In Montreal, the name Sidney Crosby stirs passions.
Many would like to see him in a Canadiens uniform before the end of his career, and the idea comes up time and again.
Because in the end, it’s true that it would be… something.
But in the Kid’s case, we know what the catch is: he won’t leave the Penguins if he wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh. It’s up to him, and if he ever decides to ask for a trade or share his desire to leave, that’s when we could see him traded.
And if that happens… Alexandre Gascon(Drette su’l tape) maintains that the Canadiens will make an offer to try to bring him to town.
If Sidney Crosby ever decides he’s ready to leave Pittsburgh and Montreal is one of the destinations on his list, I know Kent Hughes would be ready to make an offer. – Alexandre Gascon
Acquiring Crosby, on the other hand, would be expensive.
Kyle Dubas won’t make the decision to give him to a club just so Crosby can go play elsewhere: the Penguins GM will want to take advantage of #87’s value to pick up pieces that can help his club.
Especially in a context where the Penguins have a long way to go before returning to the elite of the National League. They’ve selected three first-round prospects in the upcoming draft, but it’s going to take even more to rebuild the team on the ice.
Because apart from Crosby, there are also guys who are getting older, like Kristopher Letang, Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson…
So you have to wonder what the price would be to get Crosby out of Pittsburgh.
And whether Kent Hughes is willing to part with one or more key pieces to get his hands on a player who will be 38 in August and is likely to retire in the next few years.
On the other hand, we know that Hughes isn’t afraid to move and is aggressive in his approach. If that helps the Habs win games…
Many NHL executives thought the summer of 2025 was going to be important for hostile offers. After all, the salary cap has risen considerably in the past week.
But at the time of writing, nothing has happened.
What’s the reason why, for the time being, no hostile offer sheet has been signed by a hostile player and expectations haven’t been fulfilled on this subject on the morning of July 7?
“I think we’re going to see more hostile offer sheets. In the league, if a team has success with a strategy, it can become a trend.”
But the fact remains that teams are cautious and have learned from the Oilers of 2024. Among those clubs that have learned are the Oilers of 2025.
They quickly signed Evan Bouchard to avoid a hostile offer sheet from the Hurricanes.
Friedman on 32TP says the reason the Evan Bouchard extension got done so quickly is because Carolina threatened the Oilers with an offer-sheet. They pivoted to K’Andre Miller after Bouchard extended.
But as time passes (and players sign), the candidates become fewer. Players who are still eligible for arbitration can no longer receive a hostile offer sheet (like Bowen Byram, for example), which changes the game.
Here are the players who could go to arbitration.
11 RFA players have filed for salary arbitration.
⁰Lukas Dostal (ANA)⁰Drew Helleson (ANA)
Conor Timmins (BUF)
Arvid Soderblom (CHI)
Jayden Struble (MTL)
Maxim Tsyplakov (NYI)⁰Kaapo Kakko (SEA)⁰Nick Robertson (TOR)
Morgan Barron (WPG)⁰Dylan Samberg (WPG)
Gabe Vilardi (WPG)..
Byram and McBain are no longer eligible to sign offer sheets. If they do reach an arbitration hearing, they will both be able to select a 1- or 2-year term on the award.
Both players can walk themselves straight to UFA by picking a 2-year deal. https://t.co/1Pa6lZJs7i
THIS DATE IN #HABS HISTORY
July 7, 2021: The Lightning beat the Canadiens 1-0 in Tampa in Game 5 of final to win the Stanley Cup. https://t. co/fUcpu3JMDg
I asked Jonathan Huberdeau what his advice would be to Ivan Demidov:
“You were drafted for a reason. Stay true to that. Don’t focus on what people say, even if it’s complicated sometimes in a big market. He’ll be electrifying in the NHL.”@TVASports
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) July 7, 2025
Among them? Continuing to explore the possibility of adding top-6 talent to the team, which is looking to surround Ivan Demidov for his first full season in Montreal.
