Author: Dose

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John Sedgwick expects to see Adam Engstrom with the Canadiens sooner rather than later

The Laval Rocket may not have had the playoff run they’d hoped for, but their season was a real success. The team was AHL regular-season champion, Pascal Vincent was named Coach of the Year, and now John Sedgwick has been named Director of Hockey Operations of the Year.

Sedgwick had the chance to discuss this honor on TSN 690 Tuesday afternoon, but of course, we’re interested in the Canadiens’ prospects.

Sedgwick was asked which Rocket player he thought would soon get his chance with the Habs. The Rocket’s director of hockey operations wanted to talk about a player who flies under the radar a little more than many others: Adam Engstrom.

He doesn’t necessarily place Engstrom above David Reinbacher, even though he said he’s not at all afraid of the latter’s future, but he wanted to take advantage of the moment to give credit to young Adam Engstrom.

And rightly so! Engstrom has been a regular for the Rocket this season, playing 66 games and ranking sixth on the team.

What Sedgwick seems to like most about Engstrom is his ability to adapt to the North American game. He has seen a marked improvement in this aspect of the young defenseman’s game.

Sedgwick expects to see Engstrom get his chance in Montreal sooner rather than later, because he’s simply talented. His 27 points this season make him the second-highest scorer among Rocket defensemen, behind Logan Mailloux. That’s not bad at all.

The only thing that could slow Engstrom’s ascent to the NHL is congestion on the left side of the Habs blue line.

Montreal already has Mike Matheson, Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle on the left, not to mention Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble, who have been fighting for a regular spot for quite some time now.

Engstrom will either have to impress in practice or wait for a wave of injuries among the Canadiens’ defensemen.

The good news for him is that the Logan Mailloux trade to the Blues has lightened the competition, but the cards still have to align for him to have a chance this season.

In any case, things are looking good for him. When the Rocket’s Director of Hockey Operations thinks highly of you, it increases your chances of being recalled sooner rather than later.

Overtime

– Time for Slafkovsky to explode.

– That’s a lot of money.

– Funny tactic.

– This is the equivalent of the Arizona Coyotes!

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Zachary Bolduc: passing is an underrated aspect of his game, says Grant McCagg

Ever since Zachary Bolduc became a member of the Canadiens organization, people have been praising his scoring talents (and with good reason).

After all, the guy scored 14 goals in his last 21 games last year, and he knows how to position himself in the slot.

In fact, it’s one of the facets of his game that is excellent and that will make the Habs a big power-play team. In addition to his shooting and positioning, his passing is an underestimated aspect of his game. Grant McCagg analyzed his last game of the regular season.

The former scout says he’s very impressed and can’t wait to see him in action, this time with more skilled teammates.

Yes, in St. Louis, he played on the powerplay with guys like Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas, who aren’t two of a kind, but at 5-on-5, he played with Mathieu Joseph and Oskar Sundqvist. They’re not the biggest scorers.

McCagg says that with guys like Ivan Demidov or Kirby Dach on the edge, his passes will be put forward even more.

Yes, Bolduc will help on the PP, but he’s a “pain in the ass” as McCagg describes him. He’s a fighter, he’s always on the move and he puts pressure on defenders right from the face-offs.

McCagg was full of praise for the Québécois throughout the video. He loves his vision and his ability to protect the puck. In game No. 82 against Utah, he did everything and was the Blues’ best player, in his opinion.

He’s very impressed by his maturity. He doesn’t play like a 21- or 22-year-old.

If the columnist and now youtuber’s comments are anything to go by, the Habs have a gem on their hands.

Overtime

– For those who can’t wait for the season.

– Joe Thornton gets a job with the Sharks.

– Back to reality.

– Really?

– What a catcher!

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“If the Penguins start badly, Sidney Crosby is gone before the end of the season.”

As long as he’s a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby will always be in the news.

Will he stay in Pittsburgh or go elsewhere? Those are the thousand-dollar questions right now.

Speaking on Jeff Marek’s podcast The Sheet, Greg Wyshynski changed his tune on the Pens’ captain. He says that if the Penguins get off to a bad start, which they will, Crosby will be gone by the end of the season.

