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Zachary Bolduc to wear #76 in Montreal

It’s done.

Zachary Bolduc has chosen to keep his #76 in Montreal. It’s the number he wore when he played for the St. Louis Blues, and he’s decided not to change the recipe.

The Habs have announced the news.

He will be the third player in franchise history to wear it. Jozef Balej was the first to wear it, but people mostly associate the number with P.K. Subban, of course.

It will be special to see a #76 back in town.

Yesterday, Zachary Bolduc’s father wore a #76 (Subban) jersey in an interview with BPM Sports. It was a good indication of his son’s intentions, even if he wouldn’t confirm anything.

And now he has.

Expectations are already starting to build up for Bolduc, and wearing such a number will inevitably increase them.

He’ll have to be able to manage that.

In junior, with the Océanic and the Remparts, Bolduc wore #15. But in Montreal, it’s a certain Alex Newhook who has that number. Everything pointed to #76.

Will you buy his jersey? Or will you just dig out your old Subban jersey?

overtime

– It was a formality.

– Good listening.

– Hello, Saku.

– Interesting.

– Read more.

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Joe Veleno: the Canadiens would be among the three finalists

Two days ago, Marc-Olivier Beaudoin mentioned that Joe Veleno had an offer on the table from the Montreal Canadiens.

We’re talking about a short deal (one year at $1 million) for the player who was recently bought out by the Seattle Kraken after a difficult end to the season with the Blackhawks.

It’s not a compelling offer for a talented player like him. And he’s clearly the kind of player, like Anthony Beauvillier, who could help the Canadiens.

But where do we stand with Veleno?

The Québécois player, who has earned exceptional player status in the past in the QMJHL, reportedly has a few NHL offers on the table at the time of writing.

Marc-Olivier Beaudoin is talking about three clubs: the Golden Knights, the Panthers and the Canadiens. From what he’s heard, these are the three teams most likely to sign the player.

Interesting, though…

Ultimately, we’re talking about two NHL powerhouses, playing in “hot” NHL markets, who would be the Habs’ biggest rivals right now.

Playing in Florida or Vegas sounds like fun.

Will the lure of coming home be that important for Veleno, who is currently practicing in Montreal? Only he and his inner circle know the answer to that question.

It’s a matter for the 6’1.

overtime

– Please note.

– Big win for the Blue Jays.

– ABB: where will he go?

– Michael Pezzetta and Ryan Reaves will get along just fine.

– Brock Boeser in Vancouver: it was decided at the last minute.

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A year from now, Lane Hutson and Zachary Bolduc will no longer be on a rookie salary

The summer of 2025 isn’t over for Kent Hughes, of course. There are still contracts to be signed for Jakub Dobes, Jayden Struble and William Trudeau… in addition to seeing what happens on the market.

But the job of an NHL GM is to look ahead.

And if the Canadiens’ GM looks a year from now, to July 2026, he realizes that he has several players who will need a new contract for the 2026-2027 season.

Alex Belzile, Nate Clurman, Marc Del Gaizo, Samuel Blais, Patrik Laine, Carey Price and Mike Matheson (the biggest case) will be uncompensated free agents a year from now.

What about NHL RFAs? For the moment, we have Arber Xhekaj, Kirby Dach, Lane Hutson and Zachary Bolduc.

It’s worth noting, though, that for the 2026-2027 season, the last two names on the list should, if the trend continues, get a healthy pay rise.

Especially Hutson…

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But I’m curious to see what Bolduc can come up with. After all, he was very good in his final months in St. Louis, and if he picks up where he left off in preparation for the 2025-2026 season, he’ll be shopping for a pay raise.

Kent Hughes doesn’t always give in the area of bridge contracts. If Bolduc proves himself…

My point is this: even if the salary cap continues to rise ($95.5M in 2025-2026, then increases to $104M and $113.5M for the following two years), the increase will be swallowed by the two youngsters. And that’s okay: that’s how a good club is built.

But since the Habs are already over the cap for 2025-2026, it’s important to remember that the end of Carey Price’s contract, in just under a year’s time, won’t solve all the club’s problems, since the youngsters will be picking up the tab.

Ivan Demidov, too, will eventually need another contract. His will expire in 24 months – with the possibility of signing as early as summer 2026, for those wondering.

That doesn’t stop the GM from spending, but it does remind us of the importance of being cautious. After all, the likes of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky and Kaiden Guhle are taking up space (which is all very well) and we need to keep that in mind.

overtime

– Indeed.

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– Sad news.

