Habs Daily: Free Agents, 2024-25 Schedule, Coaching, Hage

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

Montreal Canadiens News

• The Montreal Canadiens did not want to offer term to any of the available free agents in 2024, but they can offer top-six minutes for a player who is looking to improve his overall value in the NHL. We suggested a few names that could fit the bill, but it’s worth noting that former Hab Tomas Tatar signed a one-year contract for just $1.8 million per season with the New Jersey Devils. [Canadiens Free Agency: Searching For The Next Sean Monahan]
• The Habs revealed their 2024-25 schedule, which includes yet another season-opening game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This time around, the Canadiens won’t be starting their season on the road, as they have in most recent NHL campaigns. [Montreal Canadiens 2024-25 Schedule And Notable Games]
• The Canadiens have announced some changes to their coaching crew, as Alex Burrows will no longer participate as an active coach behind the bench during every game. Burrows will now transition into being a player development consultant, a job he’ll share with former NHLer Lauri Korpikoski. The bulk of Korpikoski’s job will centre around prospects who are developing in Europe, such as Oliver Kapanen.
• The Habs struggle in transition, that much we know. Fortunately, Michael Hage, the 21st overall pick at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, happens to be a magician when it comes to neutral zone play. They’re different players, but you’d be hard-pressed to suggest he does not look like current Canadiens player Kirby Dach at times.

Michael Hage is one of the most dynamic puck rushers in the draft.

Dynamic speed, creative handling, deceptiveness to shift the defence and create lanes. Skilled shooter and passer. Details improved throughout the season.

Read more on @EPRinkside: https://t.co/VJX1Jczxm6 pic.twitter.com/1IyUf8Sj4g

— Mitchell Brown (@MitchLBrown) June 29, 2024

National Hockey Now Network

• Erik Brannstrom, once selected 15th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights back in 2017, is headed to the Avalanche on a one-year deal that will cost them $900k. He’ll now join the competition on the bottom pair for ice-time that includes Sam Malinski, Calle Rosen, and Jacob MacDonald. [Colorado Avalanche]
• The Pittsburgh Penguins added more depth on the left side of their blue line Tuesday, swiping a defenceman from the New York Islanders via free agency. The Penguins signed Sebastian Aho to a two-year contract worth $775,000 per season. It’s the fourth defenceman with NHL experience that Penguins and president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas have signed since the start of free agency Monday. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
• Soon after the clock struck noon on Monday, the Bruins announced the signings of Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, and more soon thereafter. In total, the Bruins added eight players, spending a combined total of more than $92 million–the most they’ve ever spent on the opening day of free agency since Sweeney assumed the head of the front office in 2015. [Boston Bruins]