Habs Daily: Carrier Injury Options, Monahan Draft Pick, Playoffs

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

Montreal Canadiens News

Alexandre Carrier and Patrik Laine joined the team on their flight to Washington, which means both players are expected to be game-time decisions. If Carrier is unable to go, head coach Martin St-Louis has a few options for defensive pairings, but they’re far from ideal. Breaking up Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle doesn’t make much sense, but the Habs may have to go down that road if they want to spread the talent a little more evenly among defensive pairings.  [Canadiens Defensive Pairings Options Should Carrier Be Injured]

Good news! The most contrived trade in NHL history has now been sorted. Well, almost. There are pretty good chances the Montreal Canadiens will end up with Calgary’s first-round pick in 2025, but it’s not guaranteed, at least not yet. Habs fans will still have to pay attention to the NHL Draft Lottery, which is set to take place on May 5. [Canadiens Draft Pick Via Calgary Almost Set For 2025 NHL Draft]

Rookie Ivan Demidov seems to be enjoying his opportunity to play in front of Habs fans in the playoffs. It must be said that the decision to add him to the first powerplay unit has quickly paid off.

Ivan Demidov today on the playoff atmosphere by Habs fans at the Bell Centre:

“So amazing. I will say, it’s crazy.” pic.twitter.com/d1ccrRDO9Q

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 30, 2025

There’s some very good news ahead of the Laval Rocket’s first playoff game. Forward Brandon Gignac will return in time to participate, a significant boost to their offensive firepower. Gignac had been injured since late December. [The Laval Rocket Are Building Something Special In The AHL]

En voilà un qui est très excité de revenir au jeu. Brandon Gignac sera de retour demain, lui qui n’a pas joué depuis le 27 décembre. Il avait aussi manqué du 22 novembre au 27 décembre pour la même blessure. Sa vitesse et son jeu sur les unités spéciales seront un gros +. pic.twitter.com/PnI18vOJJg

— Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) April 29, 2025

National Hockey Now Network

Aaron Ekblad will not play for the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night after the defenceman was suspended by the NHL Department of Player Safety. [Florida Panthers]

Five teams are already pursuing Mike Sullivan, but that number might rise to six soon. Conversely, former Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach Rick Tocchet has left the Vancouver Canucks after a tumultuous season. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan is making changes to his staff, he revealed on Tuesday. [Detroit Red Wings]