Habs Wrap: Draft Lottery Odds, Draft Options, Lane Hutson

MONTREAL — There’s never a dull moment when it comes to Montreal Canadiens hockey, but it’s not always possible to stay up to date with every breaking story. On Sundays, we recap the most exciting and relevant NHL news stories that you may have missed throughout the week so that you can stay in the Canadiens loop.

Monday

• ICYMI: Top Montreal Canadiens prospect Lane Hutson signed his entry-level contract with the team. The contract kicks in this season, which acts as insurance that Hutson won’t be tempted to delay procedures and eventually sign with another team. [Canadiens Tank Watch: Lottery Odds Decided In Final Games]

• Hutson made his NHL debut against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday or Tuesday. Here’s what the creative defenceman can bring to the table for the Habs. He possesses the type of skill set that could lead to a fantastic career in the NHL. [Habs Prospect Highlights: What To Expect From Top Prospect Lane Hutson]

• Jacob Fowler and the Boston College Eagles faced Sam Harris and the Denver Pioneers for the NCAA National Championship. The Pioneers emerged with a 2-0 win due to an all-time performance by their goaltender, Matt Davis. In the end, Fowler may not have one a National Championship during his first season in the league, but he definitely cemented his place as one of the team’s top prospects.  [ Habs Prospects Canadiens Prospects Face Off At NCAA National Championship]

• With the season winding down, every game carried a heightened sense of importance from an NHL Draft Lottery point of view.   [Canadiens Tank Watch: Lottery Odds Decided In Final Games]

• The Canadiens dropped Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Senators, losing 5-4 in the shootout. On top of improving their Draft Lottery odds, sniper Cole Caufield scored two goals, indicating he’s finishing the frustrating 2023-24 campaign on the right foot.[Canadiens Sniper Caufield Finishing Season On Right Foot]

Tuesday

• Luke Tuch followed in Lane Hutson’s footsteps by signing his entry-level contract this week. [What To Expect From Montreal Canadiens Prospect Luke Tuch]
• Speaking of Hutson, he was set to make his NHL debut on Monday when the Habs faced off against the desperate Red Wings. Head coach Martin St-Louis decided to pair Hutson with David Savard as a way to provide the young defenceman with a defensive partner who can serve as a mentor. [Canadiens Game 81: Top Prospect Hutson To Make NHL Debut]

• There were no expectations in Hutson’s case, at least not from St-Louis. The Canadiens coach simply wanted the 20-year-old to enjoy his NHL debut. Hutson also signalled that having fun on the ice was a priority during game one.[Canadiens Practice: Hutson and St-Louis Discuss NHL Debut]

• It took Hutson exactly two shifts to register his name on an NHL scoresheet, as his net drive early in the first period led to the game’s opening goal.  [GOTTA SEE IT: Lane Hutson Earns First Point In First Game]

• The Canadiens eventually dropped the decision, losing 5-4 in overtime. Hutson was far from perfect, and that’s perfectly fine. He had no time to study the playbook or build any chemistry with his new teammates.  [Canadiens: Hutson Earns First Point In Exciting Loss To Detroit]

Wednesday

• As expected, the Montreal Canadiens signed prospect Luke Tuch to a two-year, entry-level contract. There was a delay in the announcement as the parties agreed upon the start date, but Tuch’s camp finally acquiesced to a contract that kicks in next season.[Montreal Canadiens Sign NCAA Prospect To Entry-Level Contract]

• Both Lane Hutson and Logan Mailloux played a starring role during the final game of the season. The youth movement appears to be in fine shape, as Juraj Slakovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield also made their mark. There is a lot of work left to do when it comes to the rebuild, but it is fair to say the Habs finished the season on a high note despite the shootout loss. [Canadiens Youth Movement Offers Glimpse Into Promising Future]

• Brendan Gallagher no longer produces as much as he once did, but the rumours of his demise have been greatly exaggerated. The veteran is finding new ways to help his team despite the drastic change in his usage.[Veteran Brendan Gallagher’s Value To The Montreal Canadiens]

• The youngest player in the lineup reached two important milestones on Tuesday night. Not only did Slafkovsky score his 20th goal of the year after tipping a Hutson point shot, but it also happened to be the 50th point of his season.

Lane Hutson gets points in back-to-back games and Juraj Slafkovsky scores his 20th goal of the year.

