Canadiens Analysis
Habs Daily: Demidov & Hutson Chemistry, Management, Xhekaj
Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Saturday.
Montreal Canadiens News
The Canadiens are reportedly interested in signing contract extensions with some of the most important members of the franchise, however, we’re not talking about Lane Hutson. At least not right now. The Habs are reportedly seeking a contract extension with Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes, a logical approach given how well the duo have navigated the choppy waters of a rebuild in Montreal. [Canadiens Extensions: The Gorton And Hughes Decision]
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, seeing as Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov spent almost all their spare time practicing throughout the summer, but the two have formed encouraging chemistry. The true test will be once the real NHL games begin, but it’s worth remembering the pair also found success on the powerplay in the playoff series versus the Washington Capitals. [Canadiens Statistics – Ivan Demidov By The Playoff Numbers]
The Lane Hutson & Ivan Demidov Habs connection is gonna be magical 🔥
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) September 20, 2025
Speaking of training camp, we’re seeing a lot of intensity from the players hoping to earn a roster spot, as well as those looking to solidify their standing within the lineup. Shockingly, or not, Arber Xhekaj is leading the physical charge. He also seems to have dropped some weight, while also focusing on his skating, which should improve his mobility.
Arber Xhekaj on improving his mobility this summer:
“That was probably the main thing this summer. I didn’t have a skating coach specifically but I got Adam Nicholas to send me drills. I made sure I was lighter in the corners, so I can keep up with the faster guys.”
“When me &… pic.twitter.com/oxZVl0D37X
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) September 20, 2025
Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford will serve as the Medicine Hat Tigers’ (WHL) captain in the upcoming season.
We are proud to announce Bryce Pickford as our 42nd Captain in franchise history!
Read the full article on our website:https://t.co/oJQRpBNb6m pic.twitter.com/U4yg5ktUzy
— Medicine Hat Tigers (@tigershockey) September 20, 2025
ICYMI: Patrik Lane’s tenure in Montreal has been somewhat tumultuous, but in the grand scheme of things, both the fan base and Laine himself have benefitted from his presence in the lineup. [Patrik Laine, The Montreal Canadiens, And The Tie That Binds]
National Hockey Now Network
Goaltending and a depth chart that is more crowded than the Parkway West outbound on a Friday afternoon have not yet taken center stage in the uptempo Pittsburgh Penguins training camp. Still, when it does, the drama and competition will be fierce. There are five goalies vying for the two nets in Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
Thursday was the first day on the ice for the New Jersey Devils as training camp got underway, yet Luke Hughes was missing. The Hughes camp is seeking a five-year contract, whereas the Devils camp wants him on a bridge, or long-term contract. [New Jersey Devils]
Matthew Tkachuk knows how to pump up the home crowd, and certainly did that on Saturday in Coral Gables when the Florida Panthers forward joined the ESPN College Game Day set. [Florida Panthers]