The Canadiens are hunting for top-six help – and clearing cap space to make it happen. With Evgeny Kuznetsov rumors swirling, could a bold move be coming to Montreal?
Remember that with all the Russian prospects in the organization (starting with Demidov, of course), the Habs aren’t afraid to go there.
And since Nick Bobrov has his sights set on SKA, Kuz’ s team in 2024-2025, it’s safe to assume that the Habs aren’t afraid of the veteran’s background.
It’s important to remember that Kuznetsov is a talented 6’1 center who has already won the Stanley Cup… and that he got to know Ivan Demidov well with SKA last year.
Will the top prospect try to convince him to come to Montreal and play alongside him in his first NHL season? We think so.
It’s worth remembering that this isn’t the first time that the name of the Russian, who is free as a bird at the moment, has been bandied about in the NHL. We know he’s considering a comeback.
A decision could therefore be imminent in the case of the player likely to sign a contract based on performance bonuses.
Chris Johnston: Word is circulating that Evgeny Kuznetsov is eyeing an NHL return – The Athletic
– NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 1, 2025
Because the Canadiens aren’t done dancing this summer, it’s logical to believe that Kuznetsov is just one of the many scenarios currently on the table with the Canadiens.
It’s likely to keep on shaking.
overtime
– Makes sense.
“The Canadiens are building something big. The acquisition of Dobson will be very good for MTL. I think within 2 years, the Habs will be a very big team.” -Jonathan Huberdeau
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) July 7, 2025
– Logan Mailloux: a good move for the Blues? [TSN 690]
– Jordan Harris turns 25.
Happy birthday to former Canadiens defenceman Jordan Harris, who turns 25 today. He signed a free-agent contract with the Boston Bruins on July 1. One of the nicest young men I have ever met. Montreal Gazette photo by John Kenney. #Habspic.twitter.com/f1inzDGmMm
Even though the Canadiens have had a good off-season so far and the summer rush is over, there are still projects on the table for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.
What are they? Here are a few of them.
1. Jayden Struble is the organization’s last player not yet under contract. He recently requested salary arbitration (which doesn’t mean the Habs couldn’t come to an agreement with him before that), which means the matter won’t drag on for long.
We shouldn’t be insulted at the moment: this is just an administrative procedure. But if the meeting finally takes place, it will be more worrying.
Question of the day Club du Matin:
There’s been a lot of harsh criticism of Jayden Struble’s decision to go through the arbitration process. Does it bother you that he used his right?
So that means (unless Kent Hughes gets the rights to an RFA soon) that everyone will have a valid contract when the players report to camp.
It remains to be seen how much money Struble will earn. But it won’t be a huge amount, of course.
2. We still don’t know who the club’s second center will be, and we don’t know for sure whether Zachary Bolduc will be able to play on the second line as early as October. Is the Habs top-6 better than it was in the playoffs?
Yes, some good guys came to town and some big prospects were signed. But the Habs are still young and inexperienced. Not everything can be fixed in one summer, I know, but it’s still on HuGo’s to-do list.
Remember, a good club always has depth.
4. I’m not of the school that you absolutely have to trade Mike Matheson(quite the contrary), but Kent Hughes has to look to see if there are teams that want the club’s current players.
Trading Patrik Laine, for example, would give the Canadiens more leeway. But can and/or will the GM do that?
Even counting the Rocket players, there’s only one RFA left on the #CHs: Jayden Struble, who may go to arbitration.
With a current roster of 22 players (14 forwards, 6 defensemen, 2 goalies), the Canadiens are over the cap by about $4,300,000. Which..
– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) July 6, 2025
5. Speaking of giving the Canadiens a boost: will Carey Price’s contract be traded? We know he won’t mind if it helps the team.
We’re keeping an eye on the San Jose Sharks, who have plenty of salary cap space. But until the $5.5 million bonus is paid (in September), I don’t see a deal becoming official.
