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Patrik Laine trade: Kent Hughes asked Nick Suzuki’s opinion before concluding the trade

The second season of the series Rebuilding: Inside the Montreal Canadiens will be available Thursday on Crave. It’ll be a behind-the-scenes look at the Habs’ last season, and so far we’ve been given a sneak peek at one of the episodes. The most striking part of the clip is when we learn that, on the eve of the deal, Kent Hughes called Nick Suzuki to see if he thought it was a good idea.

Now we understand that Hughes had his captain’s approval.

The Canadiens’ GM explains in the clip that he sounded out Suzuki to make sure he was going to get a player who would be able to integrate the team by being accepted in the dressing room. For Hughes, his captain’s opinion seems to be very important.

The best example was at the last trade deadline, when Suzuki asked him not to sell to improve the Habs’ chances of making the playoffs, which he did. It’s hard to say whether most general managers trust their captains this much, but it’s still a big deal for the Canadiens. Kent Hughes is a former player agent. He knows how players feel about transactions, and his approach often seems to be aimed at making his players happy and confident [content-ads] One also wonders whether this is a polite gesture to his captain, or whether Kent Hughes has ever cancelled a transaction after Suzuki’s refusal. It’s understandable that Kent Hughes would ask Suzuki for his opinion on the player’s integration into the team, but the captain probably also has something to say about the new player’s talent. A guy on the ice may not be the best judge of talent against a general manager, but the good news is that Suzuki seems to be using his influence in a good way at the moment. We’re talking about a rallying captain who helps keep a positive attitude on the ice. And let’s just say he’s also setting a solid example on the ice. spacer title=’Overtime’] – Details of the deal reported by Maxime Truman.

– Good news for Toronto: it’

– Carrier has become a real star in Montreal.

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Montreal CF has traded Caden Clark

There’s a lot going on at Montreal CF, and as the summer mercato draws to a close… the Montreal club has traded Caden Clark to D.C. United. Maxime Truman shared the information on Twitter, as he did just last week for the Jules-Anthony Vilsaint trade (who went to Toronto).

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Clark sign a new contract with his new team. He was one of the promising young players in town… but Montreal CF is starting a rebuild and there was interest in Clark’s services in MLS.

Toronto FC and the Chicago Fire were also in the running for Clark’s services, according to Maxime Truman [content-ads] CF Montréal had several forwards and it’s “normal” to see one of them being traded.

That said, some may wonder why a guy like Bryce Duke or Sunusi Ibrahim couldn’t have been sacrificed in place of Clark… and there’s an explanation for that.There was interest in Caden Clark, unlike Duke and Ibrahim . Speaking of Sunusi, it’s pertinent to know that seeing his contract (depending on what you hear) could be bought out at some point. And while we’re on the subject of the summer mercato – it’s worth noting that at least one quality player could join the Montreal CF squad before the mercato closes. That could help… given that the Montreal CF currently finds itself in 14th place in its conference (out of 15) with a record of four wins, 15 losses and eight draws. In closing, let’s remember that there are links to be made with the Montreal CF and the Montreal Canadiens. The Montreal CF is rebuilding after seeing the Canadiens do the same… and after seeing the results of the Habs’ successes last season. Here’s hoping the Montreal CF rebuild is as exciting as the Canadiens’…[spacer title=’Overtime’] – After Clark, Joel Waterman?

– Um…

– Oh yeah?

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Ivan Demidov vs Matvei Michkov: the Quebec-Pennsylvanian Russian battle

It’s August 18. Rookie camp shouldopen in just over three weeks, and the annual Canadiens Children’s Foundation Golf Tournament – which marks the return of hockey to the game each year – should take place in exactly four weeks’ time. In short, it’s starting to feel like hockey in Quebec, even if it’s still 30 12 degrees Celcius outside. Especially with the days getting shorter with every sunset…We’ll be observing several things in Brossard when the practice camp opens: the identity of the guys who will be called upon to form the second line first, Kirby Dach’s state of health, the identity of the fourth defenseman to complete the top four, the different pairs on the blue line, Patrik Laine’s mood, the identity of the backup goaltender, Samuel Blais’ fate, Joe Veleno’s place, Joshua Roy Zachary Bolduc’s role, the Rocket’s young players… But I’ll also be observing something else: will Ivan Demidov be as dominant as he was in his first game against the Blackhawks, or will he need time to acclimatize to NHL hockey?

