Author: Dose

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NHL expansion: it’s only a matter of time before the next one!

Gary Bettman really wants to see the NHL get to (at least) 33 teams.

There was some development on the subject of potential NHL expansion on Wednesday. At the NHL Governors’ Meeting, Bettman hinted that the file is moving forward quietly.

According to information shared by Frank Seravalli, the NHL governors were made aware of the interest shown by certain investors, and that these investors had been made aware of the cost of an expansion. However, no formal application has yet been filed.

No formal application has been filed, but let’s just say it coincides nicely with recent news that Atlanta has come a long way in its quest to regain an NHL team.

Let’s just say that building a $3-billion amphitheatre sounds like something Atlanta really believes in.

Based on this information, it’s easy to see that it’s no longer a question of if there will be an expansion, but rather when .

If Atlanta achieves its goal, it would be a third attempt in the NHL after the Flames and Thrashers.

If the NHL really embarks on the project with Atlanta, it must first and foremost ensure that every little problem is solved, every box ticked before moving forward.

Atlanta is a great sports city and its potential team could be financially successful, but you don’t want to rush into things and go in any old way, as we saw with Arizona, for example.

Speaking of Arizona, it’s very rare for leagues to have an odd number of teams. So there could be two expansions in a short space of time, a bit like Vegas and Seattle. And since we know the NHL isn’t closing the door on a return to Arizona, we could be treated to the Coyotes 2.0.

But all this is just a hypothesis for Arizona.

We’ll probably have to wait several more months for news of an expansion, but rest assured that the chances of the NHL staying at 32 teams are very slim.

Overtime

– Kent Hughes has a lot to play for with his picks.

– The Canucks would like to keep Demko.

– Sad news.

– It will be an important fight.

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Rumor mill: A four-year contract (at $5M per season) for Tavares in Toronto?

John Tavares is no longer 25.

But he’s still one of the best players in the National League, even at 34.

He scored 38 goals last season (74 total points) and was an important part of the Leafs’ regular-season play. But… he doesn’t have a contract for next season, and we wonder what’s going to happen with him.

There’s a chance he’ll stay in Toronto, but at the moment, discussions between the two sides seem more complicated.

We know that he wants to finish his career with the Leafs.

And according to Pierre LeBrun(TSN), Tavares would be willing to sign a four-year contract valued at $5 million per season if offered.

Seeing Tavares take such a pay cut would please fans in Toronto.

Because at 34, he’s not worth as much as he was when he signed his seven-year, $11 million-a-year contract.

But… it would also help the Leafs maintain a certain leadership structure. Tavares has already worn the C on his jersey, he’s a well-liked guy over there and he grew up a Leafs fan too.

We shouldn’t be surprised if he decides to sign a new contract in the Queen City.

About Jordan Kyrou…

Jordan Kyrou is an underrated player.

He doesn’t get talked about much because he plays in St. Louis… but still: he’s averaged 35 goals over the past three years, and he’s got the tools to help any National League club.

That said, the Blues seem ready to send him elsewhere because they think they’ve found a replacement… named Jimmy Snuggerud.

Frank Seravalli talked about it in an article(Daily Faceoff).

But for Kyrou, the Blues aren’t interested in getting picks or prospects.

In St. Louis, we have good players… and if the Blues do decide to trade Kyrou, it will be to pick up another player who can help right away.

The names of Noah Dobson and JJ Peterka have been linked to that of the Blues by Seravalli and, ultimately, it might make sense.

Especially in the case of Dobson, because the Blues are thin on the right side of defense and because the Islanders are looking to add some offensive punch to the lineup.

Kyrou vs Dobson, I don’t think it’s crazy…

The Lightning want to add a top-9 player

Tampa Bay is always looking for ways to improve.

And Julien BriseBois, who is one of the best GMs in the National League, is never afraid to move either.

That said, the Lightning’s plan right now is simple, according to David Pagnotta: the goal is to improve the top-9 by getting a guy who can play on the 2nd or 3rd line.

The Lightning were in the running for the services of Jonathan Toews… but it didn’t work out.

The veteran, who hasn’t played in quite a while, finally decided to come to terms with the Jets on the terms of a new contract.

Will BriseBois be able to find him a replacement to add some offense to his team?

At the same time, it’s not as if the Lightning’s top-9 was doing hard work…

(Credit: DailyFaceoff)

Overtime

– Oh.

– Love this.

– Matthew Schaefer will be next.

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Cole Caufield for Caleb Desnoyers: “I’m doing it on the run,” says Martin Lemay

Caleb Desnoyers is an attractive player.

He plays center, has the qualities of a two-way player, is excellent in all three zones of the rink… and that makes him one of the best prospects for the draft.

