Habs Daily: Kirby Dach, Engstrom’s Value, Demidov’s Dog

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

Montreal Canadiens News

Adam Engstrom flew under the radar last season, his first in the AHL. He’s arguably the most underrated defenceman in the prospect pool thanks to elite skating and strong offensive instincts. Habs fans voted Engstrom as the 10th best prospect in our annual rankings. [Canadiens Prospect Rankings – The Silky-Smooth Adam Engstrom]

There were some rumours that Kirby Dach had suffered a setback in his latest injury recovery, but Eric Engels was quick to shut them down. According to Engels, Dach progressing very well.

Quick note from vacation:
1. It was never guaranteed Kirby Dach would be ready for the start of training camp, AND it is also premature to suggest he won’t be.
2. Suggestions Dach has had a setback in his recovery are completely false. Not only has he not had a setback, he’s…

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) August 6, 2025

Ivan Demidov and his girlfriend Katya got a puppy, which may or may not actually be a plush toy. Either way, it’s very cute, and they named her Céline, which is perfect.

Ivan Demidov & his GF Katya have gotten a lil puppy 🐶 and they’ve named her Céline pic.twitter.com/Hk58dlZNgb

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 6, 2025

ICYMI: Montreal Canadiens prospect L.J. Mooney is not the tallest player in the system, but he is definitely among the most talented. Standing at 5’7″, the path to the NHL will be difficult, however, he already has a step-up on the competition in terms of hockey IQ and vision. [Canadiens Prospect Rankings – The Electric L.J. Mooney]

National Hockey Now Network

After a couple of months of dancing and going so far as to publicly admit interest, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas had appeared to fold his hand and surrender the Penguins’ pursuit of Erik Karlsson, until the days leading to Aug. 6, 2023, when the blockbuster trade went down and the hockey world braced for one more Penguins Stanley Cup chase. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Luke Hughes, a restricted free-agent, and the New Jersey Devils have yet to come to terms on a new contract. Could part of the stall stem from brother, Jack Hughes, and the contract he inked in November 2021? [New Jersey Devils]

If you’ve ever wondered what it felt like when Gold Rush panhandlers struck their fortune, then listen to the tale of the day that former Detroit Red Wings scout Christer Rockstrom first laid eyes on Nicklas Lidstrom.  [Colorado Avalanche]