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Habs Wrap: Free Agent Trade Scenarios, Laine’s Impact , Demidov

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4 weeks ago

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jake evans montreal canadiens

MONTREAL — There’s always Montreal Canadiens content to absorb, but there are only so many hours in a day. 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

Sniper Cole Caufield did not want to spend much time discussing the snub from Team USA for the upcoming 4 Nations Faceoff. He preferred to take the high road when questioned. Caufield leads all American players in goals scored this season, with 17. His closest competition from a countryman is Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor, who has scored two fewer goals in one additional game.

The snub could serve as motivation for the 23-year-old forward down the stretch of the season, as he’ll be hungry to prove he can sustain his excellent scoring rate. It won’t be easy, but an uptick in shot production would help mitigate the inevitable regression in his shooting percentage, which is currently 22.4 percent in all situations.

Patrik Laine scored twice in as many games while making his Canadiens debut, and while his powerplay prowess was on full display, the impact he made while the team is on the man-advantage has been quite significant from a statistical standpoint. Even-strength play is another matter, but that was to be expected when we consider he missed a year’s worth of hockey. [Top 3 Things To Expect With Patrik Laine In The Canadiens Lineup]

The Canadiens were attempting to put together their first three-game win streak of the season, but a solid effort versus the Washington Capitals was stymied by goaltender Logan Thompson, leading to a 4-2 loss for Martin St-Louis’ troops. The good news is that Alex Newhook looked pretty good on the top line, a necessary step if he’s to become a key player for the Habs. [Habs Highlights: Caufield Scores Again, Thompson Frustrates]

Prospect Filip Mesar scored five points in five games to open his rookie season in the AHL, but has been kept out of the lineup ever since due to a lower-body injury. Mesar was spotted practising with Paul Byron on Friday, connoting a potential return to play in the relatively near future.

Top prospect Owen Beck had a hell of a week in the AHL. He opened it up with a goal on Wednesday versus Syracuse, following it up with yet another goal on Friday against the team’s rival, the Toronto Marlies. Unfortunately, the Rocket lost Friday’s game 3-2, but they quickly bounced back on Saturday afternoon thanks to a three-point effort from Beck, who now leads the Rocket in scoring. The game-winning goal came with less than 20 seconds on the clock, though it was far from the first time we’ve watched Beck steal the show during a big moment, as evidenced by his MVP performance at the Memorial Cup last summer.

With the five-point week in the bank, Beck now has seven goals and 13 assists in 23 games, which pro-rates to a 22-goal, 41-assist, 72-game rookie season. Consistency is always key in the professional setting, but given that Beck has quickly adapted to every major change in his career, there’s a healthy chance the best is yet to come.

Oliver Kapanen also enjoyed a solid weekend. He scored his first goal of the season against Brynas, following it up with a two-goal effort against Lulea. The Finn now has three goals and five assists in nine games since the Canadiens loaned him to Timra.

 

ICYMI: The Habs made a trade on Friday, though it seems like they were probably forced into it, as prospect Jacob Perreault was not happy with his situation, which involved an assignment to the ECHL. Kent Hughes sent Perreault to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer. [Montreal Canadiens Make Minor Trade With The Oilers]

Tuesday

Sniper Patrik Laine scored his third powerplay goal since returning to play just four games ago, enabling the Canadiens to beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in the shootout. Laine joined Cole Caufield in scoring shootout goals, while Samuel Montembeault was perfect, providing yet another great performance for the Habs since Team Canada announced he’d take part in the 4 Nations Faceoff tournament.

Monday’s game was broadcast on Amazon Prime, part of the new Monday night hockey schedule, and you’d be hard-pressed to say it wasn’t leagues better than most broadcasts. The video editing was great, they provided new angles on a crystal-clear feed, and the analysis was top-notch. [Habs Highlights: Patrik Laine Can’t Stop Scoring Powerplay Goals]

The game also featured yet another assist from rookie Lane Hutson, who set a record Canadiens record in the process with a seven-game points streak. It’s worth noting Hutson has assisted on all three of Laine’s powerplay goals this season.