Demidov scored a goal and an assist in his first game on April 14, but was then limited to two assists and a minus-5 rating in his next six games (including the playoffs). Yes, Lane Hutson, Zachary Bolduc, Noah Dobson, Samuel Blais, Joe Veleno, Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach and others will attract attention in September, but I’ll be watching Demidov in Brossard.

We’ll be able to compare Demidov’s 2025-26 season with Michkov’s 2024-25 season. (Credit: YouTube/capture d’écran)

I’ll go one step further… Matvei Michkov was selected seventh overall in 2023-he could have been the fifth overall pick and lined up for the Canadiens, but Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton saw things differently-and he played his first campaign a year later. He managed to score 26 goals and 37 assists in his first campaign in Philadelphia, albeit with a minus-18 differential. Will Ivan Demidov, selected fifth overall a year later, be able to have a better first campaign in the show than his compatriot Matvei Michkov? Will the 19-year-old Ivan Demidov have a better NHL season than the 19-year-old Matvei Michkov? Will Demidov be able to do what Michkov was unable to do (because of Lane Hutson), which was win the Calder Trophy?Note: Michkov was born on December 9 and Demidov on December 10 (one year later). So my comparison this morning really does hold up…Who knows? Maybe Demidov will even collect more points than Michkov next season, period. Michkov and Demidov will always be linked to each other. From their training at SKA St. Petersburg, their generational talent and their selection – and non-selection – by the Canadiens de Montréal. So yes, even on this August 18, 2025, it’s not just Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump that occupy my thoughts when I think of Russia.

[

– To be continued.

– Whew.

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Reminder: The Habs still have time to move between now and the start of the season

It’s August 18, and the Canadiens’ famous golf tournament is just around the corner… which also means that training camp is just around the corner. And of course, the club’s season will also be getting underway in the coming weeks. But right now, there are still questions surrounding the Habs… With Kirby Dach’s state of health, it complicates things a bit. Because in reality, the big right-hander was seen as the one who would inherit the role of second center since this summer, Kent Hughes failed to get his hands on a guy who could fill that role.

But let’s not forget one thing: the Habs still have time to make moves between now and the start of the season. For example, last year’s Patrik Laine transaction took place on August 19… And in 2022, the CH acquired Sean Monahan on August 18 (exactly three years ago today). Jean-François Chaumont(98.5 FM) wouldn’t be surprised to see the Canadiens make a deal if there’s another NHL GM interested in dancing:

[content-ads] Kent Hughes wanted to improve his team this summer, and he did so by getting his hands on two quality players. In Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc, the Habs still picked up two guys who can help now… that said, even if the Habs still have time to move, don’t think that the Canadiens’ GM is going to panic by making a move that can’t be explained. We know that the Canadiens’ management has a plan, and that plan is pretty clear. They’re aiming for long-term success, and it’s not going to happen by emptying the bank of prospects or picks to go get a guy at the last minute. But we also know thata trade could be easier to conclude after seeing the Habs exchange Carey Price’s contract. That, too, will be something to keep an eye on… because it could unblock a few things. One thing’s for sure, though: if the Habs don’t make a move by October 8 (first game against the Leafs), they’ll have to start the season with a 2nd center who probably won’t be in the right thing. And that’s what’s scary, just a few weeks before the start of the season.

[spacer title=’Overtime’] – Minor signing in Columbus.

– A real machine!

– Logical.

