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part 2 | Habs’ 2nd center: Horvat, Larkin, Zacha or O’Reilly?

After Crosby and Barzal last week, today we continue our quest for the famous second-line center.

Although the free agent and offer sheet markets remain possibilities, it’s still the good old transaction market that seems to us to be the most likely route that could once again be favoured by the Habs management.

That said, we’ll evaluate the other two “markets” at a later date, as there will be some excellent options there too, and not just at center…Matthew Knies, anyone?

And even if Gorton and Hughes haven’t opened up too much in their assessment, even hinting that they might instead turn to a winger as a summer “big target”(Knies again? Marner?), it’s still hard to see the Habs relying on Dach and Newhook, or even a Dvorak signing, to fill the position next fall…

So let’s analyze four other “realistic” scenarios in which Kent Hughes could target the following players: Bo Horvat, Dylan Larkin, Pavel Zacha and Ryan O’Reilly.

After Barzal, we’d have two more long-term solutions in Horvat and Larkin, then, after Crosby, two more short/medium-term solutions in Zacha and O’Reilly.

Bo Horvat | Left-hander, age 30 | 6 years x $8.5 M

Oh la-la!

What will happen on Long Island after the Islanders win the lottery?

Will they go for an aggressive rebuild and trade Barzal AND Horvat while building the team around defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the #1 prospect in the minds of 95% of observers and scouts?

However, we could very well imagine a scenario where the Islanders and their future GM decide to keep the younger of the two, Barzal (28), and sacrifice the older, Horvat (30), in return for prospects and top picks.

So, while Barzal could still prove to be a very tempting target for the Habs, we’d be foolish not to consider the left-handed Horvat as an equally defensible, and perhaps even more realistic, option following the lottery.

Horvat is considered by many to be one of the NHL’s best powerplay “bumpers”. His quick, precise shot is almost impossible to stop from this position.

At $8.5 million to age 36, Horvat wouldn’t be the bargain of the century, especially near the end of his deal. But with his consistency and infrequent injuries, he would be a fairly durable, quality solution for the Habs.

As with Barzal, the Habs’ salary situation makes them one of the best-positioned teams to acquire the services of the former Canucks captain, who blew out 30 candles on April 5. In other words, Horvat would really only play a few games when he turns 36 in the final year of his contract…

Ideally, Hughes and Gorton would prefer a slightly younger player, but Horvat would nonetheless be an immediate upgrade and a useful addition for probably the duration of his contract.

Finally, isn’t a talented left-hander who wins 58.2% of his face-offs just what Demidov (and Laine?) need to get the puck more often?

Offer: Picks #17 and #41 in 2025, Alex Newhook or Kirby Dach, Oliver Kapanen.

Dylan Larkin | Left-Handed, 29 years old | 6 years x $8.7 M

Larkin ‘s “subtle” words/arrows directed at his GM Steve Yzerman AND the latter’s response to his captain have not gone unnoticed around the NHL in recent weeks!

It remains to be seen whether the two men will be able to put water in their wine after emptying their hearts in this way, but all this obviously leaves room for some speculation!

Like Barzal, Larkin is one of the best skaters in the league. Regular as a metronome, he averages 64 points per 82 games and hasn’t been overly affected by injuries since the start of his career.

(Credit: puckpedia.com)

Then, after Mathias Brunet established that the average production of the 15 “other” second-line centers on playoff teams (that is, except for the Canadiens, who didn’t really have one!) amounted to 57 points and 24 goals on the season, we understand that Larkin, first-line center in Detroit, would clearly be in the upper echelon of the NHL’s best second pivots if placed in that role.

Larkin looked great in an American jersey at the 4 Nations Confrontation, and despite a negative differential of -16 in Detroit, he’s coming off another 70-point season and a fourth consecutive 30-or-more-goal campaign, all while posting a 54.5% efficiency rating in the face-off circle.

Basically, Larkin remains a positive factor in terms of puck possession, but he would benefit from playing for a better team.

Of course, words like “dropped” don’t seem to make him a candidate for Leader of the Year, but he’d have a more self-effacing role on that side in a club like Montreal with Nick Suzuki in front of him.

That said, we’re far from convinced that the minor difference of opinion between Larkin and Yzerman would be enough to convince the latter to trade his captain, at least, certainly not at a discount.