The Québécois is likely to be released quickly, as he is very popular with clubs.

The idea of Desnoyers ending up in Montreal is popular too, and that’s normal.

He’s got what it takes to fill the second-center spot in the long term… and we know the Canadiens are looking for a player like him.

On that note – for what it’s worth – Marc-André Dumont asked Martin Lemay today(On Jase) if he’d be willing to give up Cole Caufield to acquire Desnoyers.

And Martin Lemay’s answer was pretty clear:

On the run! – Martin Lemay

However, Martin Lemay makes a good point later on.

He goes on to say that trading Caufield would slow down the rebuilding process a bit… because #13 is already established as one of the good snipers in the National League.

Caufield put 37 in last season!

But on the other hand, to receive… you have to pay too. And that’s not going to happen by offering draft picks or prospects for a guy with star potential.

Because in reality, the team that drafts Caleb Desnoyers will be able to count on him as an important player in the organization for the long term.

The science of the draft is far from exact, and we can all agree on that… but seeing his progression and seeing his talent, it’s also hard to believe that Desnoyers won’t have a nice, long career in the show.

He’s that good…

At the same time, we’ve seen him do it: Caufield is already a major player in Montreal. He’s the team’s best natural goalscorer, and it’s his job to fill the net in Montreal. Would I be willing to let him go for a guy who hasn’t played a single game in the NHL?

That’s the question. Because if the Habs trade Caufield and it doesn’t work out for Desnoyers for some reason… it would be a real, real catastrophe.

Overtime

– He’s going to be good, too.

– Will the Islanders draft him?

– Good point.

– It’s going to get hot between now and the end of the calendar.

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Martin St-Louis now a CCM shareholder

Martin St-Louis enjoyed a long career as an NHL player.

He made money, and he also decided to go out on his own several years ago after retiring.

He founded an investment firm with a former NHL player (Jeff Hamilton) called Seven7.

Today, we learn that the Canadiens’ head coach is now one of CCM’s shareholders.

In fact, what you need to know indirectly is that Seven7 has teamed up with investment firm Altor – which has itself become a majority shareholder in CCM.

This is interesting, especially given that CCM has its offices in Montreal.

The amount of the affiliation and the price paid were not disclosed, as reported by Front Office Sports:

I wonder if the fact that St-Louis is the Canadiens’ current head coach played a role in all this.

The question does arise, after all.

But, all in all, it’s an important decision because we know that the CCM company generates a lot of money.

Many NHL stars use this brand – whether for skates, helmets, gloves, sticks or equipment – and clearly, Martin St-Louis saw this as a great opportunity to profit with his firm.

All in all, it’s a really cool project for him because it will also allow him to stay in the hockey world when he’s tired of coaching.

Overtime

– Great news for Lions fans.

– Sick!

– Still.

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The Habs kick off their preparatory schedule on September 22 in Montreal

The Canadiens’ season has been over for a while now.

On to the next!

That said, we now officially know when the Habs’ preparatory schedule will get underway. It will be… on September 22, in Montreal.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be visiting the Bell Centre for the occasion. There will be six preparatory games between September 22 and October 4.

It looks like this:

  • september 22 against the Penguins – in Montreal
  • september 23 against the Flyers – in Montreal
  • september 25 vs. Leafs – in Montreal
  • september 27 vs. Leafs – Toronto
  • september 30 vs. Senators – Quebec City
  • october 4 vs. Senators – Montreal

All games will be played at 7 p.m:

Two games against the Leafs, two against the Sens (one of which will be presented at the Centre Vidéotron in Quebec City)… It should be interesting.

Especially if we see some of the youngsters fighting for a place in the Habs line-up – which they should.

That said, it’s worth noting that the majority of the Canadiens’ preparatory games will be played in Quebec.

This will allow the team to avoid a bit of travel – which is always a pain in the ass in the preparatory schedule because it’s complicated – and clearly, it will also help the players be in better shape when the season officially kicks off.

All this to say that the Canadiens’ hockey will officially return on September 22, in just under three months’ time.

There will of course be practice and rookie camp before then, but hey.

We can start counting the days… Hehe.

Overtime

– Well done!

– There’s more than one.

– Interesting.

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The Marner family visited homes in Vegas

Mitch Marner’s case remains unresolved.

We’re still waiting to find out where he’s going to pursue his career, and the time for his decision is approaching.

But the market opens in less than a week. And while that doesn’t mean he’ll sign as soon as July 1, it’s safe to assume that he won’t necessarily delay in making his choice…

A number of teams have been linked to him in recent times, including the Golden Knights. The latter’s interest in the player isn’t new, because at the last trade deadline, Marner almost went to Vegas in a three-team deal – while Mikko Rantanen almost ended up in Toronto.

