Author: Dose

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Scorers of 20 goals (or more): There could be a lot of them for the Habs in 25-26

For a team to win games in the NHL, it has to be able to score goals.We all agree: it’s not rocket science.But the Canadiens have struggled with this in recent years. The club couldn’t count on many quality players, which made things difficult in the end. It’s different today, though. Things are different because, at the time of writing, the Canadiens have several players who have reached that plateau in recent years. Let’s go by enumeration

  • Nick Suzuki (24-25)
  • Cole Caufield (24-25)
  • Brendan Gallagher (24-25)
  • Patrik Laine (24-25)
  • Juraj Slafkovsky (23-24)
  • Josh Anderson (22-23)

To this list, we could practically add Zachary Bolduc, who put 19 in his first full season in the National League. And we could add Ivan Demidov, who has the talent to quickly become one of the National League’s good players.It makes me realize… this: There could be a lot of 20+ goal scorers on the Habs in 25-26, andit also makes you believe that the Canadiens are really well built offensively right now:

[content-ads] Offensively, the Canadiens have the option of offensive players.

And again, at the risk of repeating myself… this wasn’t necessarily the case in recent years. It’s good, that said, because it makes the whole thing even more exciting for fans of the Montreal Canadiens. It’s been really tough since the start of the rebuild, and the club’s performance has disappointed many… but clearly, things are moving forward in the process.

And if the Canadiens end up with several 20-goal scorers or more this season (and in the next few years), that’s going to help things move forward in one direction. In fact, I can’t remember a time when the Habs have had so many quality players on the offensive end… [spacer title=’Overtime’] – Absolutely.

– He got crushed, even.

– Well done.

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Brady Tkachuk is happy to see his club in the playoffs, but…

For the first time since 2017, the Senators made the playoffs this past season, and even though they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Toronto Leafs, there was one player who was “satisfied” to see his club progress: Brady Tkachuk.

We’re talking about Brady Tkachuk, who wears the “C” on his jersey in Ottawa, and we know that he gives a lot on the ice. But knowing that he’d never had the chance to play in the playoffs before last season… it must have been frustrating. Bruce Garrioch said it best on TSN(One Drive): there would have been a lot of frustration in the Tkachuk camp if the Sens hadn’t been able to participate in the spring dance. That said, you have to wonder if it really makes a difference…

[content-ads] A team’s success can change a player’s mentality.

Because there’s no doubt that constantly losing, not being able to enjoy good moments collectively and seeing the club go nowhere… it can be frustrating for a professional athlete. Especially for a guy who gives his all every night for the team logo. That said, at 25 – 26 in September – Tkachuk will (already) be in his eighth full season in the National League. He wants to start being able to win, and even though the Sens have booked their ticket to the recent playoffs, the team needs to be able to enjoy more success if they hope to keep him in Canada. We know that too, after all: Tkachuk is proud to be from the United States, and the idea of playing for a club in the States must be appealing. Much as it was with his brother Matthew, who has won two Stanley Cups and played in three Finals since arriving in Florida… That said, Brady still has three years left on his contract ($8,205,714 per season) in Ottawa, and the Sens had better start moving if they don’t want to see him leave, either by trade or via the free agent market…. [spacer title=’Overtime’] – Oh yeah?

– Interested parties:

– He went under the knife for his wrist

– Boom Boom Geoffrion Hutson.

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The Hurricanes would rather convert a winger to a center than see KK on the 2nd line

When you look at the Hurricanes’ line-up on paper, you can come to an easy conclusion: at center, it’s thin. Sebastian Aho will play on the team’s first unit-no surprise, because that’s been the case for several years-but Rod Brind’Amour has a little problem: he needs to find a guy to play at center on the 2nd line. The Hurricanes are in much the same situation as the Habs… But instead of giving that role to Jesperi Kotkaniemi, a 3rd overall pick who aspired to fill a chair like that, the Canes have other plans. Chip Alexander, who covers the club’s activities in Carolina, talked about it on the Jason Gregor show: The Hurricanes would rather convert a winger to center than see KK on the 2nd line.