But it also remains to be seen what plan Yzerman has in mind, as he seems to be stuck with a team destined to remain in the damned ” mix “…

He could have a great opportunity to opt for a very nice ” reset on the fly ” with the following offer…

Offer: Quite simply, picks 16 and 17 in the next draft, along with Newhook or Dach. Note that the Red Wings already have the 13th pick and could be salivating over such a perfect offer for an “aggressive reset”.

Pavel Zacha | Left-hander, 28 years old | 2 years x $4.75M

Here’s a player we talk about a lot less, but should the Bruins also decide to tank for a few years, Zacha could prove an interesting option for the Canadiens.

At 28 years of age and with only two seasons left on a very reasonable $4.75 million contract, Zacha is worth his weight in gold on the open market, and the Bruins could make a very good deal on him at a time when his value is at its peak.

This 6’4, 207 lbs left-hander, sixth overall pick in 2015, effective defensively and capable of around 50 points per season, is obviously not in the league of the likes of Crosby, Barzal, Larkin and Horvat, but he would be a clear improvement over the mysterious and fragile Kirby Dach.

Also, unlike the other players named so far, it’s reasonable to think that Zacha’s best seasons are still ahead of him, especially if you pair him with a creative player of Demidov’s caliber. Then, at age 30 at the end of his contract, he could be recycled into an excellent 3rd center.

So, all in all, Zacha may be a less sexy option, but he’d still be a prime target for Kent Hughes. Among other things, the Czech looks pretty good in the face-off circle with a 53.2% efficiency rating, and his overall profile is also pretty much what the doctor recommends for the Habs.

For their part, by trading Zacha, the Bruins, who already have the 7th pick in 2025, would greatly increase their chances of drafting even earlier in the next two years for the “McKenna” and “Dupont” lotteries…

Incidentally, the price of acquiring Zacha could be quite reasonable…

Unless Cam Neely has other plans… and doesn’t want to deal with the Habs!

Offer: Pick 17 and 41 in 2025, Oliver Kapanen.

Ryan O’Reilly | Left-hander, 34 years old | 2 years x $4.5 M

Ah, good old Ryan O’Reilly!

We thought he was finished three years ago at the end of his career in St. Louis, but now he’s just had two very solid seasons in Nashville, a team that is unfortunately going nowhere and must seriously consider trading a few veterans while there’s still time.

Some have raised the idea of trading Patrik Laine for Steven Stamkos. We’d be trading “problem cases”. It’s not impossible, but Stamkos, 35, with 53 points and a -37 rating, at $8 million for three more seasons, represents a bigger risk than one year of Laine, 27, at $8.7 million…

The “Stamkos option” might give Michael Hage time to come to town, but at $4.5 million for two more years, O’Reilly is a far better alternative for the Habs.

The veteran left-handed center, always one of the best in the face-off circle (55.7%), is also a very underrated player in terms of puck possession.

(Credit: puckpedia.com)

In fact, at this stage of his career, O’Reilly fits perfectly the profile of the dream 2nd-line center. Capable of fifty or so points, intelligent, reliable defensively, fairly strong, experienced, a good leader.

And at $4.5 million for just two years, it’s hard to ask for more!

In their situation, the Preds , who already have the 5th pick in their pocket in June, could be very interested in adding the succulent first- and second-round picks that the Canadiens have in abundance…

Offer: Picks 17 and 41 in 2025, with Oliver Kapanen as an initial offer that can be modified as needed.

Conclusion

We’ll undoubtedly have the opportunity to analyze other options for this vital second-line center position in the coming months, but like Crosby and Barzal last week, these four other options seem unavoidable on Gorton and Hughes’ radar.

Which would be the best?

I think the three short/medium-term options – Crosby, Zacha and O’Reilly – all left-handed players, are very attractive and carry very little risk, even if the Habs might have to pay a bit more for Crosby, at least in theory…

One question remains, however, for short-term options: would the Canadiens be “wise” to sacrifice a 16th or 17th overall pick for a player who could only give them two years when the club isn’t even mature?

For Barzal, Horvat and Larkin, it would be considerably more expensive, but we’re still looking at three second-line center profiles that come awfully close to the ideal. Theoretically, all three would still be excellent players when the Canadiens’ young core reaches its peak in 3 years’ time. That’s the big advantage of longer-term options. And, with the salary cap set to rise sharply, their contracts were all relatively easy for the Canadiens to digest.