In a nutshell.

All this to say that the Knights have him in their sights… and maybe Marner, too, is interested in signing there. Because according to Frank Seravalli(DFO Rundown), the Marner family has been looking at houses in Vegas in recent days.

You have to wonder if this isn’t poaching.

We don’t know if Marner has spoken to the Golden Knights yet… but we do know that he’s not allowed to do so right now.

And if he did talk to the Knights, if he did visit houses to make a plan for what’s next… that would be pure poaching.

Clearly, there are links to be made here with the Tomas Hertl situation – which is the subject of several rumours at the moment.

Rumor has it that the center could head to Carolina at some point in the next few weeks… which would allow the Golden Knights to free up salary to make room for Marner on the block.

There’s nothing done yet, but right now, I really feel like it’s hard to believe that the Knights aren’t the favorites in the race to get Mitch Marner. It seems like it’s all starting to make sense when you consider what the Golden Knights are doing… and you also know that Vegas really isn’t afraid to make a big splash.

Mitch Marner in Vegas with Jack Eichel at center, that would be… something.

,En

–

– I don’t hate it.

– It’s up to him.

– Things aren’t going well for the Mets.

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Rasmus Andersson: the Canadiens are interested

Rasmus Andersson is a complete defenseman who is probably on his way out of Calgary.

The 6’1, 202-pound right-hander, who is very important to his club’s blue line, is one year away from complete autonomy. At 28, he could be traded by the Flames.

And with the draft only two days away…

Because he’s a major right-handed defenseman, it’s clear that he fits in with what the Habs are looking for. He has 536 games of regular-season experience in Alberta, and Kent Hughes is surely looking for someone like him.

So the question is: could the Habs go out and get him?

According to Marco D’Amico, who looked into the matter and wrote an article on the RG media site on the subject, the Montreal Canadiens are among the teams interested in Andersson’s services.

The Blue Jackets, Senators, Bruins and Red Wings are also interested.

Would the defenseman be open to the idea of signing in Montreal long-term? Because I can’t see Kent Hughes giving away a first-round pick and more for a rental player, we agree…

Right now, he’s making an average of $4.5 million a year. How much of a raise will he get? And how willing is the Habs to offer him one?

These are the questions we need to ask ourselves in connection with the case of the man who could more than replace David Savard.

According to D’Amico’s source, the Canadiens would have to move some salary to make room for Andersson – but keep in mind that Carey Price’s contract is a game-changer. To be continued…

overtime

– Jacques Lemaire is no longer with the Islanders.

– He won’t say otherwise.

– Read more.

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Surprise: Evander Kane off to play for the Canucks

The Edmonton Oilers recently tried to trade Evander Kane.

And now a fish has taken the bait: the Canucks. The Vancouver club has secured the services of the Vancouver native for next season, the final season of his contract.

Elliotte Friedman was the first to raise the theory… and a few minutes later, the main interested party tweeted the news. That pretty much makes it official.

Kane’s agent also confirmed the whole thing.

Dan Milstein mentioned that three clubs were interested. But returning home was Kane’s preference, and that’s what happened in the end. It’s a nice gesture on the part of the Oilers, who were looking to part with his salary.

In 2025-2026, the player will be in the last year of his contract. He earns an average of $5.125 million per season (that’s his cap hit), but in real money, the Canucks will owe him $4 million within a year.

With the money saved, the Oilers can have some fun. A goalie, perhaps?

The Canucks, on the other hand, add a talented local player. For Canucks fans who love prowess on the ice, this is a very good thing.

For the guys in the dressing room and the coaching staff? They’re adding… a strange sparrow, let’s say.

The former Thrashers, Jets, Sabres, Sharks and Oilers (there’s a reason he’s in his fifth organization) has helped the Oilers in the playoffs for the past few years. He knows how to play hockey.

He also missed the entire last regular season (but not the playoffs, which makes the NHL wonder) due to injury. But right now, he’s got to be healthy.

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Several Canadiens players to leave the organization by Tuesday

Today is June 25. Be honest: how many of you have a headache this morning?

I can confirm that my two young teenagers had trouble getting up for work this morning.

But June 25 isn’t just the day after St John’s Day. It’s also the Wednesday before the draft (in 48 hours).

And the opening of the free-agent minus-six market.

In short, it’s usually the calm before the storm.

There’s a lot of talk among Canadiens fans about who might be coming to Montreal between now and next week, but even if it’s less sexy, there’s another question to ask before thinking about adding assets: who’s leaving?

Who is in their last days with the Canadiens organization?
Only three players will be eligible for full autonomy next Tuesday, if they don’t come to a last-minute agreement with the team: Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak and Michael Pezzetta. Of the lot, I can see Joel Armia staying, but then again..

