Habs Daily: Draft Options, Marner Debate, Xhekaj Goal, Primeau

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

Montreal Canadiens News

Craig Button released his top-80, giving us a good opportunity to discuss a pair of prospects who should be available when the Montreal Canadiens draft 16th and 17th overall. I could see them picking Kashawn Aitcheson, but I’m not sure the Habs would have much interest in Cameron Schmidt. [Potential Canadiens First-Round Draft Picks Listed By TSN]

Mitch Marner’s time in Toronto ended in a disaster, but you’d be hard-pressed to argue he’s the lone reason why the Maple Leafs are destined for eternal sadness. With Marner hitting the open market, the Canadiens will have to consider whether to offer the high-scoring forward a contract, weighing the many positives against some heavy negatives. [Canadiens Pros And Cons Of A Potential Mitch Marner Contract]

Laval Rocket beat the Rochester Americans in Game 3 of the North Division Final. Cayden Primeau looked great, stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced. Florian Xhekaj enjoyed the highlight of the night, scoring a great goal to give the Rocket a crucial 2-1 lead early in the third period. Joshua Roy (1), Luke Tuch (1), and Laurent Dauphin also scored in the 4-1 win.

Florian Xhekaj scores a beautiful goal to give the Laval Rocket a 2-1 lead.

Backhand goals are always great. #LavalRocket pic.twitter.com/aYTLPRfDyh

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) May 22, 2025

The Rocket had to play most of the game without Tyler Wotherspoon, one of their most important defencemen. The hit that took him out of the game really didn’t seem overly violent, but it’s worth noting Wotherspoon absorbed a rather heavy hit in Game 2. Laval will have a chance to close out the series at home on Friday.

Tyler Wotherspoon (blessure) ne reviendra pas au jeu ce soir.

Tyler Wotherspoon (injury) won’t return to the game.

— xyz – Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) May 22, 2025

It seems that Ivan Demidov took a rather short trip to the Caribbean before quickly making his way back to Brossard. Lane Hutson may have some competition when it comes to players who simply can’t stand being away from the rink.

Someone posted this video on TikTok of Ivan practicing at Complex Bell on May 19th 👀

Lock in that Calder trophy now folks. pic.twitter.com/LA7v5kUARe

— Alex (@ivandemigoal) May 21, 2025

National Hockey Now Network

Reilly Smith meant no slight to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the city, or the organization. Still, the persistent rumours that he was unhappy with the Penguins were essentially confirmed Sunday when he beamed about returning to the Vegas Golden Knights at the NHL trade deadline and staying beyond this season. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Nathan MacKinnon was interviewed after a World Championship game and grew frustrated with the line of questioning from a reporter.[Florida Panthers]

The most obvious fit for the next President of Hockey Operations could suddenly be very available. Brendan Shanahan’s Toronto Maple Leafs fell flat once again. With his contract expiring and an MLSE board meeting to draw up his potential termination tomorrow, the New York Islanders requested permission to speak with Shanahan about their current vacancy for President of Hockey Operations. [New York Islanders]