The #GoHabsGo are providing a glimpse into the future tonight. pic.twitter.com/2qwuOpckPF

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 17, 2024

Thursday

• While the Montreal Canadiens certainly grew from an individual standpoint, there is much work left to be done when it comes to the team’s results. The decisions made this summer will impact the franchise for the next decade, if not more. The temptation to hasten the process is real, but Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton seem intent on sticking to the long-term plan. [Canadiens Management Preparing To Take The Next Step]

• The Canadiens announced they have exercised a two-year contract extension option for Martin St-Louis, which means the bench boss will be under contract for another three years. While most of the attention has been placed on the individual growth of players this season, it must be said St-Louis also improved several aspects of his coaching.  [Martin St-Louis Contract Extension Points To Growth As Coach]

• There was some good news from a health standpoint, as the forward Joshua Roy has been cleared to play after recovering from an injury that kept him out of action since mid-March. Roy, along with Jayden Struble, Justin Barron, and Logan Mailloux, will report to the AHL in an attempt to bolster the Laval Rocket’s playoff hopes. [Canadiens AHL Affiliate Receives Surprise Reinforcements]

• Mailloux was also named to the AHL’s All-Rookie Team. The defencemen enjoyed a very solid season, as evidenced by his 14 goals and 33 assists in 70 games.

Logan Mailloux nommé sur l’équipe d’étoiles des recrues de la AHL
(Attention aux oreilles sensibles à la fin du vidéo) 😉
Détails: https://t.co/Xo5HCaOsxZ

Logan Mailloux named to the AHL All-Rookie Team
More: https://t.co/Xo5HCaOsxZ#GoRocket pic.twitter.com/E4Y3eVRhGF

— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) April 17, 2024

• Despite reports to the contrary, defenceman Chris Wideman has not retired from the NHL.

Chris Wideman says he has not officially retired. He will continue working on getting healthy although he is uncertain on what his future holds. @TSN_Sports #Habs pic.twitter.com/bw3KdjQxON

— Kenzie Lalonde (@KenzieTSN) April 17, 2024

Friday

• Lane Hutson has the ability to walk the blue line with the greatest of ease. It’s rather entertaining, but it’s also beneficial for the Montreal Canadiens, as there’s a method to Hutson’s madness. [How Lane Hutson’s Chaotic Approach Benefits The Canadiens]

• There’s more to hockey than just points. However, there’s something to be said about Juraj Slafkovksy’s emergence season, particularly the second half of the year.

Throughout the season, Juraj Slafkovsky was often compared to fellow, talented big man & top draft pick Quinton Byfield, who struggled early in his NHL career before having a breakout season this year.

We were curious to see how their stats compared. pic.twitter.com/P7BP48kSgK

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 18, 2024

• Speaking of Slafkovksy, the 20-year-old winger suggests the best is yet to come, both for himself and Habs fans.

Juraj Slafkovsky on what he learned about himself this year & how he hopes to “repay” Habs fans next season.

👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/dYzmwSXTuI

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 18, 2024

• The Habs are no longer playing, but there’s still a team based in Montreal that is involved in important hockey games. The PWHL Montreal chapter is involved in a heated race to the top of the standings with Minnesota and Toronto. An entertaining comeback against Minnesota on Thursday night now means first place is in striking distance for Montreal. [PWHL Standings]

C'est pas fini tant que c'est pas fini 😉

What a comeback!

La marque finale est livrée par @UPS pic.twitter.com/QvRhri2eDt

— LPHF Montréal (@PWHL_Montreal) April 19, 2024

Saturday

• The Montreal Canadiens own a good trade asset in the Winnipeg Jets’ 1st-round pick, and certain playoff outcomes could make that pick more interesting than initially thought. [Playoff Outcomes Could Help Canadiens Draft Hopes]

• The Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, will not participate in the 2024 AHL playoffs. Goals from Mitchell Stephens and Lias Andersson put the Rocket in a good position on Friday, but the Belleville Senators stormed back to score three consecutive goals. The Rocket have another game against the Senators tomorrow, but the result will be inconsequential as North Division playoff spots have all been spoken for.

• Legendary Canadiens bench boss Scotty Bowman thinks the Canadiens are doing good work when it comes to the rebuild.

The NHL’s greatest coach of all time, Scotty Bowman gives the #Habs a B+ on their rebuild.

“They’re trending in the right direction… they’re developing a pretty solid defense core… they have to get a little bit bigger… I’m gonna give them a B+”#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast pic.twitter.com/z5yQ4trEkZ

— The Sick Podcast – The Eye Test (@sickpodnhl) April 19, 2024

• It appears that Nick Suzuki will not be heading to the World Championship. Considering how much his workload with the Canadiens weighs on him, it’s reasonable to suggest he deserves a break.

Dawson Mercer and Jared McCann added to Team Canada roster. Sidney Crosby is considering his invite. It sounds like Nick Suzuki and Travis Konecny have both opted not to play. https://t.co/pHlGJE1kS2

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 19, 2024

• Jordan Harris is one of the most affable players in the organization. He continues to play his part in the community by participating in charitable events.

Jordan Harris a fait bien heureux aujourd'hui en venant surprendre nos patineurs du programme de Bourses BLEU BLANC BOUGE au @CentreBell!

🤳@JHarris004's suprise appearance at our BLEU BLANC BOUGE Bursary skating party made lots of kids very happy… including a Leafs fan! pic.twitter.com/uHkuM8ClOR

— Fondation des Canadiens pour l'enfance (@CHCFondation) April 19, 2024