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Canadiens Wrap

Habs Wrap: Rookie Standouts, Roster Issues, Xhekaj Brothers

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patrik laine montreal canadiens ivan demidov

MONTREAL — There’s always Montreal Canadiens news to be absorbed on a daily basis, but there are only so many hours in a day. On Sundays, we recap the most exciting and relevant NHL news stories that you may have missed throughout the week so that you can stay in the Canadiens loop.

Monday

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]


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.

Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford will serve as the Medicine Hat Tigers’ (WHL) captain in the upcoming season.

Tuesday

The Habs took to the ice for the first time of the preseason, with Noah Dobson and Mike Matheson serving as the team’s top pairing. The players who were not included in Monday’s game are expected to feature in Tuesday’s game versus the Philadelphia Flyers. [Canadiens Preview: Preseason Lines Versus Penguins]

It was the rookie show versus the Penguins, with Owen Beck, Filip Mesar, Jared Davidson, and Jacob Fowler standing out from the crowd. There’s not enough space in the NHL lineup for all of them, and it’s clear they are aware of the situation, as evidenced by their sustained effort levels since the opening of camp. It should also be noted that Oliver Kapanen and Sean Farrell scored key goals in the shootout to clinch the win for the Canadiens. [Canadiens Statistics – Ivan Demidov By The Playoff Numbers]

It’s always interesting to see how the coach will react to young, talented players. Without pointing any fingers, some former coaches took a rather archaic approach to rookies, while Martin St-Louis focuses on an open line of communication, which is exactly what it takes in today’s NHL. On that note, here’s St-Louis talking to Ivan Demidov during practice on Monday.


It may be a little late, but Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki is finally earning well-deserved recognition around the league as one of the best players in the NHL.

Ivan Demidov gave a great answer when asked about fellow Russian Matvei Michkov. Let’s be honest, yes they’re both from the same country, but that’s pretty much where the comparison falls apart, as Demidov explained.

Wednesday

Montreal’s top line was reunited for their first taste of preseason action. Shockingly, or not, both Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield scored versus the Flyers. [Canadiens Preview: Preseason Lines Versus Penguins]

Speaking of the top line, there was a scary moment early in the game when former Hab Christian Dvorak greeted Juraj Slafkovsky with an accidental skate to the face. Fortunately, Slafkovsky was okay.


Even though it was the top line that led the offensive charge on Tuesday, it was Arber and Florian Xhekaj who stole the show. Not only did they both score goals, their mother was in attendance to see the entire event, which led to a great moment following Florian’s goal. [Canadiens Instant Recap: First Line, Xhekajs Stand Out]

Geoff Molson is now part of the ownership group of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo. France-Margaret Belanger will also serve as a co-owner. Hey, I know it’s Toronto, but it’s always a good thing to see Canadian support for women’s sports. The Tempo will play two regular-season games at the Bell Center next season.


Every year I pick a few hard-working prospects to watch closely, with players such as Jared Davidson and F.Xhekaj catching my attention in previous seasons. This year, I think I’m going to watch Tyler Thorpe in action as often as possible, because he’s highly entertaining, and has a penchant for (relatively controlled) violence. More importantly, he makes simple plays that help his team win.


There’s been some concern about the lack of preseason games for Kirby Dach, but the latest information suggests he’s still on track to start the season in the NHL. For what it’s worth, he was practising with Patrik Laine and Ivan Demidov on Tuesday. I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays on Thursday, versus the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Thursday

Montreal’s top line was excellent versus the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Cole Caufield have the potential to be elite, as evidenced by their underlying numbers in the second-half of last season. [Canadiens Top Line Aspiring To Elite NHL Status]

The NHL’s waiver wire kicks in on Thursday, which means players like Sean Farrell are likely to be available to other NHL clubs. As it stands, the waiver-wire priority list is based on the reverse 2024–25 standings, but they will revert to the current standings on November 1. [NHL Waivers: Canadiens Priority List And Player Details]

Head coach Martin St-Louis gave his take on Tuesday’s game, which featured the latest edition of Montreal Canadiens brothers to play on the same ice, Arber and Florian Xhekaj.

I’m genuinely not sure what to think about this combination. It’s a little terrifying, but there’s some potential there.

Simon Xhekaj was overcome with emotions following Tuesday’s game, and rightfully so.

Friday

There wasn’t much good news that emerged from Thursday’s frustrating loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Habs were outplayed by a wide margin, and if we’re being perfectly honest, it was the Leafs’ B C D team. The only silver lining beyond the decent play of the first line was Ivan Demidov’s impact on the powerplay. The kid can do wonders once there’s a little extra open ice available. [Canadiens Instant Recap: Powerplay Prowess, Injury Distress]

Alright, time for the bad news. Both Noah Dobson and Kaiden Guhle are now listed as day-to-day, as they deal with groin issues. There’s no doubt Habs fans are in their right to be worried about injuries, but you could argue the team dodged a bullet in this particular case.


Unfortunately, David Reinbacher was also forced to leave the game, and will require further medical evaluation before the Canadiens can offer a diagnosis. You can’t help but feel for the guy. He’s dealt with way too many serious injuries considering he’s yet to celebrate his 21st birthday.

NHL waivers kicked-in on Thursday, with 2021 first-round pick Xavier Bourgault and goaltender Connor Ingram joining five other players on the waiver wire. [Canadiens Instant Recap: Powerplay Prowess, Injury Distress]

Saturday

The Habs provided a medical update on David Reinbacher. The injury is a broken metacarpal, which is essentially the bone that connects the wrist to the finger bones. Reinbacher is expected to miss roughly a month of action, signalling yet another unfortunate injury setback for the young defender. Given his history of injuries, not to mention his lack of ice time since being drafted, it’s only fair to readjust our expectations as to his long-term NHL potential. [Canadiens Impact Of Reinbacher Injury, Adjusted Expectations]

Thursday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs is to be forgotten. Other than the top line, most trios struggled against a team that was much closer to the Marlies than the Leafs. On that note, it’s also difficult to ignore the lack of chemistry between Kirby Dach, Ivan Demidov, and Patrik Laine. To build that chemistry, patience will be in order from all involved, including the fans. [Canadiens Second-Line Issues Take Centre Stage]

Lane Hutson could be one of the most arrogant players in the league. He put together a historic season as a first-year defenceman, winning the Calder Trophy with ease in a season that featured a bevy of talented rookies. And yet, he still approaches the game as if he’s a tweener that’s at risk of being sent to the AHL. Fans of teams with lesser rookies in 2024-25 notwithstanding, it’s hard to picture a situation in which someone genuinely dislikes Huston. He’s just so damn affable, while also being one of the most impressive young players in the league.

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