The goals from Laine have been great, but his impact goes beyond filling the net on the man advantage. Laine was clearly disappointed that the Canadiens were being outplayed, despite his first-period goal, and said as much during the first intermission. The second line, which features Laine, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Kirby Dach were part of that problem, but their play improved significantly as the game unfolded. A little accountability sometimes goes a long way.

Laine was in good spirits once the Canadiens secured the win.


Kirby Dach scored his second goal of the season after Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal offered up an early Christmas gift. Dach was quick to point to the support from teammates during the difficult start to the season.

Former Canadiens minority owner Michal Andlauer is not happy with what appears to be tampering from the New York Rangers, regarding current Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk.

Wednesday

Top prospect Ivan Demidov turned 19, and while there’s no doubt he’s still the most talented player in the team’s prospect pool, the ice time issue has resurfaced in the KHL. Demidov has been kept under 10 minutes of ice time since November 11, and has only produced one assist in that stretch.

Despite the ridiculous usage, he’s still on pace for a very good season, but it’s hard to get excited about SKA games when Demidov is being used sparingly. The good news is that he only signed a one-year contract, which means he’s free to sign his ELC and join the organization this summer.

Last season, Juraj Slafkovsky was the only winger who yielded solid results on the top line while playing alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, but their encouraging stats fell apart in 2024-25. Now that Alex Newhook has had a chance to play with the top trio, the possession numbers have improved significantly, which is a surprise given Newhook’s usual numbers with the Habs.

With the first line firing on all cylinders, head coach Martin St-Louis can afford to give the second line more time to build chemistry. [Habs Analysis: Comparing Slafkovsky And Newhook On Top Line]

The fact that Patrik Laine immediately started scoring goals in a Canadiens uniform has been a great story, but it pales in comparison to his return to play after missing almost en entire season, which has seems to have made the greatest impact on his mental health situation.

Canadiens starter Samuel Montembeault mentioned the whole Team Canada situation weighed heavily on his mind. He’s been lights out ever since he was told he’d represent his country at the 4 Nations Faceoff.

Thursday

Newcomer Patrik Laine has enjoyed his time with the Canadiens, a crucial factor when we consider the importance of maintaining strong mental health. Seeing as Laine has gone through more than most athletes, he’s setting a great example for anyone who has followed his story. Everyone stumbles, and sometimes it’s not easy to get back up, but investing in yourself is never a bad idea.

On that note, Laine’s positive reaction to a painting from a local artist Jessica Boudreau was incredibly heartwarming.


The Montreal Canadiens are seemingly turning the ship around, but that won’t stop GM Kent Hughes from following his plan. With the core seemingly showing signs of moderate growth, the question then becomes: are the Canadiens going to attempt to sell for the last time come the NHL Trade Deadline? [Canadiens Pending Free Agents Most Likely To Be Traded]

Top prospect Ivan Demidov is set to represent Russia during the Channel One Cup. If you’re unfamiliar with the tournament, you’re not alone. It started in 1967, but has changed names five times since. Essentially, it’s a tournament involving various national teams, but since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been forced to ice an additional team to fill out the ranks, as well as adding Belarus and Kazakhstan to the mix. Like most Russian hockey leagues or tournaments, the Channel One Cup is a shadow of its former self, but given how few shifts Demidov is given in the KHL, any potential ice time should be seen as a potential boon for the talented forward.


On Wednesday, several Montreal Canadiens players took time to visit three different hospitals in the city in a bid to spread a little holiday joy. Say what you will about the commercialism involved in sports, or the public relations reasoning behind some charitable events, but you’d be lying if you said these visits did not make a significant positive impact on the many sick kids around the Montreal area. It’s the type of event that stays with these children for the rest of their lives, which makes every visit well worth it. It’s also an important visit for the players, as it reminds them how much of an impact they have in the community, as well as the privilege and responsibilities that come with playing for a storied franchise such as the Canadiens.

