Habs Daily: Toews Pros & Cons, Hutson Shootout Move, Xhekaj

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

Montreal Canadiens News

Jonathan Toews is looking to make a return to play, but despite Montreal’s lack of depth at centre there are a bevy of red flags to consider. He may not be a fit with the Canadiens. [Evaluating Potential Canadiens Fit For Free Agent Toews]

Lane Hutson helped the Habs in a hundred different areas last year, but the shootout was not one of them. On that note, it very well could be, especially since Nick Suzuki’s shootout magic has dissipated. [A Key Situation Where Hutson Can Help The Canadiens]

Martin St-Louis showed lots of love toward defenceman Arber Xhekaj, arguing that he brings more to the table beyond his affinity for winning fights.

Habs coach Marty St. Louis on Arber Xhekaj:

“He can do way more than just fight. They call him the Sheriff in Montreal. He’s very good at that but there are a lot of other stuff that he’s very good at as well. I think as a defenseman, especially a young defenseman, the hardest… pic.twitter.com/r2mJPS3BL6

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) June 13, 2025

Speaking of Xhekaj, he wasn’t exactly going incognito at the F1 event.

When you’re watching F1 in Montreal 🏎️ and suddenly you see Arber Xhekaj & Alex Newhook 😅 pic.twitter.com/laWo967dLq

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) June 13, 2025

National Hockey Now Network

The swirling rumours and reports of Mario Lemieux’s interest in re-acquiring the Pittsburgh Penguins have taken a life of their own. The speculation launched Wednesday shortly after the club introduced new head coach Dan Muse could not be tamed by a statement from owner Fenway Sports Group. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final had a little bit of everything for both the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. It has been as entertaining a first four games as anyone could have hoped for. [Florida Panthers]

Trades are on the table, and we’ll likely see some movement. Draft night is when Kyle Davidson cooks. [Chicago Blackhawks]