Author: Dose

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“For Arber Xhekaj, a first-round pick is the only thing the Habs would accept.”

Arber Xhekaj is a popular guy in Montreal. The defenseman, who is also one of the NHL’s most fearsome tough guys, is a crowd favorite because of his style of play, but also because of his history.He came out of nowhere, after all, and we know he was a Habs fan as a little guy.But even so, the idea of trading him is one that just won’t die. We know there’s a surplus of young left-handed defensemen in the organization, and Xhekaj doesn’t always seem to be in Martin St-Louis’ good graces. The question, though, is what is Arber Xhekaj worth? And according to Brian Wilde, who talked about it on Tony Marinaro’s Sick Podcast, he’s worth a second-round pick…But at that price. the Habs won’t be willing to trade him: to get him out of Montreal, they’ll need a first-round pick.

[content-ads]Basically, what Wilde is explaining is that the Habs are well aware that they have a special player on their hands. And in reality, going after yet another second-round pick (especially with a maturing core) doesn’t really interest the Canadiens,because after all, a second-round pick rarely becomes a player like Xhekaj. AndWilde makes another good point: Xhekaj’s case in Montreal goes beyond the hockey plan. We’re talking about a guy who’s extremely popular in town, and trading him for a pittance risks frustrating the fans more than anything else.And yes, that’s a factor we have to consider.It’s not impossible that Xhekaj could be traded, of course. If he has a good season and shows more consistency, maybe a team will suddenly want to take a chance and make an offer Kent Hughes can’t refuse.But no, I don’t expect to see him leave any time soon.Overtime]- One wonders if this opens the door to Russian participation.

– Luke Kunin in Florida.

📝

– That’s a good one.

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3 years at $5M for Marco Rossi: The Wild (really) play their cards right

Marco Rossi has signed a three-year contract with the Wild. The deal will pay him $5 million a season… and Rossi will still be a restricted free agent at the end of his contract. In Minnesota, we must be pretty happy with this turn of events. Because, in the end, the Wild really played their cards right… even if they did try to trade Rossi this summer. $5 million for the next three years for a 23-year-old (24 in September) who scored 60 points in his third full NHL season is good management.

When you consider that the salary cap will rise and that Rossi will be well surrounded in Minnesota with Kaprizov, Boldy and company…

[content-ads] If this is what it takes to get the market moving, so be it.

Right now, there’s still the Mason McTavish and Luke Hughes files that need to be settled, but it looks like NHL teams were just waiting for this: to see another club move before doing the same thing.I wonder if the Ducks will rely on Rossi’s contract in their discussions with McTavish…. But in the end, it’s the Wild who come out the winner: they’ve anchored one of the organization’s fine young players to the club for three more years at a more than respectable salary, and it’ll also give Bill Guerin (GM) the leeway to make a monstrous offer to Kirill Kaprizov when the time comes. Reminder: there’s only one season left on the Russian’s contract ($9 million a year)… and he risks breaking the bank by commanding an astronomical salary. He has every right to do so, at least, because we’re talking about one of the National League’s very good players. [spacer title=’Overtime’] – I love how the Lions do things.

– … Ouain.

– Big cash.

– Ça a brassé.

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Predictions : Daily Faceoff sees the Habs winning the Stanley Cup… in 2030

The Canadiens are building something interesting. There are already some good young players in place, the team is counting on some good prospects, and it’s looking promising for what’s to come. When’s the next Stanley Cup in Montreal?What if I told you it could be in 2030.. . That’s the prediction of the DailyFaceoff website, which had some fun projecting the 29-30 season.

Eight teams are among the “aspiring” clubs in the text: the Sens (#8), the Ducks (#7), the Hurricanes (#6), the Sharks (#5), the Blackhawks (#4), the Wild (#3), the Stars (#2) and, of course, the Canadiens (#1).“Congratulations to the Montreal Canadiens, Stanley Cup Champions 2030”, as the article reads:

[content-ads] In 2030, the Habs will have several assets on hand.