It’s a bit like buying a new, high-quality winter coat rather than a used one that has already performed better against the elements. It’s better to invest a little more now in a coat that could enable you to climb Everest in three years’ time…

In short, everyone will have their own preferences – but whether it’s in the short, medium or long term, none of these players would be a bad option in the strict sense of the word if we want to move the team forward quickly.

All these center players would make the Habs a better team by next fall and, like tutors, allow the youngsters to grow up “straighter” and healthier.

It remains to be seen whether such scenarios will present themselves to Hughes and Gorton, and if so, whether their offers will satisfy their counterparts…

But the two heads of the Habs – who believe their team is still far from the finished product – might also agree that it’s still wiser not to sacrifice important assets or high picks this summer, at least not for players of this age, however good they may be…

The mystery remains, and we haven’t finished exploring the other options open to them in the coming weeks!

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Sean Farrell: Pascal Vincent has made him worthwhile again

The Laval Rocket has had, and continues to have, an incredible season, which could very well end with a Calder Cup victory.

The team is very well built, with a good mix of veterans, experienced young players and rookies.

It’s a very fine team that Pascal Vincent has managed with a master’s hand.

He knew how to get the best out of virtually every player, giving them a role that suited them, which enabled everyone to make good progress this season and gain experience.

And so, indirectly, the Laval Rocket head coach has been able to raise the value of many of his players, which can only be positive for the Canadiens’ senior management.

Indeed, with Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton likely to make big moves this summer, having several players with value will certainly help complete transactions.

Among those players whose image and value have been rehabilitated by Pascal Vincent is a certain Sean Farrell.

After a dismal start to the season, the diminutive 23-year-old forward (5 feet 9 inches, 175 pounds) exploded to become one of the centerpieces of the Rocket’s success.

Farrell had just two assists in his first 22 games, and finished the season with 20 goals and 44 points in 67 games.

The Laval Rocket’s No. 15 went from a prospect who was labeled a failure to a young player who had a solid second season in the pros.

It’s an impressive turnaround, one that seemed unhoped-for, and one that right now could really benefit the Habs.

Unfortunately for Farrell, even if he remains an interesting prospect, he’s not likely to find his place in the NHL with the Canadiens any time soon.

The Habs’ recent series against the Capitals showed that the Habs lacked size and toughness, so they won’t be looking to add a (lesser) Cole Caufield to their lineup, even if Farrell’s offensive skills are undeniable.

Farrell thus becomes a prospect somewhat stuck in the AHL, who could nonetheless bring very good value in a transaction.

He’s the kind of player who could easily interest an already robust team in search of offensive talent.

And with his recent strong pro season in the AHL, Farrell certainly has the kind of value that could help the Habs convince a team to complete a trade.

Months ago, when Farrell was struggling to produce and stay in the lineup, he wouldn’t have added any value to a potential trade.

But now, he’s certainly worth something, thanks to Pascal Vincent, who has found a way to restore Farrell’s confidence and get his season back on track.

What’s more, Farrell is currently enjoying a very good series with four points, including two goals, in four games.

In short, it’s a very good thing that Farrell has re-launched his season, even if he’s not likely to have a place in the Montreal line-up.

The Florian Xhekaj’s and Tyler Thorpe’s of this world will clearly pass him by if a position becomes available in the NHL.

Farrell would need quality playing time on a top-6 or at least a top-9 to perform, something he really wouldn’t get easily in Montreal.

Overtime

– Wow.

– For those interested.

– Incredible.

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Pierre Dorion on Justin Carbonneau: “One of the best pitches I’ve seen in a long time”

If we forget the Stanley Cup playoffs and think only of the Canadiens, the next big thing is the NHL draft.

Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have plenty of time between now and June 27 and 28 to prepare and decide on the strategy that will be adopted with all the draft picks, and especially with the two first-round picks, 16th and 17th respectively.

This will be a very interesting event, as many expect the Habs to be very active.

When I say active, I’m obviously referring to the fact that Kent Hughes could very well decide to trade one or both of these picks in a deal that would allow him to improve his team on the spot.

We know that the Habs need a second center, so the Habs’ two first-round picks could help fill the gap.

