Habs Daily: Xhekaj Flourishing, Tavares Analysis, Dichow

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

Montreal Canadiens News

A few eyebrows were raised when the Canadiens picked Florian Xhekaj in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, but the hard-hitting prospect has done nothing but exceed expectations since then. Beyond setting a Laval Rocket record for the most goals from a rookie, Xhekaj has quickly climbed the prospect depth chart. A career in the NHL is not out of the question.  [Canadiens Prospects: Florian Xhekaj Flourishing In Laval]

Fans pushed back on the idea of signing Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner, with a few suggesting John Tavares would be a better fit. The 34-year-old can still produce, but his underlying numbers took a nose dive this season.[Montreal Canadiens Free Agency: The John Tavares Situation]

Frederik Dichow, drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, backstopped Denmark during a shocking 2-1 win over Canada at the World Championship. Dichow made stopped 39 of the 40 shots he faced. [Former Canadiens Goaltending Prospect Upsets Canada]

Prospect Vinzenz Rohrer was ejected in Austria’s 6-0 loss versus Switzerland. The feisty forward’s retaliation clearly lacked accuracy.

Vinzenz Rohrer has been ejected for Austria after this cross-check to the face of Sandro Schmid. #GoHabsGo #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/s8Q0nZW152

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) May 22, 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. [Vegas Golden Knights]

Just two weeks ago, there were questions swirling around the play of Sergei Bobrovsky in these playoffs for the Florida Panthers.[Florida Panthers]

In the summer of 2023, the Vegas Golden Knights blind sided Reilly Smith with a trade. Without warning, they practically plucked him from the Stanley Cup Parade. [New York Islanders]