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QMJHL: 2026 NHL draft set to be tougher (1st round)

In the latest NHL draft, three QMJHL players were selected in the first round. Bill Zonnon, Justin Carbonneau and Caleb Desnoyers are the three guys in question. Is that a lot? Compared to what it’s been, or compared to the other two Canadian leagues, the answer is no. But seeing a Quebec player in the top-4 was interesting. Especially since in 2023 and 2024, the Q wasn’t represented in the first round…

(Credit: Hockey DB)

So, even if it’s hasty, we have to ask ourselves this: will the 2026 crop be interesting for the Québécois league? From what we understand, at the moment, it could be relatively… quiet in the first round. I say that because Scott Wheeler of The Athletic has ranked the top prospects in the 2026 crop. Xavier Villeneuve, a 5’10 defenseman from the Armada, and Lars Steiner, a Swiss winger who plays in Rouyn-Noranda and who Wheeler feels should go second, are currently ranked in the first round.[content-ads]

(Credit: The Athletic)

Yes, there are some honorable mentions (Cameron Chartrand, Maddox Dagenais, Dylan Rozzi and Yegor Shilov), but Villeneuve could be the only choice, really. That said, if we’re being pessimistic, we could also do the opposite. After all, this time last year, we certainly didn’t see Desnoyers in the top-4. And maybe Carbonneau and Zonnon weren’t in the first round in everyone’s eyes, let’s put it that way. There’s still some big hockey to be played before we can see what the outcome will be. [spacer title=’Overtime’]- Nice.

– CH: which players need to do better?[TVAS] – Really?

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Phillip Danault feels nauseous after losing to the Oilers

While one swallow doesn’t make a spring, the Los Angeles Kings’ rushed exit against the Edmonton Oilers in the first round has become almost proverbial. Despite making the playoffs in each of the last four seasons, the Californian club failed to advance to the second round, coming up against their Alberta rivals every time.

Even with home-ice advantage to start the series, the result has been the same, with the Kings losing in six games. And with the current ranking system, Los Angeles could well find Edmonton in their way at the next spring ball, and if it’s not in the first round, it’s likely to be in the second.

Defeating Connor McDavid and his gang is becoming almost a sine qua non if Los Angeles wants to aspire to top honors before seeing its window of opportunity. Phillip Danault is well aware of this and hopes this year will be the one, as we learn in an article by Stéphane Cadorette published on TVA Sports.

[content-ads] The former Canadien is fed up with losing to the Oilers to the point of nausea. It must be a very frustrating situation for the player. However, Danault also thinks that the Kings are only a few details away from being able to win against Edmonton.

The problem is that a few details can hurt you when you’re playing against players like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who demand constant vigilance. From a personal point of view, although offensive production has dipped a little in two seasons from 54 to 47 and then 43 points, Danault continues to be effective in his zone, as evidenced by his plus-20 differential last campaign.

The center is also pleased with the Kings’ new additions of defensemen Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci, and forwards Corey Perry and Joel Armia. The Québécois is particularly pleased with the arrival of Armia, whom he played with for several years with the Canadiens, and believes that Perry’s experience will be beneficial for Los Angeles.

All three players were part of the Canadiens’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, and if the past is any indication of the future, Perry’s presence should enable the Kings to reach the Final, albeit without winning the big one. spacer title=’Overtime’] – Oilers senior.

– Nobody likes a diva.

– The Canadiens are basketball champions!

– And in volleyball!

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Carey Price is immortalized at William Lake

Although Carey Price is still on the Canadiens’ payroll, he’s been enjoying his retirement for some time now. The former goaltender, who hasn’t played since 2022, was eligible for the Hall of Fame this year, but wasn’t included in the 2025 batch. It won’t be long now for Carey Price, who saw his former teammate and friend Shea Weber among those elected to the most recent selection.

For the time being, the Canadiens are not discussing retiring the number 31 from the goaltender who has played his entire career with the club. In 712 regular-season games with the Canadiens, Price posted a record of 361 wins, 261 losses and 79 losses in overtime, with an average of 2.51 and an efficiency percentage of .917.

