Habs Daily: Roy Recalled, Dach & Slafkovsky Demoted, Demidov

Take a look at the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Monday.

Montreal Canadiens News

It was a very busy Monday, starting with the promotion of Joshua Roy from the AHL. Roy has 16 points in 17 games for the Laval Rocket this season, and based on his numbers last year, it was rather shortsighted to send him to the AHL due to a poor performance at training camp that involved minimal minutes. Montreal can’t afford any unforced errors, such as leaving one of their best forwards in 2023-24 in the AHL while their NHL lineup struggles to find its rhythm. [Canadiens Prospect Joshua Roy Deserves More Respect]

Les Canadiens ont rappelé l’attaquant Joshua Roy du Rocket de Laval.

The Canadiens have recalled forward Joshua Roy from the Laval Rocket.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/dHrcrgl2Lp

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 25, 2024

The Habs were on the upswing prior to Saturday’s disheartening loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, but you’d be hard-pressed to suggest new forward combinations were not in order. That being said, placing Juraj Slafkovsky on the fourth line seems like an unreasonable reaction when we consider he’s among the best players on the team in points per 60 (5v5). Using Dach on the fourth line makes a little more sense, as he’s failed to show any manner of tangible improvements this season, and has regressed significantly since the time he joined the team. His injury history dictates that he will need more time to get into game shape, but there’s no doubting his current issues go beyond a little rust. He’s making poor decisions that are out of character, which suggests confidence is at an all-time low. [Message Sent: Canadiens Run New Lines, Demote Top Players]

It should also be noted that Patirk Laine participated in the team’s practice, and is no longer wearing the blue non-contact jersey. Don’t expect him to return to play this week, but it does seem like he’s on the cusp of being activated from the injured reserve. [Potential Impact Of Patrik Laine’s Eventual Return]

Un chandail rouge pour Patty Laine

One step closer#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/IWzPNjXvBf

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 25, 2024

With Roy in the NHL the Canadiens needed to find a roster spot. Consequently, forward Lucas Condotta was re-assigned to the AHL. [Canadiens]

Ivan Demidov’s teammate in the KHL, Tony DeAngelo, recently discussed the Canadiens prospect’s incredible potential, as well as his eventual arrival in the NHL.

Tony DeAngelo on his SKA teammate Ivan Demidov:

“He’s a world class talent.” pic.twitter.com/MquCezzi8b

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) November 25, 2024

Speaking of Demidov, check out this fantastic highlight video covering his excellent play in the KHL this season.

National Hockey Now Network

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a minor trade Monday that they hope will eventually pay more than small dividends. They acquired former first-round pick Philip Tomasino from the Nashville Predators for a 2027 fourth-round pick. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

As trade talks and rumours continue to heat up around the NHL, the Philadelphia Flyers have been named as a potential trade destination for one of the hottest names on the market: Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman David Jiricek. [Philadelphia Flyers]

Lost amid the first losing streak of the season for the Florida Panthers is what Sam Reinhart has been doing for the defending Stanley Cup Champions. [Florida Panthers]