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– OQLF: the word “GO” is accepted. [LP]

– Ouch.

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Team Canada at the 2026 Olympics: Noah Dobson out of TSN lineup

Now that the NHL draft and the opening of the free agent market have passed, many teams can start focusing on next season.

This year, however, will (finally) see the 2026 Olympic Games, to be held in February in Milan, Italy.

And, as with every international competition (especially one of this scale), we can start to build up a picture of the big teams.

Obviously, we can expect the Canadiens to be VERY well-endowed.

In fact, TSN has drawn up Canada’s own line-up for this edition of the Olympic Games.

It’s scary (in a good way).

At first glance, it’s clear that the Canadiens will (once again) be a brute force on paper.

The lines won’t necessarily be identical, but when you’ve got Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett and Tom Wilson on your 4th trio, there’s reason to be scared.

On the other hand, there are some names that have been overlooked, and among them is Noah Dobson, the Montreal Canadiens’ newcomer.

Honorable mentions to Evan Bouchard on defense, as well as Macklin Celebrini and Connor Berdard, who could surprise with an excellent start to the season.

Devon Toews and Cale Makar should most likely form Canada’s first defensive pair.

Josh Morrissey, Shea Theodore and Colton Parayko should also be included, as they also provide an excellent presence on the blue line. And let’s not forget Thomas Harley, who impressed at the 4 Nations Confrontation.

On the other hand, although Drew Doughty is a veteran of international tournaments and MacKenzie Weegar is a very good defenseman, Noah Dobson would be a more logical choice.

Doughty is getting older, like it or not. He’s still got some good hockey in him, but at 35 (he’ll be 36 at the Olympics), he may not be able to keep up with the international pace.

Making the starting line-up is likely to be a good challenge for the two-time Stanley Cup winner.

As for Weegar, he has 47 points in 82 games this season (and 52 the season before), which is very good.

Defensively, however, it’s much more difficult, as he finished first (by far) in the NHL in turnovers with 159.

His closest pursuer was Erik Karlsson with 140. When you far exceed EK65 for turnovers, it’s never a good sign.

While defense isn’t Dobson’s greatest strength either, he had far fewer turnovers (108), even if that’s far from ideal.

And now you’re going to tell me that Dobson only scored 39 points last season, but don’t forget that he had 70 the season before, on a team sorely lacking in offense.

Dobson is also four inches taller than Weegar. Dobson’s presence in front of the net is quite formidable, even if he’s not the most physical.

The fact remains that Weegar is still a very good choice, as he distributes more checks and blocks as many, if not more, shots than Dobson.

But let’s not forget that the situation with the Islanders was far from favorable to Dobson.

I’d still take Dobson and Weegar next February before Doughty, who’s starting to age.

We could also consider Evan Bouchard, who is not in the line-up and who, if not reliable defensively, is a dangerous presence offensively.

I can’t wait to see Canada’s final line-up for these Olympic Games.

Overtime

– If you compare the two editions, there’s clearly room for improvement.

– Good luck with your new team, Rafaël.

– Zayne Parekh is confident about his first full NHL season. He’ll be one to watch in the race for the Calder Trophy.

– Brent Burns joins Colorado Avalanche for 22nd NHL season.

– For those who missed it: the 67th episode of the Passion MLB Podcast.

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Darren Dreger doesn’t think the Habs had what it took to acquire Jordan Kyrou

As we’ve heard from a number of experts, the Montreal Canadiens were definitely in the running to acquire Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues.

So much so, in fact, that the chances were put at 70% that the Habs would acquire him.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen… at least not yet.

For a guy of Kyrou’s stature, who would be the perfect second center for the Montreal club, you have to give something interesting.

On this subject, Darren Dreger recalled the Canadiens’ interest in the Toronto native, but also wondered why the Blues would have traded him.

According to Dreger, they needed a good player, something he doesn’t believe the Habs have to offer in return.

Of course, he’s talking about available players, not core players.

That’s what he said on the Ray & Dregs Podcast, hosted by himself and Ray Ferraro.

Of course, there are a few players who would be untouchable in a deal like this. Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov, Juraj Slafkovsky, Kaiden Guhle, Lane Hutson and now Noah Dobson come to mind.

And we also know that Kyrou wouldn’t be part of a deal.

On the other hand, Mike Matheson’s name has been circulating lately in some rumours of a potential trade for a second center, as he would be a very nice piece.

We could also add names like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook as potential trade chips, as well as B/B+ prospects (Owen Beck, Oliver Kapanen, Adam Engstrom, etc.).

