Habs Daily: Unrestricted Free Agents, Defensive Prospects, Laval

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

Montreal Canadiens News

The Montreal Canadiens have seven free agents on the docket, and though it may seem like a perfect time to cut ties with veterans such as Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak, we also have to keep next year’s lineup in mind when discussing potential contract extensions. If the Habs decide not to re-sign Dvorak, their centre depth, which is already a significant weakness, will only get worse. [Canadiens Unrestricted Free Agents Speak To Roster Turnover]

The first game of the third-round series between the Laval Rocket and the Rochester Americans was set to take place on Wednesday. Prior to the game, we discussed a few key points, such as Laval’s lack of discipline, as well as the play of certain key defensive prospects. With all due respect to the Cleveland Monsters, Laval’s second-round opponent, Rochester presents the first true test of the playoffs for Pascal Vincent’s troops. Consequently, the series should serve as a good barometer as to the NHL readiness of prospects like David Reinbacher, Logan Mailloux, and Adam Engstrom. [Key Canadiens Defensive Prospects To Be Tested In AHL Playoffs]

Right on cue, both Mailloux and Reinbacher scored for the Rocket in Game 1 versus Rochester. Mailloux scored the opening goal on the powerplay, his bread and butter. Say what you will about his defensive miscues, Mailloux rarely makes the wrong decision with the puck on his stick in the offensive zone.

Logan Mailloux scores on the powerplay with a rocket of a shot. Tie game. #LavalRocket pic.twitter.com/nHFToSc59H

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) May 14, 2025

Reinbacher’s goal was his first of the playoffs, and it involved the 20-year-old forward taking advantage of uncharacteristic rebounds from Americans goaltender Devon Levi. Reinbacher had a much better game than previous outings, and though his timing still leaves something to be desired, especially when it comes to outlet passes, he seems to be improving every time he takes to the ice. In Reinbacher’s case, it’s all about gaining more experience in North America.

David Reinbacher takes advantage of multiple rebounds to give Laval a 2-1 lead. Reinbacher’s first goal of the playoffs. #LavalRocket pic.twitter.com/Wd7YpPKBAT

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) May 14, 2025

We’ll discuss the Jacob Fowler versus Cayden Primeau debate a little later today, and I’m sure everyone will have an opinion on the matter, but for now, the Rocket took an important 1-0 series lead versus Rochester in the North Division Final thanks to a 5-4 win in Game 1.

Owen Beck had a great game, as did Mailloux and Sean Farrell. I’d go as far as saying most players had a good game, which has become a common theme for the Rocket. They truly do win as a team.

Laval wins Game 1 of the third-round series versus Rochester.

It was a wild game, with most Rocket players contributing, but I feel like Owen Beck was among the best players on the ice. As was Mailloux, especially in the offensive zone. #LavalRocket pic.twitter.com/yggNwgdEdO

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) May 15, 2025

ICYMI: As a follow-up to our initial article discussing some of the options the Montreal Canadiens will have to consider for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, we listed five more players who were most often suggested by Habs fans. Carter Bear leads the pack, with highly-skilled defenceman Cameron Reid also making the cut. [Fan-Picked Canadiens Options For 16th & 17th Overall At Draft]

National Hockey Now Network

Despite the large jump in the 2025-26 NHL salary cap up to an estimated $95.5 million, the compensation levels for offer sheets to restricted free agents will largely remain the same. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

For the Florida Panthers to beat the Maple Leafs in this second-round playoff series, they would have to break serve and win at least one game in Toronto. Much like Florida’s win at home on Sunday, the Panthers dominated the Leafs — the difference, this time, it was reflected on the scoreboard. [Florida Panthers]

During the regular season, this Vegas Golden Knights team looked like a powerhouse destined for a deep playoff run. They boasted one of the deepest scoring lineups, reliable goaltending, and a power play that was, at one point, the best in the league. But now that the playoffs have begun, things have changed. [Vegas Golden Knights]