Still, in the end, the Canadiens could keep their two picks, or just one, and draft one or two other very good prospects.

And should the Habs keep one or two picks, Justin Carbonneau would be a great option for the Habs.

The Québécois prospect is ranked around the same level as the Habs, and is a high-quality prospect.

In fact, according to Pierre Dorion, former general manager of the Ottawa Senators, Carbonneau has exceptional potential.

That’s what Dorion said in the final minutes of an interview with Mathias Brunet and Simon Boisvert on the “Processus” podcast.

For the former Sens GM, it’s clear that Carbonneau is a very high-quality prospect with definite top-6 potential, who could go even higher.

Dorion sees Carbonneau as a future top-6 forward in the NHL, with the potential to be a first-line player.

And what leads Dorion to believe all this is that the young Québécois is very intelligent, and has an excellent shot.

“He has one of the best throws I’ve seen in a long time.” – Pierre Dorion

Carbonneau’s shot is simply devastating, as evidenced by his 49 goals in 67 games this year (season + playoffs).

The Québécois prospect knows how to use his shot, and more importantly, he knows how to free himself in open spaces so he can use his very good shot.

In short, Pierre Dorion really likes the young Québécois, whom he met this season and had a chance to chat with.

The only thing Carbonneau needs to work on is his attitude at times, when he lets on that he’s frustrated and unsettled when things go wrong, which often leads to him being less hard-working.

Otherwise, he’s a high-quality prospect who will certainly interest the Habs and their executives if he’s still available at 16th and/or 17th, if the Habs still have one or two of their picks.

A 6’1″ forward from Québécois with an excellent shot could be a very interesting addition for the Habs.

All this remains to be seen.

Overtime

– What do you think?

– Read more.

– To be continued today.

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World Championship: Canada whitewashes Slovenia in first match of tournament

The World Ice Hockey Championship officially got underway yesterday, with four games played in Sweden and Denmark.

The USA, Sweden and Finland all won their opening games.

And today, it was Canada’s turn to play its first match of the tournament, taking on Slovenia at 6:20 this morning.

As everyone knows, Canada has a very good selection of players this year, and it really showed against poor Slovenia today.

The Canadiens were simply dominant from start to finish, taking 44 shots on goal to just 11.

Despite this enormous domination, Canada didn’t completely crush Slovenia, winning 4-0.

We might have expected more goals from Canada, but you have to give credit to Lukas Horak, the Slovenian goalie, who turned away 40 shots from the Canadiens.

In short, Canada made an excellent start to today’s World Championship, with gold clearly the team’s goal.

Bo Horvat and Nathan MacKinnon stood out the most in this first game.

Indeed, Bo Horvat, rumored to be an option as second center for the Canadiens, found the back of the net twice in this game, and both times on the powerplay.

Horvat came close to completing his hat trick with three virtually identical powerplay goals, but the Slovenian goaltender made a fine save.

Nathan MacKinnon also stood out in this game with three points, including a goal.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson, who is also at the center of several trade rumors, rounded out the scoring with another third powerplay goal.

In short, a fine victory for Canada, who now have a date with Latvia tomorrow, starting at 10.20am.

Let’s hope that this time, Canada won’t let Latvia surprise them like they did last year.

Overtime

– Wow, bravo! Six overtime periods is crazy.

– I feel like I’m repeating myself yet again, as Montreal CF are still looking for their first MLS win this season.

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Series wrap-up: Brad Marchand plays hero for Panthers against Leafs

The Stanley Cup playoffs are getting closer and closer, as we approach the middle of the second round.

Every game is of the utmost importance, and last night we were treated to two very interesting games, as the Panthers didn’t want to fall 0-3 to the Leafs, and the Jets couldn’t afford to lose their two home games to the Stars.

Here’s a report on both games.

Brad Marchand saves the day for the Panthers, who avoid the worst

I sincerely believe that many of us picked the Florida Panthers as our favorites in this series.

The defending Stanley Cup champions still have a very good team, and they face a Toronto team we’re used to seeing fall apart.

It seemed like an easy choice, but after two games in Toronto, it was the Leafs who were surprisingly in command of the series.

And last night, the Leafs had the chance to shock the hockey world even more by taking a 3-0 lead in the series, which would have put them in a great position to advance to the next round.