The Habsolument Fan site also wrote on the subject:

[content-ads] That says… a lot. But at the same time, we can’t act like it’s really surprising either. Since arriving in Carolina, Jesperi Kotkaniemi has played a total of 305 games with the Hurricanes. That’s not enough for a guy who wants to play in the top-6 of a National Hockey League club. And it’s not enough for a guy who wants to play in the top-6 of a National League club that has been aspiring to greatness for several years now. It’s strange to say, but it’s as if KK had reached the bottom of the barrel. He still has five years left on his contract ($4.82 M per season) and on DailyFaceoff, he’s projected as his club’s 4th center. To say that the Hurricanes are stuck with him is an understatement… and it’s ironic because they thought they were doing the right thing by making him an offer sheet in 2021. Too bad… [spacer title=’Overtime’] – Classic.

– It was quiet today in Brossard.

– Oops.

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Samuel Montembeault may be the only Québécois goaltender in the NHL in October

The position of Québécois goaltenders is increasingly in jeopardy in the NHL. Last year, six of our goaltenders played in the NHL – and not all on a regular basis. And the more you look at it, the more you realize that five of those guys aren’t likely (or aren’t going) to start the year in the NHL.And it’s not as if many youngsters are pushing to take their first steps in the NHL this fall…Marc-André Fleury has retired. Olivier Rodrigue and Louis Domingue are off to the KHL. Already there, half of the guys who’ve played at least one game won’t be in the Bettman circuit in 2025-2026. And as we read in a TVA Sports piece, there’s a chance we’ll see Yaniv Perets and Devon Levi start the season down under.

[content-ads]If all this takes place, it would leave Samuel Montembeault, who is guaranteed to start the NHL season if healthy, as the only goaltender from here to play in the NHL in October.Crazy stiff, the same.Montembeault is the #1 goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens and has taken his club to the playoffs in 2025. He also represented Canada at the Four Nations in February. His position is not in jeopardy in Montreal, but that he’s the only one is horrible. We’re a long way from the days when the world’s best goalies were systematically guys from here. Times have changed and we’ve been aware of that for a long time, but Flower’s departure means that, more than ever, we can see how catastrophic the situation is. [spacer title=’en rafale’]- She’s learning.

– Ah well.

– Weird.

– Iconic.

– Of note.

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KHL: Bob Hartley to be paid more than most players

Bob Hartley, as you know, is back in Russia: the French-speaking pilot, who had announced his retirement, is back in the KHL. A number of reasons, including his love of hockey, prompted him to take the job with Lokomotiv –the 2024-2025 champion club, for those who had forgotten.

But there’s also one aspect to consider, in all this: Bob Hartley won’t be volunteering in Russia. In fact, he’ ll not only be a better-paid coach than his peers, he’ll also earn more money than the vast majority of his players. We’re talking about a salary of over two million US dollars a year, as tweeted by Andrew Zadarnowski. That’s more than a few coaches in North America, by the way,so yes, clearly, he was coveted AND in a strong negotiating position. So much the better if he took advantage of it. content-ads]

Looking at his salary in Russia, you’d think that Hartley, who for years said he was well retired, was waiting for the right opportunity to get back behind the bench.

Lokomotiv must be lucky to have such an experienced man who knows Russian hockey and has won outright wherever he has been. He’ll help his club defend its crown, and if he also raises salaries a little for his colleagues… [spacer title=’Overtime’]- Good question.

– Reminder: he’ll be playing tonight.

– Oh well.

