Habs Daily: Caufield & Gaudreau, Habs Summer Needs, Heineman

Before we get going with the Montreal Canadiens news you may have missed on the weekend, I wanted to thank everyone for their patience, and apologize for the two-day break in content.

I was in Ontario for a couple of days taking care of some very pressing issues, but we will be back to our regular programming later today when I return to Montreal. Full disclosure, I also took a half day on Sunday to visit my favourite fishing spot, and I am happy to report that my secret honey hole still produces a ridiculous number of pike and walleye.

I can’t reveal the honey hole location, but if anyone is looking for a great fishing spot, I strongly suggest tossing a line near any locks in Ottawa.

Montreal Canadiens News

No one can dispute the Habs enjoyed a successful season, at least relative to the expectations from most fans. However, the playoff appearance has raised the bar, which means Kent Hughes and Co. will have to maintain an upward trajectory in the next few seasons. To do so, they’ll need to fix a few glaring issues, including the current dearth of centre options. [Montreal Canadiens Summer Shopping List – Team Needs]

The Laval Rocket dropped Game 2 of their best-of-five series versus the Rochester Americans, which means the series is tied at 1-1.  The good news is that Laval opted to start the series on the road, which means the remaining games will be played at Place Bell, starting with Game 3 on Wednesday. We won’t have to guess which goaltender will start, as head coach Pascal Vincent has stated he plans to rotate Jacob Fowler and Cayden Primeau. [AHL Scores]

Emil Heineman used his excellent shot to help Sweden beat France by a sore of 5-0 at the World Championship.

Emil Heineman gets a great shot on net and Sweden leads 2-0.

Absolutely destroyed the water bottle. #Mensworlds pic.twitter.com/GmMxqTPbVo

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) May 17, 2025

Cole Caufield continues to honour his friend, teammate, and hero, the late Johnny Gaudreau.

“For Johnny and Matty.” That’s what the inscription reads on @colecaufield‘s autographed @CanadiensMTL photo featured in our memorabilia auction.

“Getting to play with your hero is something that most people only dream of,” he shared this season when he announced he’d wear… pic.twitter.com/KYvLBAchBF

— Gaudreau Family 5K (@Gaudreau5K) May 17, 2025

National Hockey Now Network

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ trade acquisitions this season were names that rightfully didn’t generate much excitement. Salary dumps, spare parts, and second chances rather than established veterans with predictable production comprise general manager Kyle Dubas’s transaction list. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

It was a tale of two seasons for former Hab Artturi Lehkonen.[Colorado Avalanche]

This is always the fear for management and fans alike when players opt to go play in world tournaments. For the New Jersey Devils, the fear is now a reality, as captain Nico Hischier appears to have suffered an injury playing in the 2025 IIHF World Championships. [New Jersey]