His playoff stats are even more impressive with 2.38 goals allowed per game and .918 save percentage despite a negative record of 43 wins and 45 losses. Unfortunately, the lack of offense in front of him and a career cut short by a knee injury prevented him from winning a Stanley Cup.

However, while post-career professional honors are a long time coming for Price, he has just been immortalized in a beautiful way for his time in minor hockey in William Lake, B.C.

[content-ads] The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex has unveiled a magnificent chainsaw-carved wooden statue. The work, which commemorates his time with the local team from 2001 to 2003, shows the goalie in action and is beautifully crafted.

It’s incredible to think it was made with a chainsaw! It’s also a great honour for Price, and we’re betting it won’t be the last to mark his incredible career, both in the minors and professionally. However, while the former goalkeeper is living his best life as a retiree, many are wondering about his contractual situation with the Canadiens.

There’s still one year left on his 8-year, $84 million contract, and his annual salary of $10.5 million severely limits the Habs’ room to manoeuvre and their salary cap. While Price’s contract could hurt the Habs, it could help a team reach the salary cap, and like many, I wouldn’t be surprised if the club traded his contract before the start of the season. [spacer title=’Overtime’] – Jays loss.

– All good things must come to an end.

– Canada vs USA for the gold.

– Zdeno Chara is at it again!

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“Habs players aren’t just members of the club, they also become Montrealers.”

There’s a great culture permeating the Montreal Canadiens, where players and staff seem to have a lot of fun together and bonds are forged. Nick Suzuki is the perfect captain for this culture. He sets a good example every day, and the others follow suit. Suzuki likes to take advantage of the summer months in Montreal by going to places like the Lasso Festival (which took place over the past two days). Several Habs players were there this weekend, and even Martin St-Louis was spotted singing in the crowd. In short, many of the club’s players stay in Montreal during the summer, and by necessity, they immerse themselves in the Montreal culture. Stu Cowan discussed this on The Sick Podcast with Matthew Ohayon.

[content-ads]

“The Habs players are not just club members, they’re becoming Montrealers too” – Stu Cowan

It’s totally true what he said. There’s no better way to become a Montrealer than by living in the Québécois metropolis and spending your free time there, enjoying various events. The Habs players know that their fans are very intense and passionate, but this is reflected in every type of show in and around Montreal. Montreal crowds are always one of the best in terms of entertainment, whether it’s sports, music or anything else – just think of the fans who come to watch the players practice at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard every chance they get.

Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov clearly enjoy staying in Montreal and seeing fans watch them practice in the middle of summer. It’s encouraging to see this fan support and to see them react when one of them decides to pull a rabbit out of their hat with a little lace, for example. The chemistry and culture are good in Montreal and it’s not about to go away.

[spacer title=’Overtime’] – Ekblad in Detroit, that would have been special.

– Read on.

– Unbelievable.

– What a beautiful gesture from Jelly Roll. He celebrated the 1300 days of sobriety of a fan in the crowd with him and started a song in his name to congratulate him.

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Patrik Laine wanted to give up hockey, but he hasn’t

It’s no secret that Patrik Laine had some pretty serious mental health problems in the past, when he was playing with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Laine had great difficulty getting over the death of his father in 2021, which greatly affected his performances on the ice, as well as his daily life. The Finnish forward was so unwell at one point, that he seriously considered giving up hockey altogether.

In a long and excellent interview with Helsingin Sanomat, a Finnish newspaper, Laine explains that, on several occasions, he informed his GM and agents that it was all over.

[content-ads] The Montreal Canadiens’ current forward just couldn’t take it anymore, as he was suffering too much mentally, and simply no longer had the desire to play hockey and the desire to practice.

It’s really sad to hear all this from a player as talented as Laine, who had had such a good start to his career with the Winnipeg Jets.