Pezzetta hardly ever played, and Dvorak looks like he’ll be heading back south of the border.

It looks like the end of the Montreal adventure for Pezzetta.
(Credit: Rocket de Laval)

Among restricted free agents, it’s also very slim: Emil Heineman (without arbitration rights), Jayden Struble (with arbitration rights), Jakub Dobes (with arbitration rights) and Cayden Primeau (with arbitration rights) are the only RFAs in the making.

Kent Hughes has until 5:00 p.m. Monday to submit a qualifying offer to these guys. Such an offer would allow the Habs to retain the rights of the players mentioned, but it would open the door to arbitration with Struble, Primeau and Dobes. What will Kent Hughes do? Heineman, Dobes and Struble will receive their qualifying offers. As for Primeau, he’s likely to leave… but will he be traded or simply let go?

And don’t write off the possibility of Arber Xhekaj, Josh Anderson, Patrik Laine, Juraj Slafkovsky, Alex Newhook, Joshua Roy, Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, Mike Matheson or even Kirby Dach being sacrificed in a transaction (more or less important). It could happen..

For the Rocket?
Brandon Gignac and Connor Hughes have already announced that they will continue their careers on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Alex Barré-Boulet could well follow in their footsteps, especially given the vibe of his post-season press conference in Laval.

Rafaël Harvey-Pinard will be eligible for restricted autonomy (and possible arbitration), and I’d be surprised to see the Canadiens go before an arbitrator for RHP. But could the two parties come to an agreement on the side?

Sean Farrell(RFA), Xavier Simoneau(RFA with arbitration), William Trudeau(RFA) and Noel Hoefenmayer(RFA with arbitration) will need a new deal if they want to stay with the organization.

Oh yes… Gustav Lindstrom has signed a five-year contract in Sweden. He’s not coming back.

Gustav Lindstrom’s experience and physical game will leave a gaping hole in Laval.
(Credit: Getty Images)

With all these departures, we can easily conclude that there will be several additions announced over the next few days. Nothing is lost, nothing is created, said Lavoisier.

Hopefully, both the Rocket and the Canadiens will be able to add muscle, character and grit to their respective line-ups. That’s what’s been lacking most during the playoffs (NHL and AHL).

Changes behind the bench or in the office?
Every year or so, the Canadiens or Rocket make changes behind the bench or in the office.

Will Trevor Letowski and Stéphane Robidas remain Martin St-Louis’ two assistants? Will Éric Raymond still be the big club’s goaltending coach in September? Will Roger Grillo retain his position as consultant? Will a new, more present assistant be hired?

Will there be any changes at the amateur or professional scouting level?

Will Pascal Vincent return to Laval? If so, will he still be teaming up with Martin Laperrière, Daniel Jacob and Marco Marciano?

Stop saying that nothing will happen in the next few days. There will be changes; the only question is what they will be.

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Adding a goalkeeper to Montreal: another door has been opened

Goalkeeper Jasons.

In recent days, there has been talk that Frank Seravalli has opened the door to the Canadiens signing a #2 goaltender to send Jakub Dobes back to the minors.

Will this definitely happen? Not for sure, no.

But the more we read on the subject, the more we see that the door is open to seeing a new goalie enter the Canadiens organization this off-season. Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler had better find a way to get along, then? Perhaps.

Once again this morning, in a piece by James Mirtle(The Athletic), we see that the door is open for the Canadiens to consider adding a goaltender alongside Samuel Montembeault.

The Habs are indeed in the “they could move: teams that could pick up a big goalie via trade or sign a #2 goalie on the autonomy market” category of the text.

We agree that if the Canadiens make a move, it won’t be the same targets as the Oilers, who are looking for a big goalie. The needs aren’t exactly the same in the two cities.

In The Athletic’s piece, it says that the Habs are among “the teams having to decide whether their young #2 goalie is a good fit or if they need to go to the free-agent market for help” ahead of this summer.

Remember that Jakub Dobes played in the playoffs following Samuel Montembeault’s injury, and that he wasn’t one of two goalies for the Laval Rocket in the playoffs.

But things can change quickly in hockey.

There’s a world in which the Canadiens give Dobes the #2 job. But seeing the European get even more mileage in Laval couldn’t hurt his long-term career.

My ultimate solution? Sign a goalie who can shuttle between the AHL and NHL. That way, you do what you want with Dobes and the other goalie fills the other hole.

But does such a goalie exist?

overtime

– Logical.

– Who will be the Bruins’ captain?

– Atlanta is still the talk of the town.

– Aaron Ekblad in Salt Lake City?

– Read more.