The Leafs got off to a great start yesterday, scoring the game’s first goal after just 23 seconds, courtesy of Matthew Knies, who is having an incredible series.

John Tavares then added another a few minutes later, extending the Leafs’ lead to 2-0.

The Leafs seemed to be in full control and on their way to taking a serious option on the series.

However, the Panthers were not to be counted out.

Aleksander Barkov closed the gap with a superb goal.

And then, even though the Leafs restored their two-goal lead thanks to John Tavares once again, the Panthers didn’t let up, as they scored three unanswered goals to complete the second period with a 4-3 lead.

The game seemed to be slipping through the Maple Leafs’ fingers, but they found a way to force overtime, thanks to Morgan Rielly.

The game went into overtime, and the Panthers were simply dominant.

For most of the time, it looked like they were the only team on the ice, and that led to the inevitable, as Brad Marchand once again hurt the Leafs badly with the winning goal.

The Panthers have saved their skin thanks to hero Marchand, and are back in the series.

Game #4 takes place on Sunday at 7:30pm in Florida once again.

The Leafs lead the series 2-1.

Connor Hellebuyck rises to the occasion

Since the start of the playoffs, it’s been very difficult for the Winnipeg Jets goaltender, as he’s been giving away a lot of bad goals for a goaltender who’s recognized as the best in the NHL.

However, against the Dallas Stars in the second round, things are looking up for Hellebuyck.

The Stars won the first game, but the Jets’ goalie did well.

And it took another good performance from Hellebuyck for the Jets last night, who couldn’t afford to drop the first two home games in this series.

Fortunately for Team Canadiens, that’s exactly what happened, as Hellebuyck was perfect last night, turning aside all 21 shots he faced to record his first shutout of the series, and fourth of his career.

The Jets won 4-0, levelling the series at one-all.

Gabriel Vilardi and Nikolaj Ehlers each scored their first goals of the series.

Adam Lowry was the other Jets scorer, while Ehlers completed the scoring in an empty net.

Game #3 of this series takes place Sunday starting at 4:30pm in Dallas.

Let’s see if Hellebuyck can perform away from home for his first playoff appearance this year.

The series is tied 1-1.

Prolongation

– Here are the two results from yesterday.

– Here are yesterday’s top scorers.

(Credit: NHL.com)

– On the program today in the NHL: two games #3.

(Credit: Google/NHL)
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Josh Anderson’s transformation: a lot of credit goes to Martin St-Louis

It was a transformed Josh Anderson who showed up for 2024-2025. While the vast majority of fans had given up on his performance, he returned to being a hungrier player and, above all, effective in all situations.

He was taken off the powerplay and played a lot of shorthanded hockey. Even so, he finished the season with more points than a year ago.

And that’s considering he spent most of the season seriously injured. He didn’t practice for several weeks, and despite everything, he came out on top, especially in the playoffs.

Pierre McGuire, on The Sick Podcast, complimented Martin St-Louis for having the right approach with him. He argued that it’s not easy to convince a player to change his style of play, especially after the number of seasons he’s had behind the tie. The player has to accept it.

McGuire also believes that St-Louis had a similar discussion with Jake Evans.

Beyond his efficiency and commitment, Anderson has become a role model in the playoffs. For me, that’s where his value still lies.

He managed to upset the Capitals, shuffle them around, and even pick a fight with Tom Wilson.

He’ll never justify his salary offensively, but if he can have that kind of healthy impact for 82 games, the Canadiens will benefit greatly.

Overtime

– It depends on the price.

– The Jets have bounced back.

– Another good game from the Leafs.

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Gary Bettman: several groups want to bring a team back to Atlanta

Gary Bettman made his traditional playoff appearance at a press conference. Although brief, his interview with the media allowed us to learn that there is indeed interest in expansion in Atlanta, and not from just one person.

He mentioned that several groups had contacted him, and that he’s definitely not closed to the idea of bringing a franchise back there.

The problem is that there have already been two failures, the Flames and the Thrashers, but Bettman isn’t worried.

“I don’t think the two previous visits will stop us from going back” – Gary Bettman

He added that there’s no specific date in sight for the project to come to fruition, but was very open to hearing all proposals, much more so than for other markets.

After Seattle, could Atlanta be the next NHL destination (again)? I wonder how necessary expansion really is. There are currently 32 teams, and there’s enough talent to put on a good show.