Wyshynski always thought he’d end his career in Montreal, but this week he really started to believe he’ll be leaving Pittsburgh very soon.

In connection with Crosby, the Habs were obviously mentioned, but so were the Avalanche. Don’t dismiss the Los Angeles Kings too quickly either, as we’ve known since last night.

Podcast host Jeff Marek believes in conspiracy theories. He thinks that 87 accepted $8.7 million per season (when he deserves more) to be traded more easily. I don’t believe it, but you never know.

I can’t wait to find out the outcome of this story. One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be expensive. Pierre McGuire, speaking to TSN690, said it’s going to cost a first-round pick, a top prospect and an NHL player (for the contract, more than the player per se).

In closing on Crosby, he’s the reason Paul DeFazio was hired as the Blue Jackets’ equipment manager.

What a man Sid really is!

Overtime

– Habs legend.

– As entertaining as ever.

– Coming up.

– Good luck to you.

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Nazem Kadri: the Habs’ interest is not mutual

A few days ago, I wrote an article asking the question: ” Why not Nazem Kadri in Montreal?

And today, we’ve learned that the player is indeed interested in Montreal.

And what about the Canadiens? According to Jimmy Murphy, the Habs’ interest isn’t mutual.

Kadri is a 34-year-old center who still has a good contract (four years/seven million dollars annually) and is still scoring points.

Even if I could see him in Montreal, I can understand why Montreal wouldn’t be interested in the center forward. He’s not the youngest and he’s not part of the long-term solution. In my opinion, he deserves his salary, but he’s the kind of player who can age very badly.

If that happens, Kent Hughes could regret it very quickly. Especially because, to acquire him, the GM would have to give away some big-ticket items.

It would take a big pact to get the Flames, who are looking for a top-6 forward, to budge. Trading him would be… counter-productive.

Murphy believes in the possibility of Calgary trying to create a market for his player. On the other hand, is Montreal trying to drive the price down by saying they’re not interested?

Kadri grew up in London, Ontario, but he was a Canadiens fan. Surely someone with a no-trade clause would say yes to coming with the Habs.

Overtime

– I can imagine.

– Interesting.

– Utah pact.

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“Mason McTavish is a name to remember this summer”

The Canadiens aren’t the only team in the race for a top-6 forward.

A third of the league seems to be in the derby.

The Red Wings, Leafs, Flames, Canucks, Rangers, Devils, Caps, Blues, Kraken and Kings are in the mix.

There are several forwards on the market, but Mason McTavish, who is unhappy with his situation in Anaheim, is certainly a name that has many salivating.

Frank Servalli admitted today that he’s a name to watch out for this summer.

It will be difficult for a team to acquire him via a hostile offer, as the Ducks have plenty of space under the salary cap.

According to PuckPedia, they have close to $29 million available. They are by far the team with the most salary leeway. The journalist describes him as a solid player, but much like Trevor Zegras, the last few years in Anaheim have been difficult for him, and the club is stacked in attack.

The California club has just drafted Beckett Sennecke third overall in 2024 and Roger McQueen tenth overall in 2025. And that’s not counting Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund, who were acquired via the free agent market and trades earlier this off-season.

Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Troy Terry and Frank Vatrano are also important parts of the Ducks’ attack.

McTavish’s time in California may well be numbered.

Overtime

– Ah well.

– Of note.

– I hope the Habs release one, too.

– Good.

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Jack Adams: Martin St-Louis is the favorite (according to The Athletic)

Martin St-Louis was one of the finalists for the Jack Adams Trophy last season.

And deservedly so, in fact.

The Habs’ driver achieved something that seemed almost impossible: taking the Montreal Canadiens to the playoffs.

The more things go on, then, the more important St-Louis’ status becomes.

The proof?

In a poll of The Athletic’s journalists… the Habs head coach is the favorite (tied with Mike Sullivan) to win the NHL Coach of the Year award for the 25-26 season.

Still, it’s interesting:

(Credit: TheAthletic)

It proves one thing: Martin St-Louis’ work is being recognized right now.

He’s taking his team to the next level, the word is getting out… and to see that there are people who see him as the favorite for Head Coach of the Year for next season, it’s a nice mark of respect in a way.

But in the same poll, there’s another subject that caught my eye.

