Author: Dose

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Contractual situation: Jake Evans finds it difficult

As my colleague Marc-Olivier Cook mentioned earlier this afternoon, the discussions between Jake Evans have stalled for quite some time.

A little later in the day, Evans commented on his current situation, first confirming what we already knew; despite talks with the team, there is “nothing concrete” at the moment and it is indeed on his mind.

By his own admission, it is not an easy situation.

However, it is a bit further on that it becomes more interesting as the main interested party says:

“I feel privileged to have played so long in an organization with such history. But at this point, I have no idea what’s going to happen to me. That’s the reality of professional sports.”

And if we add the following excerpt:

“It has been an honor. It’s such a fun place to play, it’s such a great place to live, and I’ve truly enjoyed it. It’s really an honor.”

No need to read between the lines to see that Evans is speaking like a player who expects to be traded.
However, with all NHL teams on pause for the 4 Nations Face-Off, general managers might be using this time to finalize transactions. Some clubs could have a different look when league activities resume on February 22.

And with their recent performances (just one win in nine games), it is highly likely that the Canadiens will be sellers if they decide to make moves before the trade deadline, and Evans could be the depth player who might interest several teams looking for reinforcements for the playoffs.

Kent Hughes would demand at least a second-round pick to trade his forward.

Is that a high price for a fourth-line player? However, if the Canadiens do not trade him, they also risk losing him this summer as Evans is in the final year of a three-year contract worth an average of $1.7 million per year.

In Brief

– A weekend to forget.

– Hughes will not participate in the 4 Nations.

– Where will Bregman go?

– Excellent!

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Martin St-Louis: “It wasn’t an evening where I was going to be patient.”

Once again, the Montreal Canadiens have disappointed their fans with another loss.

Should I remind you that this is the eighth loss in nine games for the Tricolore?

Nothing to help the team stay in the famous mix…

As I write these lines, following the results of the two games this afternoon, only the poor Buffalo Sabres have fewer points than the Habs in the East.

We’re starting to lose a bit of patience in Montreal, and rightly so.

This was also the case for coach Martin St-Louis, who made a rather shocking statement in the post-game press conference after the defeat of his team.

The coach has every reason to become impatient, as his team simply isn’t showing up, apart from 2-3 players who are playing well (like Brendan Gallagher, who scored two goals today).

The coach needed to put on his boots and stir the pot, as things were starting to stick to the bottom of the cauldron.

And we saw it quite early in the game when he didn’t wait before demoting Juraj Slafkovsky to the third line in favor of Jake Evans.

A fully deserved demotion for Slaf.

Jakub Dobes also faced repercussions, as he was pulled from the game after allowing three goals on just eight shots.

Despite MSL seemingly losing patience, that’s part of the game. This is only the third year of the official rebuild: patience is required.

However, the coach doesn’t intend to say anything to his players for them to remain positive, as they know what they are capable of doing.

“I don’t think I need to convince them, they know what they’re capable of. I’m not going to beg and convince saying ‘Hey, we’re OK – let’s keep going’, no!” – Martin St-Louis

On this, the coach is absolutely right. Even though the group of players is quite young, they are not children either. They must pick themselves up, or they’ll face consequences like Slafkovsky.

In my opinion, the break for the Four Nations Tournament will do everyone good.

Slafkovsky actually already has plans:

Let’s hope the words will follow the actions, as the saying goes.

In Brief

– Adam Engstrom believes that it is his defensive play that will take him to the NHL, even though he is showing very nice things offensively in his rookie season in the AHL.

– Bad news for the Americans ahead of the Four Nations Tournament.

– That’s how we know Ovechkin.

– Everything is going well for the Canucks since the J.T. Miller trade.

– Interesting.

– Already!

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Owen Beck and Logan Mailloux assigned to the Rocket

The Montreal Canadiens lost the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning this afternoon.

An eighth loss in their last nine games…

Changes were expected soon, and the organization did not waste any time on that.

Owen Beck and Logan Mailloux have been loaned to the Laval Rocket.