So, to say that the Habs may not have the necessary pieces to dance with the Blues is a bit of a stretch, in my opinion, but it certainly won’t be easy.

At least the Habs can be pleased to have acquired the services of young Québécois Zachary Bolduc from the Blues, in return for Logan Mailloux.

It’s fair to say that Bolduc is a (very) good consolation prize.

In Overtime

– A deal involving Rasmus Andersson and Bowen Byram would make sense.

– Indeed, his execution was perfect.

– For ball fans:

– Québécois Nikolas Brouillard (previously approached by the Habs) returns to the San Diego Gulls.

– Now with Deandre Ayton at center, plus LeBron James, Luka Dončić and guys like Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves, the Lakers will be dangerous.

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Pierre McGuire thinks the Habs have the best defense in the NHL

The Canadiens have struck a blow by acquiring Noah Dobson and securing his services for the next eight years.

The arrival of the defenseman solidifies the Habs’ entire blue line.

We can all agree that Montreal will have one of the league’s best defensive brigades next season.

In fact, according to Pierre McGuire on The Sick Podcast, the Canadiens currently have the best defense in the NHL.

You can listen to the extract here.

It’s still a big take.

Dobson’s arrival certainly improves an offensive aspect and will help support our young attack, both five-on-five and on the powerplay.

He and Lane Hutson could score at least 60 points each next year.

It will also give Mike Matheson, who has been overused more often than not, less ice time and probably more efficiency.

However, I don’t know how much the defensive aspect of our blue league has improved.

The Canadiens allowed 265 goals last season, tied for 23rd in the league.

That’s by far the highest total of any playoff team.

The Habs often had a bad habit of getting stuck in their own zone for long periods of time, which frequently ended with a goal awarded to the opposing team.

Of course, when your backs help you control play in the offensive zone, as Dobson and Hutson can, it also helps to spend less time in your zone.

Although Kaiden Guhle is increasingly asserting himself in this role, I think we’re missing another good stay-at-home defender who can play big minutes.

The good news is that this defender is already with the team, and he’s David Reinbacher.

I don’t know if he’s ready to make the jump to the team at the start of the season, but I have a feeling that his arrival will solidify the Habs defense in his zone.

In short, I don’t know if the Canadiens currently have the best defense in the NHL, but it should be one of the very good ones, especially in the offensive zone.

Overtime

– Listen up!

– Seven runs in the first inning for the Jays.

– Vlad Jr. will be at the All-Star!

– The American team.

– And the national line-up.

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L.J. Mooney models his playing on that of Cole Caufield

It was the second day of the Canadiens’ development camp, and the first time the players took to the ice.

For many youngsters, it was also the first opportunity to don a Habs (practice) uniform.

Eight of the nine picks in the last draft were present for this camp, including L.J. Mooney.

He spoke to the media after his on-ice practice; you can watch the clip here.

L.J. stands for Little John.

And no, I’m not talking about the rapper Lil Jon.

A fitting name for the five-foot, seven-inch (171 cm) diminutive forward.

Mooney, who was drafted 113th overall by the Habs less than a week ago, draws his inspiration from Cole Caufield.

It was his childhood idol.

I don’t know if number 13 got his first taste of old age reading this, but it must be really trippy for the kid to find himself playing on the same team as his favorite player.

As well as being two diminutive American players, Mooney and Caufield have similar playing styles.

However, Mooney likes a robust game and can impose himself physically despite his small stature.

In fact, without setting himself any targets, the center forward would like to put on some muscle mass this summer, as he is currently listed at 157 lbs (71 kg) on the elite prospect site.

Mooney is also happy to play for Martin St-Louis, another small-sided player, and wants to learn from his hard work in the gym.

Indeed, he’s a good role model to follow if he wants to put on weight over the summer to be as ready as possible for the rookie camp in September.

If the American continues his progression and manages to carve out a position with the team within the next few years, he could become a very good late selection for the Canadiens.

In Overtime

– Many of our prospects.

– Direction Winnipeg for Gustav Nyquist.

– Islanders reach agreement with Maxim Shabanov.

– Pius Suter signs with the Blues.

– Morgan Frost remains in Calgary.

– Four more years in Vegas for Kaeden Korczak.

– One-year contract in Pittsburgh for Alexander Alexeyev.

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Mike Matheson, the only obvious choice for a 2nd center?

At the end-of-season review, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton shared one of their objectives for the summer.

They wanted to get their hands on a 2nd center.

The specific goal: to find a way to surround Ivan Demidov.

So far, the Canadiens haven’t succeeded.