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Michael Hage has gained weight: he now weighs 200 pounds

Michael Hage isn’t fooling around with his summer practice. The Canadiens prospect, who could be in Montreal in April 2026 if the stars align, knows that next season will be very important for him. And he wants to make the most of it. One of Hage’s goals is clearly to get stronger. He believes this will help him defensively, something he wants to work on in his second year in the NCAA. But he also wants to get stronger to be a proverbial hard-to-play-against player for his eventual move to the pros. To do this, Michael Hage pushes iron five times a week in the gym. Add to that the fact that he skates three to four times a week and has changed his diet, and it’s clear he’s serious this summer. #CommeIlSeDoitAs reported by Nicolas Cloutier, who reported on the subject for TVA Sports, Hage is up to 200 lbs. That’s 10 more than the last official measurements.

[content-ads]Repeatedly told how important it was for him to improve his game without the puck (which is, in fact, the majority of his time on the ice), he got the message.

Good for him!That’s also the importance of a second season in the NCAA: he won’t exactly be a rookie anymore, and he’ll be able to improve other facets of his game. He’s putting himself in a position to dominate. In my opinion, he’s also understood that any top-6 center in the NHL must have some defensive responsibility. And if Hage wants that chair in Montreal… So seeing him at 200 pounds is a good thing.[spacer title=’Overtime’]- Speak of the devil.

– It’s not going so well in L.A.

– That would be a nice addition, indeed.

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Contract: Lane Hutson and the Canadiens are confident of reaching an agreement

It’s August 14. Summer is in full swing and the weather is hot, but the question on everyone’s mind in Montreal is: is Lane Hutson about to sign a long-term contract with the Habs? That’s what people want to know. That… and just how much negotiating leverage Serge Savard has taken away from Canadiens management by calling the defenseman the most talented Hab in the club’s history since Guy Lafleur.

Lane Hutson, who will be a restricted free agent next July, has given himself the means, via his prowess on the ice, to sign a massive contract.

But as Marco D’Amico (rightly) points out, the fact that he’s a long way from full autonomy doesn’t help him. He’s right to bring this up (you can read his piece on the subject on the RG media site) because I’ve found, for weeks now, that people have been comparing Noah Dobson’s contract too much to Lane Hutson’s situation without taking this element into account.It’s crucial, though. #BargainingPower[content-ads]

But the question on everyone’s mind is how well negotiations are going between the Canadiens and Lane Hutson’s clan with a view to a contract. And according to D’Amico, things are going well at this level. The plan would be to sign long-term (six to eight years, in these waters) and not short-term. But the number of years and the amount are elements that have not yet been fully decided. That’s what’s holding things up. # Iwonder when the contract will become official. But reading the text from RG média, it seems that the matter could potentially be settled before camp. To be continued… [spacer title=’en rafale’]- Seen the same way.

– Stanley Cup: Sylvain Lefebvre is still hungry.[98.5 FM] – Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knaUMAfp5R4

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Bogdan Konyushkov compared to Alexandre Carrier

Bogdan Konyshukov is an intriguing prospect for the Montreal Canadiens. We don’t really get to see him play since he’s in the KHL, but we do know that he’s a right-handed defenseman with a rather frail frame (170 lbs.) despite his 6 feet.

We also know that he has a certain value on the defensive side, but we don’t really know much more than that. But what would be an interesting comparison to find out a little more about what to expect from the Russian defenseman.In the Eyes On The Prize podcast Habsent Mind, the subject was actually discussed.

–

[content-ads]Reporter William Shoukri was asked what would be the best comparison for Konyushkov, and he replied Alexandre Carrier.I find that a very interesting comparison.The two defensemen aren’t the most flamboyant, but they’re a sure bet on the ice.

Shoukri added that Carrier has a better skating stroke, but Konyushkov has a better hockey IQ.

The Torpedo’s KHL product doesn’t really seem to have any weaknesses, without being incredible at anything (except hockey IQ, he seems to be well above average). Reliable defensemen are always nice to have in a team’s fold.During this episode of the podcast, the Russian’s trade value was estimated.

