Habs Daily: Rocket Playoff Dates, Potential Draft Picks, Protz

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

Montreal Canadiens News

The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is set to take place next month, which means it’s time to start discussing the players who may be available at 16th and 17th overall. Our first group includes talented winger Justin Carbonneau.  [NHL Draft Prospects Habs Could Target 16th & 17th Overall]

The first two games of the Laval Rocket’s third-round series versus the Americans will take place in Rochester, with the final three games set for Place Bell. Unfortunately, the first game of the series is a week from now, which means Rochester will have roughly two weeks off between series. I’m not saying it’s necessarily an advantage or disadvantage, but it’s definitely an unreasonable timeframe.

On commence ça le 14 à Rochester !
We start on the 14th in Rochester! pic.twitter.com/ZQpJ2QR6Cy

— xyz – Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) May 7, 2025

Defenceman Owen Protz signed an amateur tryout with the Rocket. If you haven’t had a chance to watch the 102nd overall pick from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in action, just know that he’s a big fan of inflicting the maximum amount of pain on his opponents via heavy hits, which means he’ll fit in nicely with a lineup that also features Jared Davidson and Florian Xhekaj.

ICYMI: The New York Islanders are reportedly interested in Jeff Gorton, the current vice president of the Montreal Canadiens. They’re also considering former Habs general manager Marc Bergevin for the job opening. The good news for Habs fans is that Gorton is intent on finishing the job in Montreal before moving on. [Islanders Interested In Current & Former Canadiens Management]

National Hockey Now Network

Centres and defencemen. If Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas were to make a shopping list and head to the local player distribution centre, those would be the primary trade targets on his list. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

The Florida Panthers played a full game on Wednesday night, but they are still coming home in an 0-2 hole after losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. [Florida Panthers]

When the Vegas Golden Knights fell behind 2-1 after three games in the first round, there was no real reason to sound the alarm bells or push the panic button. [Vegas Golden Knights]