Kent Hughes traded Logan Mailloux yesterday for Zachary Bolduc, he acquired Noah Dobson last Friday… and he made a few moves here and there yesterday, for the opening of the NHL free agent market.

But he still hasn’t found his famous 2nd center. And… at the moment, the only obvious piece of equipment that could help him find a player who can fill that role is Mike Matheson.

Does Kent Hughes absolutely have to put Matheson on the market to fill that need?

The Canadiens’ GM said yesterday that he sees himself continuing with Mike Matheson in Montreal.

But…

But if there’s an offer on the table to acquire a 2nd center and Matheson has to leave, maybe that can also entice Kent Hughes to let him go.

Matheson will be as free as a bird from next summer, and although he seems to want to stay in Montreal, that’s not a certainty either.

And as long as we’re losing the defender for absolutely nothing… taking advantage of his value right now doesn’t seem crazy either.

At the same time, we know that Matheson is an important player for the Canadiens. He now has a more defensive role, he’s a good leader of the group and he helped the Habs secure their playoff berth last season.

I’m not saying he absolutely has to be traded… but on the other hand, if it’s to improve the club’s top-6, I’d be willing to see him traded by the Canadiens.

In Overtime

– Pius Suter will continue his career in St. Louis.

– Big contract.

– The question arises.

– News from the MLB.

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Zachary Bolduc: “He could have had 25-30 goals if Jim Montgomery had been there all season”

The Canadiens have a new player on hand in Zachary Bolduc.

The forward, who was acquired in trade for Logan Mailloux, comes to Montreal to help the team offensively.

We know he has one great quality: his wrist shot. And his excellent shot allows him to score goals, which should help the Habs.

In his rookie season, Bolduc scored 19 goals.

However, according to Jamie Rivers – who played in the NHL and is now an analyst in St. Louis – the Québécois could have scored between 25 and 30 goals if Jim Montgomery had been the Blues’ head coach for the whole of last season.

Rivers spoke about this during his appearance on Tony Marinaro’s podcast:

It’s interesting though.

The arrival of Montgomery (a coach with similar qualities to Martin St-Louis) allowed Bolduc to explode offensively, and the Québécois was able to finish his season strong.

No rookie scored more goals than him after the 4 Nations Confrontation, after all…

But that’s also why it’s encouraging to see Bolduc play under Martin St-Louis, a coach who wants to see his guys emphasize their respective qualities.

In Montreal, the sniper will be very well surrounded, and he’s also likely to get his chance on one of the two waves of the power play.

And in that respect, both Habs units are likely to be good next season – which could also allow Bolduc to enjoy powerplay success with his shot.

There will be certain expectations for him next season, and I’ll be curious to see how 22-year-old Bolduc responds to that adversity.

But if he’s got talent, he’s got it. And that’s the good news.

Oh, and if you ever fancy listening to the podcast episode in question… it’s right here :

Overtime

– New deal for Emil Heineman.

– It does feel special.

– Well done.

– Ouain… hehe.

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Even Alexander Romanov admits that he never expected to sign such a contract

Alexander Romanov signed a big contract with the Islanders in the last few days

The eight-year deal will pay him $6.25 million per season.

It’s a surprising pact in a way, because we didn’t necessarily expect to see him earn so much money over such a long period.

The defenseman admitted it himself: he didn’t think he’d be in a position to sign a contract like this.

He said in an interview(RG Média) that he was really happy to have had an opportunity like this… but that he didn’t think he’d be able to sign a contract like this:

I didn’t expect more than six years, and I certainly didn’t expect such an amount. – Alexander Romanov

There are two options in the story, then.

Either Romanov’s agent did a wicked good job… or Mathieu Darche got a fast one:

In reality, $6.25 million a year for a defenseman like Romanov is still a lot.

Especially when you compare his contract to that of a guy like Kaiden Guhle in Montreal…

Mathieu Darche wanted to keep Romanov in New York after the loss of Noah Dobson, and that makes sense on some level.

But to offer so much money to a player who didn’t even think he was worth that much… that’s something.

So much the better for the former Habs, but we’ll see how this contract ages over the next few years.

Romanov will become more important to the Islanders’ roster with Dobson gone, and maybe that’s why Mathieu Darche thought it was a good idea to offer him a big contract to convince him to stay.

Now, the defenseman is signed until 2033… and expectations for him will probably be higher in the future too.

Overtime

– The youngest of the Joseph brothers signs a deal with the Canucks.

– New contract for Cody Glass.

– Coming up.

– I can’t wait to see his development.

– Good one.