The Sharks have $20 million to spend to reach the salary floor.
San Jose will therefore be a prime destination for Carey Price’s 1 x $10.5M on their books.
I don’t know if the #CH will have to give up a pick considering it would do the Sharks a favor … https://t.co/ATtaMQc65w
– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) July 1, 2025
6. When will Lane Hutson get a contract?
For the past week or so, he’s been eligible for a long-term contract extension, but there’s been radio silence on the matter. It’s no surprise to me… and I think management is on the case.
extension
Here’s a mission for Geoff Molson, at last.
Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes, unless I hear otherwise, are still on their first contracts with the Canadiens. We can assume that both men have signed five-year contracts in 2021 and 2022, respectively. When can we expect a contract extension?
That’s what he mentioned (at the 10-minute mark of the episode) on the latest DFO Rundown.
That would be quite a catch for the Ducks, who would certainly take help on the wings.
Alongside a guy like Leo Carlsson, it could very well do some damage… big damage.
On the other hand, acquiring a guy like Robertson isn’t cheap.
A big piece could leave, and you’d think players like Mason McTavish, Jackson LaCombe, Olen Zellweger or Pavel Mintyukov would be targeted by the Stars.
Prospects like Tristan Luneau, Tyson Hinds or even Beckett Sennecke could also be included.
The Ducks certainly have what it takes to dance with the Stars.
The Canucks were interested in Christian Dvorak
Former Montreal Canadiens center Christian Dvorak signed a one-year contract at a (very) high salary when the free agent market opened with the Philadelphia Flyers.
It’s fair to say that no one expected Dvorak to sign for $5.4 million a year, even if it was just for one year.
But Dvorak was undoubtedly attracting the attention of other teams.
The Vancouver Canucks were in the running for Dvorak, but didn’t offer as much as the Flyers, only on a longer-term basis.
Friedman on 32TP says Canucks wanted Christian Dvorak but lost out to Philly, they offered him term. Dvorak chose a 1 yr deal, he’s betting on himself, he sees the league needs centers, maybe have a strong year in Philly and cash in July 2026.
As Friedman mentioned, Dvorak bet on him to get a better contract after his one-season deal in Philadelphia.
With a longer contract with the Canucks, as they would have offered Dvo, he could have left out a few million dollars.
Let’s see if he can prove he deserves more.
The Devils have talked to other teams about Dougie Hamilton
Dougie Hamilton isn’t a name that’s necessarily been circulating in recent weeks, but for the Devils, it would be interesting to see what they can receive in return for the 32-year-old veteran.
The Devils have a fairly young core, and while the presence of a veteran is necessary to mentor the youngsters, Hamilton could very well be shopped around to get even younger.
Still, there are veterans like Ondrej Palat, Stefan Noesen, Connor Brown, Brenden Dillon and Brett Pesce on the roster.
By trading Hamilton, New Jersey could give Simon Nemec more playing time.
Elliotte Friedman: Re Dougie Hamilton: I know his name was kind of out there, and I know the Devils have been talking to a couple of teams – 32 Thoughts Podcast
– NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 6, 2025
It’s worth mentioning that Hamilton had a full no-trade clause, but now has a modified no-trade clause, allowing him to submit a list to the Devils to trade him.
The 6’6″ right-handed defenseman still has three years left on his $9 million contract.
Carolina Hurricanes threaten Oilers with offer sheet for Evan Bouchard
Many wonder how Evan Bouchard extended his contract so quickly, given that he didn’t appear to be close to a new deal at the time.
Of course, if Bouchard and the Oilers hadn’t gone to arbitration, Bouchard could have gone elsewhere with a hostile offer sheet.
In fact, the Hurricanes threatened the Oilers with an offer sheet for his services.
Friedman on 32TP says the reason the Evan Bouchard extension got done so quickly is because Carolina threatened the Oilers with an offer-sheet. They pivoted to K’Andre Miller after Bouchard extended.
