Habs Daily: Hage’s NCAA Debut, Staying Healthy, Kapanen

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

Montreal Canadiens News

Prospect Michael Hage enjoyed a solid start to his NCAA career. The 21st overall pick from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft earned two assists as the University of Michigan lost 5-2 versus Minnesota State.

Whitelaw from Hage and Hughes for Michigan’s first goal of the season pic.twitter.com/DVq6RuTxJZ

— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) October 4, 2024

Oliver Kapanen has played well enough to deserve a roster spot, and seeing as the Montreal Canadiens have no deadline to return him to Sweden, they can offer the versatile prospect an extended audition in the NHL.,  [Oliver Kapanen’s Contract Situation Improves Roster Odds]

Head coach Martin St-Louis is only hoping for one thing as the Canadiens play the Ottawa Senators in their final preseason game. The last time both teams met, several players were injured, in a game that also featured a bevy of fights. [Canadiens Instant Recap: Dach Fights, Xhekaj Ejected]

The team’s AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, lost 3-2 to the Belleville Senators in preseason action. It’s worth noting rough-and-tumble prospect Florian Xhekaj set up the first goal.

🚨 Arseneau
🍎 Hayes
🍏Xhekaj

1-1#GoRocket pic.twitter.com/AXLVh4pMmP

— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) October 4, 2024

National Hockey Now Network

After making the final round of cuts on Friday afternoon, the Philadelphia Flyers roster sits at the maximum 23 players, which includes 2024 first-round pick Jett Luchanko. [Philadelphia Flyers]

Just before Friday’s puck drop, the New Jersey Devils made their third and biggest round of cuts to their training camp roster. [New Jersey Devils]

The Panthers will have a grand unveiling of their 2024 Stanley Cup Final banner before Tuesday’s home opener against the Boston Bruins. It appears the team will take a more understated approach when it comes to two other new banners which are already hanging from the Amerant Bank Arena rafters. Last year, the Panthers hung the 2023 Eastern Conference championship banner prior to their home opener — putting a spotlight on it before the start of their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. [Florida Panthers]