Noah Dobson, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov, Kaiden Guhle, Lane Hutson, Zachary Bolduc, David Reinbacher, Jacob Fowler… The oldest of this group in 2030 will be Nick Suzuki.And he’ll only be 30. Ultimately, there are several factors that will play a role in the team’s progression. If the stars align, the Canadiens will be dangerous. We saw the potential of this club last year when it made the playoffs… and when nobody expected the team to be so successful so soon. What’s next is exciting, at least. Because right now, the Habs are already well equipped… and when all the players have come of age, it’s going to be even more special on the ice. [spacer title=’Overtime’] – Jaime I like it.

– It’s coming!

– Indeed.

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Patrik Laine hoped to avoid being booed at the opening match

The first two episodes of the series “La Reconstruction” (season 2) were released last night on Crave. Have you had a chance to listen to them? I recommend it… because it’s really, really good.In the 1st episode, there’s a scene that really got to me. It’s around the 35th minute… when Patrik Laine says this:

I was hoping the fans wouldn’t boo me because I was already injured.

–

Patrik Laine

I’d like to remind you of one thing: not only did Laine not get booed… but the fans at the Bell Centre gave him a warm welcome when he was introduced to the crowd.His face in this video says it all:

[content-ads] When he arrived in town, Patrik Laine wasn’t 100% confident.

He’d just been through a difficult period before being traded to Montreal, he was injured at the start of training camp… and by necessity, it must have been tougher at times. But receiving the love of the fans helped him regain hisite confidence. He came back to the game in December, started doing what he does best by filling the net, and the fans quickly rallied behind him. Perhaps this also explains why the main man involved says he’s rediscovered his love of the sport. He’s been saying for a few days now thathe loves Montreal and wants to play for the Canadiens for the long term, and in all this, the love of the fans clearly has a role to play.I’ll let you in on a little secret, Patrik: the fans would never have booed you in the first game of last season. In Montreal, hockey stirs the passions… and the fans love to support the club’s players when they’re going through tougher times. But I can imagine he must have been surprised, a little, to see the crowd being so expressive towards him when he was perhaps expecting to be booed.

[spacer title=’Overtime’] – I can’t wait to see him in the NCAA.

– The

– Happy reading.

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ÉCJ 2018: judge’s decision will not be appealed

In recent months, the 2018 ÉCJ players’ trial for sexual assault has attracted a lot of attention. It was, after all, an extremely high-profile case involving five NHL players.The five players in question, in case you’ve forgotten, were Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton.And last month, the judge delivered her verdict, finding all five players not guilty. It was the end of a chapter, but we wondered whether the case would be appealed… And then, in the last few minutes, we learned that it wouldn’t be.So that’s the end of this judicial saga.

[content-ads]Remember that the Crown had 30 days following the verdict to decide whether it wanted to appeal the decision. It was therefore expected to announce its decision by Saturday… and decided not to go any further.This is somewhat surprising, given that an appeal could have been aimed at creating jurisprudence on the notion of consent, even if the end result would probably have been the same.So, there will be no new trial in this case. It should be remembered, however, that all five players are currently ineligible to play in the NHL, according to Commissioner Gary Bettman.Will this decision facilitate an eventual return to the league for these players? Possibly… but only if a team is willing to put them under contract.In short, this is the end of the court case. We’ll have to see what the next steps are in this case, but the five guys have officially been found not guilty.The rest to follow.[spacer title=’Overtime’]- That’s cool!

– Wow.

– I love it.

– News from CF Montreal

– Quite a story.

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Lane Hutson: his mother admits her son’s size still worries her

Lane Hutson enjoyed great success in his first year in the NHL. The defenseman showed that his offensive creativity would allow him to shine in the Bettman circuit, collecting 66 points and winning the Calder Trophy.He surpassed everyone’s expectations.That said, the one thing that always gets people talking about the defenseman is, of course, his small stature. Hutson really isn’t the most imposing guy on the ice, and in such a physical, fast-paced sport, it’s only logical to wonder whether this will one day pose a problem for him. And in fact, it’s a fear that’s shared by those around him. Indeed, in the second episode of the new season of the series La reconstruction, the defender’s mother admitted that it’s something that worries her: “

The question of size always stresses me.