Well… it’s relatively simple: Ivan Demidov is clearly the most likely to win the Calder Trophy, according to The Athletic’s journalists.

And when you look at the voting percentages, you realize just how close it is… not even close :

(Credit: TheAthletic)

The fact that Demidov was so good in his NHL debut definitely has something to do with it.

He was excellent in his very first game in the National League, he’s had good moments here and there in the playoffs… and everyone on earth knows that talent comes out of both his ears.

I, too, think he has a great chance of going home with the Calder Trophy at the end of next season.

And that would be special, since the Habs could have a trophy winner for the second year in a row… when Lane Hutson was voted Rookie of the Year for the 24-25 season.

Overtime

– I love it.

– Anton Frondell signed his entry-level contract.

– This is going to be good.

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Nazem Kadri seems ready to lift his no-trade clause to play in Montreal

No, the Canadiens haven’t found the 2nd center they’ve been looking for for weeks.

Players in this position are in short supply in the National League, and it’s hard for Kent Hughes to find a partner to dance with.

But according to Nick Kypreos, there’s one name floating around right now: Nazem Kadri.

In fact, according to Kypreos(Sportsnet), Kadri would be willing to waive his no-trade clause in order to join two clubs in particular.

The Toronto Maple Leafs… and the Montreal Canadiens.

And clearly, this would be an intriguing avenue for Kent Hughes and the Habs.

The two teams to which Kadri continues to be linked and for whom he seems ready to lift his non-movement clause are the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs. – Nick Kypreos

I really like this idea.

Not only because Kadri is a proven player offensively (87, 56, 75 and 67 points in his last four seasons)… but also because we’re talking about a guy with a lot of fire.

We’re talking about a player who gives his all every time he’s on the ice, and who never takes a night off. And we know that in Montreal, Martin St-Louis likes players like him, and that the Canadiens like guys with a certain identity.

Kadri can score, he’s got golden hands, he’s got great vision… and putting him on the second line, alongside a guy like Ivan Demidov, could really set the rink ablaze.

That doesn’t mean the Canadiens are interested.

But… In light of the fact that quality center players are rarely available right now, Kent Hughes needs to do his homework by calling the Flames and inquiring about the price to acquire Kadri.

The only catch?

Kadri turns 35 in October (on the 6th) and still has four seasons left on his $7 million-a-season contract.

Is that too much for a player his age?

At the same time, we know exactly what he would bring to Montreal in the short term…

Overtime

– He’s so special.

– Sick!

– Ah, yes.

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With Demidov, Bolduc and Dobson, the Habs could be among the A.N. elite next season

The Canadiens will have the weapons to be dangerous offensively next season.

The acquisitions of Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc will help in this regard, and we could see a big difference on the powerplay.

Adding these two guys to the powerplay waves could really change the game…

In Grant McCagg’s eyes, Dobson and Bolduc could allow the Habs to score (at least) 10 more goals in 25-26 on the powerplay.

Because it’s true in a way: Dobson and Bolduc will add depth on the 2nd power play unit… whereas last year, the Habs didn’t necessarily have many quality players in that context with guys like Brendan Gallagher, Alex Newhook and Emil Heineman.

Oh, and the arrival of Ivan Demidov is also interesting…

By way of comparison, the Canadiens scored 47 goals with the man advantage last season.

And by scoring 57 goals, the Habs would have finished the campaign (tied) for 7th in the NHL for most powerplay goals.

Only the Sens, Red Wings, Jets, Devils, Lightning and Avalanche scored more than 57 times on the powerplay.

And we agree: if the Habs find themselves among this group… they’ll be among the National League’s elite.

(Credit: NHL.com)

The other clubs will have to be more disciplined when facing the Canadiens.

The Montreal club will have the firepower to wreak havoc on the powerplay… and that may compensate for the powerplay, which may not be as good with the departures of Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia.

Me, in all this, I wonder what the two powerplay units will look like in the first game of the season.

Martin St-Louis will have his work cut out for him… and with the quality of the guys we’ll have back, that could be tough too.

Overtime

– Of course.

– Can’t wait to see him go.

– I (really) like this.

– Oh.