Seeing Bouchard join the Hurricanes would have been incredible.
Bouchard and Jaccob Slavin would have formed one of the best defensive pairs in the NHL.
Slavin is certainly one of, if not the, best defenseman in the NHL. And Bouchard, needless to say, can definitely rack up over 80 points in a season and has averaged over a point per game in the playoffs for the past three years.
And we know that the Hurricanes need to perform better in the playoffs.
But hey, when Bouchard extended his contract, the Canes ultimately opted for K’Andre Miller via trade, in return for Scott Morrow and a second-round pick in 2026.
Overtime
– Laine definitely knows how to make the red light shine.
Where Patrik Laine ranks in goals/game on his team:
It’s always good to have an effective left-handed center option when face-offs are on the left side in the defensive zone. The linesman who puts the puck in play is on the left side, giving the defensive center more room to maneuver.
It’s not a big detail, you may say, but at the professional level, it makes a difference.
If the Habs can add Veleno to their roster, he’ll certainly be able to help in these situations, without completely replacing Christian Dvorake t his effectiveness.
Veleno’s career face-off percentage is 46.5%, which doesn’t put him among the elite, but is certainly better than Newhook.
Adding him to the lineup (especially since he wouldn’t cost much in terms of annual salary) would give Martin St-Louis more room to maneuver.
The center line could look something like this: Nick Suzuki – Kirby Dach/Alex Newhook – Jake Evans – Joe Veleno.
When a left-handed center is needed in certain situations, he’ll have the chance to send Veleno. And if not, Newhook can always be there as a backup.
St-Louis can’t always rely on Suzuki to take face-offs, and the Habs’ opponents will know that the Montreal club has a weakness for left-handed centers.
But even with Veleno in the line-up, the Habs’ two best options at this level are two right-handers (Suzuki and Evans). Kirby Dach has only 36.1% career efficiency and Newhook isn’t much better. At least Evans and Suzuki are the only ones with a percentage of over 50%.
Could Florian Xhekaj be another option? According to this article in The Hockey News, with the Laval Rocket (as of February 8, 2025), he posted an efficiency of 44%, which isn’t bad for a 21-year-old. That can always improve with experience (and maybe a few tricks from a face-off expert like Manny Malhotra).
Overtime
– Bowen Byram and Jack McBain can’t sign a hostile offer sheet this summer.
Now, neither player can sign an offer sheet
Since the team took them to arbtiration, the player (and agent) pick the term of the award. If they wish, both could choose two-year deals and go directly to unrestricted free agency. Still time to decide. https://t.co/ZlwU8RC95r
– In this text, we learn from Curtis Hamilton, assistant general manager of the Laval Rocket, that Hayden Paupanekis has much more potential than a 4th line center.
Lots and lots of info on the 9 new prospects chosen by Montreal in 2025 in this text.
From Zharovsky to Vig, here’s what the coaches, GMs, scouts and Martin Lapointe had to say about each of them. https://t. co/pf0tFHC3rO
According to the journalist, if the Habs play Hage at the end of the season, it’s because the team is guaranteed to miss the playoffs.
I agree with Basu.
Firstly, because the contexts are very different.
Caufield was brought in under Marc Bergevin.
And while the gamble paid off as the Habs made it to the finals and the forward had 12 points in 20 games during the playoffs, let’s not forget that he had just burned up the NCAA with 52 points, including an impressive 30 goals, in 31 games.
Under Kent Hughes, we had the case of Demidov, but which is also very different, as we also sensed a certain urgency on the part of the Habs to get him out of Russia as quickly as possible as soon as he got the chance.
What’s more, Demidov is an exceptional talent whom you can place directly in your top six.
In Hage’s case, I have the impression that his apprenticeship will be more of a step-by-step process, starting him on the third or fourth line and then giving him more ice time and responsibility as he develops.
Or perhaps even a stint in Laval, which could also be an option when his next season with the University of Michigan comes to an end.