–

Julie Hutson

[content-ads]Lane’s mother is well aware that this will obviously always be a factor. Interestingly, the defenseman also admits that it’s always on his mind. He tries to build his game to avoid putting himself in vulnerable situations, but it only takes a moment’s inattention for the risk to increase.Obviously, we wouldn’t wish it on him (really), but it’s interesting to see that he and his mother are well aware of this possibility.For the moment, at least, Hutson has managed to avoid danger. But, like Cole Caufield, it’s something he’ll always have to be aware of –especially in the playoffs, because a heavy body check comes so quickly at this time of year, says Alexandre Carrier.[spacer title=’En rafale’]- Speaking of the series.

– What do you think?

– Oh?

– Please note:

– He’s surpassed all expectations since his return to the game.

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Frank Nazar signs a historic contract for a forward in his position

At the 2022 draft, Kent Hughes really stole the show. The first-time Habs GM selected Shane Wright Juraj Slafkovský at #1… and 15 minutes later, he completed two huge trades.Alexander Romanov went to Long Island with the 13th pick… who was then traded to the Blackhawks for Kirby Dach.But what happened to that 13th pick? In fact, the Blackhawks used it to select Frank Nazar… who has become an important piece of the team’s plan. And today, the Blackhawks announced that Nazar has signed a contract extension that’s sure to surprise: it’s a seven-year deal that will pay $6.59 million per year.And in fact, it’s a historic contract.

[content-ads]In fact, we’re talking about the biggest contract (in terms of total money) ever signed for a player with so little NHL experience. Nazar has played only 56 NHL games to date, collecting 27 points, but beyond the points, he has clearly demonstrated that his talent is undeniable. Infact, the closest comparable for a forward in Nazar’s situation is Kirill Kaprizov, who signed a five-year contract for $9 million a year after playing just 55 games on the show. But in terms of total money, it’s Nazar who has the edge, andit’s worth noting that for the player, going for that kind of security has its advantages. Nazar has a history of injuries (to his knee), so he’s guaranteed a big payday no matter what happens.Note that this new contract will begin in 2026-27. Nazar still has a year left on his rookie contract, so it’s a big contract in Chicago. Let’s see how it pans out over the next few years, but don’t be surprised if it turns out to be a real bargain.[spacer title=’Overtime’]- Aww!

– Logical.

– What do you think?

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2026 Olympics: listening to Doug Armstrong, Samuel Montembeault is not guaranteed to make the team

Earlier this year, Samuel Montembeault represented Canada at the 4 Nations Confrontation.Seeing him recognized as one of the top three goalkeepers in the country, though, was a nice recognition nonetheless.And with the Olympics just around the corner, seeing him among the three goalkeepers invited to Team Canada’s orientation camp is a good sign.In an interview with Sportsnet (and as reported by TVA Sports), Team Canada GM Doug Armstrong chatted a bit about the state of play for his team. And what’s clear is that the situation in front of the net is very, very fluid:

There are maybe eight or nine goalies fighting for those positions. It just didn’t make sense to invite that many.

–

Doug Armstrong

[content-ads]Armstrong explains that right now, the battle in front of the net is probably the most open within his team.Basically, just because a goalie hasn’t been invited doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a chance of making the team. Guys like Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson, for example, could be in there if they continue to excel, whileJordan Binnington is probably a little more assured of a spot, but Montembeault and Adin Hill could get a push in the back. If the Québécois wants to be there, then, he’ll need a strong start to the season to avoid having his spot stolen.Let’s see if that motivates him to reach another level in the first few months of the campaign.[spacer title=’Overtime’]- It’s true.

– Notice to those interested.

– It’ll be interesting to follow her as

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Mitch Marner’s return to Toronto: ticket prices are absurd

The change of address in the NHL this summer that created the biggest buzz was the Mitch Marner trade that sent him to the Vegas Golden Knights. I say trade, but it’s mostly an acquisition of negotiating rights for the Knights, who only sent Nicolas Roy. With the addition of the talented winger, Vegas is looking scarier and scarier.