Additionally, it’s a great event for the parents, as it spreads a little joy and allows them to see their children smile during what would otherwise be a very difficult holiday season.

Laine was part of the group that made the visit, spreading cheer via friendship bracelets.


Martin St-Louis discussed Lane Hutson’s play during his rookie season, and like many people who didn’t have a chance to watch Hutson during his time in the NCAA with the Boston College Eagles, St-Louis was happily surprised by Hutson’s defensive acumen.

ICYMI: Last season, Juraj Slafkovsky was the only winger who yielded solid results on the top line while playing alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, but their encouraging stats fell apart in 2024-25. Now that Alex Newhook has had a chance to play with the top trio, the possession numbers have improved significantly, which is a surprise given Newhook’s usual numbers with the Habs. With the first line firing on all cylinders, head coach Martin St-Louis can afford to give the second line more time to build chemistry. [Habs Analysis: Comparing Slafkovsky And Newhook On Top Line]

Friday

It’s going to take more time for Patrik Laine to find his optimal form on the ice, but off the ice there’s no need for any such delay, as the 26-year-old Finn has already established a deep bond with the fans.

It was clear during his hospital visit, which gave him an opportunity to hand out friendship bracelets to young fans, in yet another episode of Laine being unreasonably adorable in Montreal.

Prospect Aatos Koivu almost missed an entire month of action due to mono, with his last game dating to November 11. He scored in his return to play, though we should note Koivu is not currently playing with TPS’ senior team, which means a few more games in the U-20 league are to be expected.

 

The Habs started Thursday night’s matchup on the right foot, as Cole Caufield set up Nick Suzuki’s 11th goal of the year to open the game versus the Penguins. It was all downhill from there. [Habs Highlights: Canadiens Fall Apart After Early Suzuki Goal]

There’s no way to avoid it, losing 9-2 in a professional sports setting is the epitome of embarrassing, especially when it happens while playing at home. The Canadiens quickly fell apart after captain Nick Suzuki opened the scoring in the first few minutes of the game.

There was some action on the waiver wire, with Utah claiming a Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman, and the Edmonton Oilers placing Travis Dermott on waivers.

Saturday

Head coach Martin St-Louis discussed a few things following the team’s embarrassing 9-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, which featured mid-game adjustments to the top six. Juraj Slafkovsky was promoted to the top line, while Alex Newhook was dropped to the second line. St-Louis suggested the Slafkovsky, Patrik Laine, and Kirby Dach combination was not working, something we confirmed by taking a look at their numbers. [Canadiens Fact Check: St-Louis Discusses Slafkovsky Line Change]

Top prospect Ivan Demidov was actually given a little ice time, and the results will shock you! Lo and behold, the 19-year-old forward earned five points for Russia as they faced Belarus and Kazakhstan at the Channel One Cup, a very short 3v3 tournament. Demidov was also named the Most Valuable Player, which will hopefully translate to reasonable ice time once he’s back in the KHL playing for SKA Saint-Petersburg.

 

According to Kevin Weekes, former Canadiens goaltender Zach Fucale is hoping to finally earn a job in the NHL. Fucale was drafted by the Habs 36th overall in 2013, and was the highest goaltender selected that year, but never quite reached his potential, toiling away in the AHL and ECHL before the Montreal Canadiens opted not to offer him a qualifying offer in 2018. He then signed with the Vegas Golden Knights, once again spending the majority of his time in the ECHL before suffering the same fate as he did in Montreal, as Vegas decided not to qualify him. He spent time in the Syracuse Crunch organization before eventually signing with the Washington Capitals, where a strong showing in the AHL led to his only NHL starts, a four-game stint in 2021-22.

He put an end to his North American adventure after winning the Calder Cup, signing a two-year deal with Traktor in the KHL, where he’s established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the league.

Lane Hutson scored his first NHL goal against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night, but a strong effort from the Canadiens was undone by a lack of discipline, as well as a masterclass in goaltending by Connor Hellebuyck. [Habs Highlights: Lane Hutson Scores First NHL Goal Versus Jets]

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