And that’s not because I don’t think Hage will be a very good center for the Habs, quite the contrary, but rather because the team can afford to take its time with him and make sure it doesn’t skip any steps.
Overtime
– Bravo to the Lions’ captain!
morgan Adams-Mosain
Each Sunday we will be highlighting a different Captain… for obvious reasons, Adams-Mosain kicks this series off @Lions3rpic.twitter.com/FnmrMVFqUt
The Ivan Demidov era has finally begun with the Canadiens.
The prospect broke the ice and took his first NHL step when he joined the Habs last April.
In two regular-season games and five playoff games, Demidov picked up four points (one goal, three assists) and showed several interesting flashes.
Although he didn’t break anything at five-on-five, I’m not worried, as the context was far from ideal with his late-season arrival and little time to adjust.
Let’s just say that his evaluation really begins this season, when he’ll have time to prepare and learn Martin St-Louis’ system of play.
The former star player is impressed by the maturity of the Habs prospect.
In particular, he believes Demidov’s decision to stay in Montreal to prepare for the upcoming campaign, but also to adjust to the city and learn our language, shows a lot of wisdom for his age.
In 2001, after his first season, Kovalchuk preferred to return to Russia for summer practice rather than stay in Atlanta.
Now, we’re talking about two very different contexts: Montreal, which runs on hockey 365 days a year, and Atlanta, which had just acquired a hockey team where people much prefer football…
The hockey retiree also believes that Demidov has the personality and confidence to succeed in the Québécois metropolis, which loves flamboyant stars.
Let’s not forget that Kovalchuk played 22 games with the Habs in 2020, and was able to experience first-hand what it’s like to play in a market like Montreal.
And as fans, we can only hope that the former player’s words are prophetic for the Canadiens’ prospect.
Overtime
– Big night’s work for Sean Thomas!
98 total yards and 1 touchdown for his 100th career game… Sean Thomas Erlington had quite a night’s work on Saturday – 98 total yards and 1 touchdown in his 100th game…Sean Thomas Erlington had a solid night at the office on Saturday pic.twitter.com/GUQl29qE9i
Jordan Kyrou is a name that has caused a lot of chatter in Montreal in recent weeks. The Blues forward was seen as a big Habs target until July 1, when his no-trade clause came into effect.
We’re talking about a complete no-trade clause: he can refuse a trade to any team. That doesn’t mean he can’t be traded, just that he can refuse any trade involving him.
The Habs and Blues completed a deal this week, but Kyrou wasn’t involved. At the time, it was assumed that the Habs had fallen back on their Plan B in St. Louis since Kyrou was no longer on the table… but be warned: that may not be the case.
Frank Seravalli recently appeared on The Kevin Karius Show, a radio show in Edmonton. And when asked about Kyrou (around the eight-minute mark of the clip, which you can listen to HERE), he had this to say:
I think the Canadiens are still trying to get Jordan Kyrou. – Frank Seravalli
Frank Seravalli: I think the Canadiens are still trying on Jordan Kyrou; I think there’s other teams in the mix – Kevin Karius Show
– NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 6, 2025
Seravalli notes that, at the moment, the matter is on hold and that other teams are also in the mix. That said, the tipster suggests that Kyrou’s no-trade clause may not be an issue in this case.
He insists that the Blues want to get rid of this contract (probably because the club has an abundance of depth at winger level): are the Blues trying to encourage him not to take advantage of his clause? Possibly.
The question is whether Kyrou, a Toronto native, would be open to the idea of playing for the Canadiens. But if Seravalli is telling the truth and the Habs continue to work on this file, it’s safe to assume that there’s some interest on the player’s part.
It would be peculiar to see Kent Hughes, as aggressive as he is, working so hard to get a player, not knowing if the player would agree to come to Montreal, you know.
We’ll obviously have to keep a close eye on this one, but with Logan Mailloux already a member of the Blues, the Habs have lost a possible bargaining chip to get Kyrou.