(Credit: Daily Faceoff

) Jack Eichel and Marner on the same line is dangerous and will give opponents nightmares.

In short, the majority of Toronto Maple Leafs fans are sad to see him in a uniform other than the Leafs’. And the majority of these people are already looking forward to seeing him in Toronto again. It’ll only happen once this season, and the ticket prices are simply ridiculous. $1,000 for a pair of tickets in the 300s (the equivalent of the whites at the Bell Centre)… It’s got to be done. You’ve got to do it.

[content-ads]The worst thing is that it’s going to sell out in a lot anyway. Andthat’s not all… The Maple Leafs are selling standing room tickets and they’re $250.

When you lose one of your stars because you couldn’t really afford to extend his contract (and Marner didn’t seem too keen on the idea of coming back), you might as well make the most of it. At the time of writing, I decided to look at the remaining tickets for this game, which will take place on January 23, 2026. In the image below, all the (very) small blue dots are available seats.

(Credit: TicketMaster)

And just for fun, I found a front-row ticket (the only one available) to see the price and jumped right in… Over $1600 for a single ticket, and I’ve circled and arrowed the seat in question (as best I could) to help you see it. Hurry if you’re a Mitch Marner fan.

(Credit: TicketMaster)

To see Mitch Marner back in Toronto, you have to be one of those people more afraid of the end of the world than the end of the month, as my mother used to say.

I’m really looking forward to this game [spacer title=’Overtime’] – Sam Bennett,

– Listen.

– It has to be done.

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EXCLUSIVE: here are the reasons why Patrik Laine wants to stay in Montreal

One of the hot topics of the moment in the world of the Montreal Canadiens is Patrik Laine. The Habs player, who will be a free agent at the end of the 2025-2026 season, has mentioned that he wants to stay with the Canadiens for the rest of his career, he told TVA Sports’ Anthony Martineau. But the question we’re asking is: what makes the Finn want to stay in Montreal with his wife for the rest of his career?

We interviewed Patrik and Jordan Laine in preparation for an event they’re organizing tomorrow (the From Us to You fashion show), and asked him why he wants to stay in Montreal after the 25-26 season. And he was effusive in his answer. In his eyes, Montreal is the best hockey city in the world, and the organization is first-rate. There

are many reasons why players want to play here.

–

Patrik Laine

He emphasized the privilege of being in a hockey market and that it’s an honor to be in town. He also likes his teammates, which is important

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Patrik Laine (@patriklaine)

[content-ads]The player, who feels comfortable in a normal summer of practice, also says he’s proud to know that he won’t necessarily be able to wear a traditional outfit to games on the bangs of the next collective agreement, in 2026-2027.No surprise there, hehe.Because yes, as you know, Laine likes to dress however he wants. And that’s one of the reasons why he’s decided to use his passion for fashion to further a cause he holds dear: mental health. He and his wife want to leave their mark on the city of Montreal via a fashion show

[content-ads]Tomorrow, they’ll be presenting the From Us to You fashion show, which is organized in collaboration with the M.A.D. (Mode, Arts et Divertissement) festival and Isabelle Éthier, at the Place des Festivals. It’s open to the public, and will take place at 8 p.m.From Us to You is a project by the Laine couple, who decided to stand up and help people speak out and get help.A number of celebritieswillbe taking part in the fashion show to raise funds to remove taboos around mental health and facilitate access to therapy. A VIP evening is also on the menu afterwards, and members of the public attending the fashion show will see Jayden Struble, Jakub Dobes and Alex Newhook. There will also be players from the Montreal Roses and Victoire, Olympians, skateboarders and media people, as well as creations by Québécois designers – a nice local touch. The theme: prisms and the light that emanates from them. Combining fashion and the issue of mental health makes this a project very much in the image of the Canadiens player, who is renowned for his talent as a scorer.