia was the Montreal Canadiens nominee for the Masterton Trophy, given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. The 30-year-old winger was sent to the AHL twice this season, usually the death knell for a player who has struggled to find his rhythm of late. But Armia took the demotions like a true professional, returning to the NHL with a reinvigorated sense of duty. Consequently, Armia managed to match his career high in goals, with 16.  [Joel Armia Selected As The Canadiens’ Masterton Trophy Nominee]

• It was supposed to be a breakout season for 24-year-old forward Jesse Ylonen. But things quickly went awry, as his usage has been less than ideal considering his skill set. Can he manage to find a permanent role on the team? He’ll have to convince Canadiens management he deserves it, and that won’t be easy. [Can Jesse Ylonen Find a Niche Role With the Montreal Canadiens]

• The Laval Rocket got off to a strong start on Friday night against the Syracuse Crunch, spearheaded by Justin Barron’s second goal of the season. But the Crunch quickly took over, earning a well-deserved 3-1 win. The scoreline was rather flattering for Jean-Francois Houle’s team, as Jakub Dobes was forced to make countless big saves. With the loss, the Rocket’s playoff hopes have dwindled significantly. Every team in the North Division has games in hand and Laval only has five remaining games in their regular-season schedule.

• Filip Mesar helped the Kitchener Rangers take a 3-1 series stranglehold on the Erie Otters. Mesar set up the game-winning goal in overtime, pushing his playoff production to eight points in five games. The next game of the series is scheduled for Tuesday night in Erie.

#GoHabsGo prospect Filip Mešár gets the primary assist on Trent Swick's GWG in overtime.

His 8th point in 5 games.

With the win, Kitchener puts Erie on the brink. pic.twitter.com/fpSn5NpnoH

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 6, 2024

• Jacob Fowler led all NCAA goaltenders in wins this season, with 31, but it will all be for naught if Boston College can’t beat Michigan at the Frozen Four. As a reminder, the game between BC and Michigan takes place on April 11th at 7:30 pm ET.

Only a few skates left on the home ice. pic.twitter.com/A8WL58pGuG

— BC Men's Hockey (@BC_MHockey) April 5, 2024

National Hockey Now Network

• As if being the American Hockey League’s player of the week wasn’t enough, how about being the AHL’s Player of the Month, too? Cole Guttman nabbed both honours with the heater he’s been on dating back to the start of the month. During the 12 IceHogs games in March, Guttman had 22 points with an even 11 goals and assists.[Chicago Blackhawks]

• The Pittsburgh Penguins’ shootout loss in Columbus last Saturday was not their only excruciating defeat in 2023-24. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

• Chris MacFarland just had a dynamite trade deadline, reshaping his Colorado Avalanche in hopes of a long playoff run. It’s never too early to start thinking about next season, though. On Wednesday, the Avalanche announced that they had re-signed veteran center Chris Wagner to a one-year contract for the 2024-25 season. [Colorado Avalanche]