Habs Daily: Slafkovsky Motivated, Laine’s Return, Prospects

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

Montreal Canadiens News

Even though he was clearly frustrated with the decision, Juraj Slafkosvky reacted well to the message sent by Martin St-Louis on Saturday night.

The Habs enjoyed one of their best outings of the season, a well-deserved 5-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The incredibly entertaining game featured fights, a demotion, as well as yet another key play by Nick Suzuki. [Canadiens Prospect Report: Hage, Harris, Fowler Excel In NCAA]

Even though he was clearly frustrated with the decision, Juraj Slafkosvky reacted well to the message sent by Martin St-Louis on Saturday night. The youngest player in the lineup was benched midway through the game, but was returned to the top line in the third period.

Juraj Slafkovsky on briefly getting benched last night:

“Obviously I wanted to play & I was a little mad at myself cause I knew that I had a couple of bad shifts. Just move on & focus on the next game. It’s already in the past so I can’t do much about what happened.” pic.twitter.com/52tVzMFUkE

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) November 17, 2024

Patrik Laine is expected to be ready to play in the next few weeks, but fans will have to be patient when it comes to his form. 2024-25 will serve as a tune-up for the sniper, with the real test coming next season. [Potential Impact Of Patrik Laine’s Return To Canadiens Lineup]

ICYMI: Several Montreal Canadiens prospects are off to a great start to the NCAA season. Jacob Fowler, Sam Harris, and Michael Hage are all on pace for a fantastic year with their respective teams. [Habs Highlights: Suzuki Goal, Xhekaj Fight, Slafkovsky Demoted]

National Hockey Now Network

The Pittsburgh Penguins youth movement is officially underway as 2022 first-round pick Owen Pickering will make his NHL debut Saturday against the San Jose Sharks at PPG Paints Arena. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

It was lots of smiles and laughs on the ice for the Colorado Avalanche at practice. And who was the loudest — the guy who isn’t even in the lineup, but remains a huge impact on the team. [Colorado Avalanche]

Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella confirmed after Saturday night’s 5-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres that defenseman Emil Andrae, the team’s exciting young defense prospect, suffered an undisclosed injury towards the end of the contest. [Philadelphia Flyers]