Although he wouldn’t be a high-value trade chip, according to Shoukri, he could still bring in a third-round pick, which would be a win for the Habs, who selected him 110th in 2023, i.e. in the fourth round.

And there’s nothing to stop him increasing his value with a good season in the KHL in 2025-26. His last campaign with Torpedo was a little disappointing, as he was more productive in the two previous seasons. He should have an important role in the line-up this season. It’s up to him to prove that he can be an NHL defenseman. [spacer title=’Overtime’] – To read.

– The Montrealer has a lot to be proud of.

– That had to hurt.

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Lane Hutson ranked 19th best defenseman by NHL Network

Lane Hutson has talent to spare, to say the least.Well, he doesn’t have to sell it, but that’s how much he’s got.Rarely have we seen such electrifying defensemen, let alone in Montreal. Of course, the name P.K. Subban quickly comes to mind forshowmanship, but Hutson is in his own class. Subban quickly comes to mind for the spectacle, but Hutson is in a class of his own.It’s good to see raw talent like Hutson’s. Even though he’s only had one season under his belt, he’s made a lot of eyes glaze over this season, and many see him becoming one of the NHL’s best offensive defensemen.

It seems a little early to say that, but his talent, his ease on the ice and his will to always improve will certainly make him an excellent defenseman. But where does he currently stand across the NHL? NHL Network has compiled its top-20 list of the league’s best defensemen, and Hutson has broken through the ranks: he’s ranked 19th.

[content-ads]Brock Faber rounds out the top-20: It just goes to show how much offensive talent the little Habs defenseman has to offer. Mikhail Sergachev, Devon Toews and Adam Fox are 18th, 17th and 16th respectively. But Hutson isn’t just a one-dimensional player. He knows how to use his stick defensively, as well as being extremely intelligent in positioning himself and anticipating the play. Many wondered whether he would create a ton of turnovers and be a burden in his own zone. He’s only 21, so there’s no doubt he’ll create turnovers, but he’s far from being a defensive liability. Add to that his incredible, well above-average vision, a skating stroke that freezes opponents and velvet hands, and you’ve got quite an arsenal for a 21-year-old defenseman. He doesn’t have a powerful shot, but he knows how to direct well-placed pucks towards the net to create chances.He’s actually working on his shot this summer.

If he can improve his shot, he’ll certainly be a threat and terrorize opposing players. With a better shot and experience, he’d certainly be a Norris Trophy contender sooner rather than later.

[spacer title=’Overtime’] – Well.

– To read.

– For ball fans, go listen to this.

– When it counts, it counts.

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Expectations for Demidov: If he passes the 60-point plateau in 25-26, it will be a success

Ivan Demidov is a player with the skills to become a star in the National Hockey League. We saw his talent in his very first NHL game: the Russian collected two points in his first period in the big league, and he did it in fine style.That said, we know he has what it takes to succeed.

Expectations will be high in his first full season in North America, much as they were with Lane Hutson, and, like the defenseman, if Demidov surpasses the 60-point plateau in his first year with the Canadiens, it will be a success.

That’s what Brian Wilde told the Sick Podcast:

[content-ads] Brian Wilde is right. Demidov probably won’t get 100 points right away… but with the quality of NHL players, seeing him produce sixty or so points as a rookie would be excellent.

He’ll be well surrounded – especially on the powerplay – and Martin St-Louis is likely to give him a chance to make his mark on one of the team’s top two trios, too. Given plenty of playing time – again, as was the case with Hutson – Demidov will have the chance to showcase his talent to the full.

And that’s just it, we know that talent comes out of his ears,as he demonstrated last night in the three-on-three league (LSHL):

It’s hard to predict how many points he’ll collect in 25-26, but we know he’ll play with good players and have an important role on the team. And knowing that, it makes you believe he can be productive even though this will be his first NHL season.

He’s not seen as the favorite at the Calder for nothing, after all…[spacer title=’En rafale’] – Logical.

– He’s too strong.

– Will he be traded before the season starts?