A new team, or maybe even two, could further dilute the talent across the NHL, and without saying it would be a catastrophe, it’s still something to consider.

Personally, I think 32 teams is enough. Bettman should concentrate instead on selling more of his league and its best players. The quality of the playoff spectacle is exceptional, but is it really being sold, especially in the United States?

I think there’s still work to be done on that front.

Bettman also broached the subject of the new collective agreement. He says talks are progressing well and he hopes to see a resolution sooner rather than later. It’s already positive to see progress, especially given the history of this type of negotiation. The current collective agreement expires next year.

Overtime

– Strange goal.

– Great season.

– The Panthers have not said their last word.

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Rumor mill: Pat Brisson not expected to interview with Kings

Since the playoffs are underway in the NHL, there aren’t really any rumours about players.

On the other hand, several general manager and head coach positions are vacant, so there are plenty of rumours to go around.

Joel Queneville was recently named head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, but what about the other available positions?

Here’s a roundup of rumors about personnel changes.

Pat Brisson not expected to interview for Los Angeles Kings staff position

Few expected to see Pat Brisson’s name circulating for a management position.

The experienced player’s agent seems to be attracting the Kings, but no further action is expected, according to Pierre LeBrun.

Furthermore, the tweet above makes it clear that he has no intention (at this point) of leaving his current job.

And if Brisson ever decides to end his career as an agent, it should be as president.

He probably wouldn’t accept being a GM under a president.

With Luc Robitaille as Kings president, it would be unlikely (if not improbable) that this would happen.

A team like the New York Islanders would make more sense, although Brisson is based in the West and would clearly prefer to stay there.

Ken Holland and Luc Robitaille met yesterday

Speaking of the Kings, they seem to be showing an interest in Ken Holland. So much so, that Holland and Luc Robitaille met yesterday.

Pierre LeBrun and Elliotte Friedman reported on the Kings’ interest in Holland.

According to LeBrun, there’s no surprise here, as Los Angeles can be expected to talk to several candidates.

As for Friedman, on the famous 32 Thoughts Podcast, Holland was also a candidate for the New York Islanders. Friedman mentioned that he questioned whether the Islanders would go there for a new GM.

Holland was the former GM of the Edmonton Oilers, and the two parties came to a mutual agreement not to extend his contract at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Holland is certainly a strong candidate for the GM position.

Lou Lamoriello and Ken Holland in Buffalo?

Things aren’t going well for the Buffalo Sabres. They’re not capable of making the playoffs, despite several good young players in the organization.

It would take a change not only behind the bench, but also at GM level.

According to this tweet from David Pagnotta, the Sabres have approached Lou Lamoriello AND Ken Holland for a position with the team.

We can deduce that Lamoriello would have been approached to become the head coach and that for Holland, it would be for the position of general manager. But it would be for a consulting position, which neither would be interested in.

It’s rare to see a team change head coach and GM in the same off-season.

But I have a feeling that’s what it would take in Buffalo to stir the pot properly.

Marco Sturm in the mix as Boston Bruins head coach

Marco Sturm, former NHL player and head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, could be back in the NHL as head coach.

He has been an assistant with the Kings in the past, before becoming head coach of the Ontario Reign.

He is coming off a second consecutive 40+ win season with the Reign (72-game season), which makes his coaching profile even more interesting.

One team in particular is reportedly strongly interested in his services, and that is the Boston Bruins, as Pagnotta reported in the same tweet as the one about the Sabres.

According to David Pagnotta, he would be a serious candidate for Boston.

A little fresh air behind an NHL bench wouldn’t hurt.

Kyle Okposo contacted by the Sabres to join their staff

It’s not uncommon to see former players signing up for staff positions, whether immediately after retirement or a few years later.

Martin St-Louis comes to mind, of course, but so does Marco Sturm, whom I mentioned in the last section of this article.

Well, we could be seeing another as Kyle Okposo, who recently joined the NHLPA as a consultant in business development and player engagement.

David Pagnotta reported earlier today that Okposo had been approached by the Sabres to join their staff.

According to what Pagnotta mentions in his tweet, the Sabres contacted him at the start of the season.

So it would be surprising if it materialized soon, but the opportunity is there and Buffalo seems interested in bringing back their former player for a position within the organization.

