Habs Daily: California Reinforcements, Demidov Record, Laval

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

Montreal Canadiens News

The Montreal Canadiens did not call up anyone prior to departing for their annual California trip. However, as we predicted, they did end up recalling Owen Beck and Logan Mailloux on Saturday. Originally, I had assumed they would recall Beck and Mailloux after Sunday’s game, but seeing as both Alexandre Carrier and David Savard missed practice, the Habs are in need of some warm bodies.

Beck and Mailloux were set to represent Laval at the All-Star Weekend, which is coincidentally taking place in California, but I doubt either will bemoan their promotion to the NHL.

Les Canadiens ont rappelé l’attaquant Owen Beck et le défenseur Logan Mailloux du Rocket de Laval.

The Canadiens have recalled forward Owen Beck and defenseman Logan Mailloux from the Laval Rocket. pic.twitter.com/jnj705RQh2

— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) February 1, 2025

Don’t look now, but top prospect Ivan Demidov tied the KHL record for the most points by an Under-20 player in league history. Demidov registered two assists in SKA’s 4-3 win over Dynamo, and given that he’s set to feature in many more games this year, it’s safe to say he’ll finish the year as the highest-scoring U-20 player in KHL history.  [Top Montreal Canadiens Prospect Ivan Demidov Ties KHL Record]

ICYMI: Not only is Demidov scoring highlight goals, he’s already among the top producers in league history (U-20). Given that he’s been given less ice time than all his historic counterparts, Demidov is officially producing at a higher rate than any other U-20 player in KHL history. [Top Canadiens Prospect Ivan Demidov Is Making History]

ICYMI: The NHL announced salary cap estimates, and it’s pretty exciting news for Habs fans. They’re expecting a 10 percent increase per year, over the course of the next three years, culminating with a $113.5 million salary cap in 2027-28. By then, both Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield’s contracts should be considered an absolute steal, which allows for plenty of financial manoeuvrability in Montreal. [Impact Of NHL Salary Cap Increase On Montreal Canadiens Future]

Florian Xhekaj scored the game-winning goal to secure a big win for the Laval Rocket against the Hartford Wolf Pack. Laval was down 4-1, but mounted an impressive comeback to ensure goaltender Cayden Primeau maintained his perfect record (9-0).

Full marks to Xhekaj and Co., as they’re seized their opportunities while dealing with adversity, but we also have to send some praise Pascal Vincent’s way. The Rocket head coach is trusting young players in key roles, unlike, well, any of his predecessors. The era of hired mercenaries in the AHL seems to be mercifully coming to an end.

FLOOOOOOOOOOOO https://t.co/GpYXF5VLkt pic.twitter.com/3Ff5J9TcQ0

— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) February 1, 2025

Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky, noted goons!

comment ç’a commencé, puis comment ça s’est fini

how it started vs. how it ended#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/hyDR3D1rOA

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 1, 2025

National Hockey Now Network

Expect more Pittsburgh Penguins trades over the next few months, but the types of trades might be surprising. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

The Red Wings have won four consecutive games and defenceman Albert Johansson has averaged 20 minutes and 19 seconds per game. [Detroit Red Wings]

Flyers general manager Daniel Briere addressed the media Saturday following Thursday’s trade with the Calgary Flames. [Philadelphia Flyers]