And no, I don’t expect Zachary Bolduc to be sent back to St. Louis.
Overtime
– Touching.
Meghan, a young Habs fan, got to meet her hockey idol recently, Habs goalie Sam Montembeault pic.twitter.com/KS0GjHuyTB
– Gavin McKenna isn’t the only big name in the upcoming draft.
Friedman on 32TP says as much as teams who may be in the McKenna sweepstakes may not want to give up their 1st RD picks in an offer-sheet scenario, not enough people are talking about Keaton Verhoeff, who is also a stud, great prospect. Will not be a bad consolation prize.
– Nikolaj Ehlers: in addition to the Hurricanes and Capitals, the Mammoth and Avalanche were on the case.
Friedman on 32TP says Washington, Utah and Colorado all made a pitch to Ehlers, Washington went particularly hard after him. Friedman surprised he only signed for 6-yr rather than 7. Guess he really wanted Carolina. Detroit wanted to make a pitch as well but were told no.
Last Tuesday, the Habs acquired Zachary Bolduc. The forward, who enjoyed a fine rookie season with the Blues, was acquired in return for Logan Mailloux.
The arrival of Noah Dobson meant that the Habs could afford to trade Mailloux, and they jumped at the chance.
In Bolduc, the Canadiens get a talented guy who’s capable of playing on a top-6 line (remember, he played on Robert Thomas’ wing on the Blues’ top line late in the season), but more importantly, a guy who seems genuinely happy to be back in town.
The Trois-Rivières native posted a message on his Instagram account in which he thanked the Blues and their fans at length. And at the very end of the message, he had this to say:
Montreal! It’s a dream come true, and I’ll be proud to wear the blue-white-red jersey. – Zachary Bolduc
Bolduc notes that he’s looking forward to this new chapter in his career, and understandably so. He’s leaving a good team in Saint-Louis, but he’s joining another one on the rise in Montreal, and above all, he’s a lot closer to home.
It will be much easier for him to see his family on a more regular basis, for example.
In Montreal, Bolduc will have the chance to play a fairly offensive role. We expect to see him playing minimally on the top-9, but it’s far from impossible to see him being sent to the second line with Ivan Demidov, who has excellent playmaking skills.
For a guy like Bolduc, who flirted with a 20-goal season (he finished the campaign with 19) in his rookie year and has an excellent shot, it must be exciting to consider the opportunity to play with a guy like Demidov.
Bolduc will have to fight hard in camp to prove that he deserves this opportunity, but what’s clear is that he seems (really) happy to be coming to town. And if that gives him extra motivation, so much the better.
Overtime
– Speaking of Bolduc.
An interesting connection to the Zack Bolduc trade between the Blues & the Habs:
Blues coach Jim Montgomery & Habs GM Kent Hughes, both from Montreal, are old friends who go way back.
They were teammates at Cégep de Saint-Laurent, winning a championship in 1987-1988. Years… pic.twitter.com/IWPhks0f9P
– The Hurricanes wanted Claude Giroux. They’re looking for a second center, too.
Friedman on 32TP says 2C is still an issue for Carolina, although he never expected Claude Giroux to hit UFA, but if he did Carolina would’ve taken a huge run at him.
– If Noah Dobson had been traded to the Blue Jackets, Ivan Provorov would have tested the autonomy market.
Friedman on 32TP says Waddell always knew what it would take to re-sign Provorov, but once they struck out on Dobson and other options didn’t pan out he circled back to Provorov and his representatives and said “okay, I’m in”
Darren Dreger: Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, Max Domi has some trade protection, but those are pieces you could see getting moved before the start of training camp, potentially – First Up
– NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 6, 2025
– The Blue Jays are on the move.
After his big outing yesterday, Lazaro Estrada has also been sent back to AAA. https://t.co/HthPQtnsmX
https://t.co/Yrtg7zm4Av
https://t.co/9Ee01CYgUE