Overtime

– Now that’s a good way to start a series game.

– The Leafs are definitely on a mission. What a pass from Pacioretty.

– To listen to.

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CDM: Could Juraj Slafkovsky’s criticism be the reason for his absence?

As some of you may have noticed, the World Hockey Championship kicked off today (Friday).

Heineman did very well in his match against Slovakia.

The Slovaks could very well have benefited from the services of Juraj Slafkovsky, but the latter is not taking part in the tournament, which is rather curious.

Earlier today, Maxime Truman wrote an article about Slaf’s and Cole Caufield’s (much-discussed) absences from the CDM.

After saying he won’t be taking part in the Worlds, Slaf says he had a good talk with Miroslav Satan and that Slovakia was correct with his decision, as reported by Eric Engels.

The main interested party obviously turned down Slovakia’s invitation, but there could be more to the story.

Personally, I have my own thoughts on the 6-foot-4-inch colossus’ absence.

Let’s not forget that Slafkovsky openly criticized Slovakia’s media coverage in early October 2024. He described the coverage as toxic…

And that angered his native country.

Did Slaf, because of the comments made during the season, have no desire to represent his country?

Obviously, this is just speculation, but it’s worth asking the question.

This kind of comment can definitely affect the relationship between a player and his country.

Given that the young Slovak participated in last year’s CDM (where he collected eight assists in as many games), it’s rather suspicious that he won’t be there this year.

At just 20 years of age, he was very good and played a big role in the Slovakian team.

This season, even though he’s had his ups and downs and hasn’t had a great start to the season, we’ve seen a nice progression in his game.

He takes much greater advantage of his size and plays with his head (very) high.

When you think about it, there’s always the question of fatigue and possible minor injuries from the season that could be to blame for his absence, but I really get the impression that there’s more to it than that.

Considering the Slovaks’ poor performance against the Swedes (5-0) earlier today, there’s no doubt that Slaf would have been a big help to his country.

Overtime

– I can’t wait to see what the Habs lineup will look like in 2025-26.

– A very good (and beautiful) piece by Stu Cowan on David Savard.

– This is good.

– The American made no friends when he refused to shake hands with the Canadiens’ Mike Malott ahead of UFC 315 (which takes place in Montreal tomorrow).

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Emil Heineman stood out today at the CDM

While the Montreal Canadiens’ 2024-25 season is underway, the World Hockey Championship got underway today.

Among all the players in the tournament, the Habs had Emil Heineman (Sweden), Mike Matheson (Canada) and prospect Vinzenz Rohrer (Austria) representing their countries.

Heineman began his tournament today, as did Rohrer.

As for Rohrer, he failed to pick up a point in a 2-1 loss to Finland.

He did play more than 17 minutes, but what interests Habs fans most is how Heineman did.

Let’s just say he did very well.

Heineman didn’t end the season well with the Habs, collecting just two points in all of 2025.

During the tournament, he played on what appeared to be the third line, alongside Mikael Backlund and Elias Lindholm.

Here’s the line-up for Sweden’s match against Slovakia this afternoon:

In the game, Heineman played just 12 minutes and 24 seconds, a playing time that bears a striking resemblance to his average usage with the Canadiens.

On the other hand, playing with Lindholm and Backlund is better than the team-mates he played with this season, without taking anything away from those players. The Swede picked up an assist on Backlund’s goal thanks to a magnificent pass.

Backlund is an experienced all-round center, while Lindholm already had an 82-point season in as many games three years ago, as well as being defensively responsible.

This helps boost the confidence of a young player who had limited playing time with (mostly) bottom-6 NHL caliber players.

And in picking up a point in a convincing win, Heineman must be pleased with his performance, as he also finished with a +2 differential.

Although he didn’t pick up an assist on Elias Lindholm’s second-period goal, he certainly hindered the Slovakian goalie’s work by getting in front of him.

Sweden’s next game is tomorrow (Saturday), when they take on Vinzenz Rohrer and Austria.

I can’t wait to see what the young Swede can do representing his country at the World Championship.

Overtime

– For those who want to listen to Canada against Slovenia, you’ll have to get up early, as the match is at 6:00 tomorrow morning.

– The former Canadiens prospect would certainly like to see the shot again.

– Byram joins famous Quartexx agency, former Kent Hughes firm.

– To read.