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KHL: Alexander Zharovsky’s club wants the “Ivan Demidov treatment” from the Habs

Alexander Zharovsky is a popular prospect in Montreal right now.

The club’s second-round pick in 2025 (when the club had no first-round say on the heels of the Noah Dobson deal) has become popular fast.

And why? Because his talent is there and his ceiling is high. #Upside

Last year, Zharovsky was able to get a taste of the playoffs in the KHL because of an injury to his team. He did well, according to his coach, who felt he didn’t just survive, but had some good games on the ice.

Seeing him with confidence is a sure sign. And it undoubtedly helped convince the Habs to select him.

But soon, all eyes will be on the future. Will Zharovsky, who has two years left on his contract in Russia, be able to make his mark in the KHL from the start of the season? The question arises.

Marco D’Amico(who works for RG Media) went to the source on the matter. Viktor Kozlov, his coach with the Salavat Yulaev Ufa club, commented on the dossier, saying that nothing had been done. Obviously, he won’t give him a job unless the kid deserves it.

But that’s not the most memorable part of the interview, in my opinion.

My takeaway is that the Habs haven’t yet contacted their prospect’s Russian club (should happen later, I imagine)… and that Zharovsky’s team wants the Ivan Demidov treatment. That’s what I understand from reading between the lines, at least.

Let’s let the Canadiens visit us, see how they see Zharovsky’s development, and when the time comes, we’ll think about the possibility of letting him go. – Viktor Kozlov, laughing

Yes, Zharovsky’s coach (who is still under contract for two years, I remind you) said so, laughing. But you know as well as I do that every joke has a grain of truth.

To me, it sounds like the club wants a “bonus” for considering letting the youngster go a year early.

I imagine the Canadiens would like to bring the prospect to North America (Laval or Montreal) sooner rather than later, but I don’t know how far Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton are willing to go to make that happen.

I guess we’ll find out in due course…

overtime

– Interesting.

– Wow.

– Really?

– Attention all interested parties.

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“The chances of seeing Sidney Crosby in a blue-white-and-red jersey will be very, very high.”

“Max, do you think Sidney Crosby will come and play in Montreal?”

If I haven’t been asked the question 50 times since the start of the off-season – notably on golf courses in the Montreal area – I haven’t been asked it once.

And my answer is always the same: Sidney Crosby will start next season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Should the Pens languish at the bottom of the overall standings after the Olympics, Crosby – like Evgeni Malkin – will evaluate all his options.

Reminder: Malkin will be completing the final year of his contract, and Crosby, the penultimate. Malkin is a year older than Crosby.

If one says yes to a potential trade offer, the other is likely to do the same.

At the last amateur draft, held in Los Angeles, the word on the floor was that Crosby might ask Kyle Dubas to trade him to Colorado in February/March, to join his good friend Nathan MacKinnon.

But this morning on X, David Ettedgui suggests otherwise. With bold, paragraphs and asterisks..

According to the former agent, the chances of Sidney Crosby joining the Canadiens next summer are very, very high. They’d even be higher than those of the Avalanche.

To do so, however, would require..

1. The Penguins don’t win the Gavin McKenna lottery, otherwise Crosby might be tempted by the idea of mentoring young McKenna as Mario Lemieux did for him.

2. The Canadiens have yet to acquire an additional top-six center.

3. The Habs will have a (much) better season than the one just ended, so much so that it will be logical to think that the Montrealers will be aiming for top honors in 2026-27.

That’s a lot of ifs, but we can afford to believe.

I’d add a fourth if: Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will have to agree to pay something significant to acquire Crosby, who may only have one more season of hockey to offer the Montreal club. Yes, the Habs would have the assets to acquire Crosby, but would they be willing to give them up for just 82 of Crosby’s 84 games? Damn good question..

And the more I think about it, the more there has to be a fifth if: Crosby will have to be healthy by then.

Extension

– I wonder if Mario Lemieux’s intention to buy the Penguins might force Crosby to stay in Pittsburgh. With shares in the franchise, like..

– I also wonder if the Habs might be better off targeting Evgeni Malkin at the deadline, especially given the Russian reputation he’s building. Although Malkin is likely to leave the NHL next summer..

– Crosby with Demidov and Laine (or Dach), that’s a whole second line!