Fortunately, Laine said in the same interview that all thoughts of quitting hockey were gone, and that he was at a point where he was very happy again. Indeed, the Habs’ #92 explained that he was enjoying life and hockey again, which had not been the case for a long time.

Laine feels he can push himself again, and he’s very happy about that, as he feels he’s made a lot of progress and done a lot of work with himself. The bottom line is that Laine is more than happy in Montreal, and feels very much at home in his new city, while it’s clear he’d like to stay for the long term.

[content-ads] The coming season will clearly be decisive in this regard, as if the Finnish forward really wants to stay in Montreal, he’ll have to perform up to his talent. And let’s just say that it’s looking good, as the forward claimed to be in much better shape than at this time last year, which puts him in much better conditions to start the season. Laine trained most of the summer in Brossard, so he’ll be much more ready for the start of the season.

In short, we’re all happy to know that Laine is getting back into hockey, and that it’s happening in Montreal, a city he seems to love. Here’s the full article from the Finnish media, which is well worth a full read. spacer title=’Overtime’] – It’s really great to see.

– Great news,

– Unbelievable,

– To be continued.

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“I want to force them to keep me on the team” – Joshua Roy

Last season was full of positive elements for the Montreal Canadiens, especially given that for the first time since the start of the rebuild, the team was competitive all season long. However, if we overlook the fact that the Habs made the playoffs, that Lane Hutson was extraordinary, and that Ivan Demidov came to town, there were more negative elements.

And one of these was clearly Joshua Roy’s performance. Indeed, we all had pretty high expectations of the Québécois winger last season, after seeing him finish the NHL season in 23-24. We saw him making the team easily at practice, when he clearly had a position to lose.

In the end, Roy didn’t perform up to expectations, and worse still, he didn’t even do enough to keep a job that seemed predestined for him. So it was clear that the Habs’ #89 didn’t arrive ready for training camp, didn’t have the right mentality and didn’t have the knife between his teeth. But this year, things seem different listening to Roy talk, as he explained that he wanted to force the Habs to keep him in the NHL.

[content-ads] Indeed, as can be read towards the end of theabove article by Sébastien Deschambault, Roy seems to have a much better mentality ahead of the fast-approaching training camp.

This time around, Roy will arrive as an underdog rather than a guy with a job to lose, so the pressure will be off him, and he’s bound to surprise and make management think long and hard about him. And that’s exactly what Roy wants, when his goal is to play in the NHL and prove that he belongs there.

What’s even more striking about Roy’s comments is that he really does sound like a guy who will play in the NHL, or at least has a good chance of getting there, when yet, several guys have passed him by. Zachary Bolduc is the first name that comes to mind, when he was clearly acquired to fill the role that Roy failed to fill and keep.

[content-ads] Indeed, in the eyes of many fans, the Québécois has fallen in the club’s hierarchy, and he’s clearly not one of the names that comes to mind when we think of youngsters who could carve out a position with the Habs.And even in the eyes of management, we know he’s lost a lot of feathers, so it’ll be hard for him to force them to keep him after disappointing them last season.

Owen Beck, Oliver Kapanen and Florian Xhekaj are the guys we’re hearing a lot more about right now, not to mention Joe Veleno and Samuel Blais, two Québécois who’ll be desperate to carve out a place for themselves in Montreal. Nevertheless, Roy remains fairly confident that he has the same goal as his compatriots:

“All three of us want the same result, which is to play with the Canadiens. We’ve got competition, but we’re still chums in the same way.”

–

Joshua Roy

In short, even if it’s going to be very difficult for the Québécois to make his mark in Montreal, it’s good to see him with a good mentality, which is still encouraging for what’s to come. Roy knows that this is his last year of contract, and he knows that it’s going to be a big year and that he’ll have to prove a lot.

Spacer title=’En Rafale’] – That’s for sure.

– Well said.

– Very good news for soccer.

– Very tough game for Sealy.