It is worth noting that Jakub Dobes has not been demoted.

More details to come…

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The Canadiens bow (again) at the Bell Centre

Before thinking about the game between the Chiefs and the Eagles, the Canadiens had a big challenge.

The Tampa Bay Lightning visited the Bell Centre this afternoon.

Jayden Struble took Logan Mailloux’s place in the Montreal lineup:

It has often been the case lately… And it happened again today: the Canadiens did not start the game well.

Quickly, the Lightning showed their colors by scoring two goals in just under 10 minutes to start the game.

Nick Paul and Victor Hedman found the net:

Already, we felt that the Lightning’s two goals hurt the confidence of the Canadiens.

But one of the team’s leaders stepped up to narrow the gap to just one goal.

Brendan Gallagher fooled Andrei Vasilevskiy with a nice wrist shot:

The first period ended with the score at 2-1 in favor of the Bolts.

However, the Canadiens forgot to show up at the start of the second period… And the Lightning took advantage.

Brayden Point scored, ending Jakub Dobes’ day:

But whether it was Dobes or Montembeault… There doesn’t seem to be much difference lately.

The Lightning scored a goal to take a 4-1 lead, courtesy of Zemgus Girgensons.

It’s hard to watch the Canadiens for the past two weeks…

At least, Christian Dvorak pleased the fans who showed up by scoring his 6th goal of the season.

A nice goal, too:

The first ten minutes of the third period were not spectacular.

Brendan Gallagher decided to wake the crowd by scoring his second goal of the game.

Well, yes, it’s him again:

However, this was the last moment of glory for the Canadiens in the match.

Martin St-Louis tried everything by pulling his goalie at the end of the game… But it failed.

Anthony Cirelli scored into an empty net to allow the Lightning to win 5-3.

Another loss for the CH…

Overtime

There were two games played today in the NHL.

The Canadiens’ game, and the one between the Washington Capitals and the Utah team.

The Caps fell 5-4 in a shootout, with the highlight being Tom Wilson’s great performance (two goals and one assist).

Karel Vejmelka was perfect in the shootout to help his team win:

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Pierre LeBrun: The discussions between Evans and the CH are not progressing (and they are far from an agreement)

The Jake Evans file has been a hot topic in Montreal for quite some time.

Will he sign a new deal with the Habs, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season? Will he be traded by Kent Hughes before the trade deadline?

These are the two questions that keep coming up lately.

What we know right now is that Kent Hughes likes his player… but he also doesn’t want to give him up.

The Canadiens’ GM wants to maximize his value – which is normal.

However, recent news suggests that the chances of him being traded seem greater than those of him staying in Montreal.

Pierre LeBrun reports that Evans and the Habs are far from an agreement and that discussions are not advancing for a new contract.

The two sides are far from an agreement, according to the informant:

It’s known that Hughes would like (at least) a second-round pick in return for his services.

But with the season he’s having and with his salary ($1.7 million), Hughes should not have too many issues getting what he wants.

After all, Evans has all the tools in his bag to help a team aspiring for the Stanley Cup.

We know his qualities.

Still, it will be important to monitor how the situation develops in the coming days and weeks.

That said, judging by Pierre LeBrun’s recent comments… one can really believe that his days in Montreal are numbered.

Extension

In 2022, the Habs traded Artturi Lehkonen (who had a similar role to Evans) to Colorado.

The former Hab has thrived with the change of scenery… As he is on pace for 40 goals this season with the Avalanche.

Here’s hoping it’s not the same story with Evans…

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Larry Brooks escapes by comparing Ivan Demidov to Vitali Kravtsov

If Ivan Demidov is the best NHL prospect in the eyes of Craig Button, it’s because he has talent.

He is among the promising young players in the Bettman circuit, and seeing him perform so well since the beginning of the season in Russia gives reason to be optimistic.

The Canadiens have a good one in their hands!

Demidov has been making headlines for the right reasons for a month and a half, but some still can’t recognize his talent.

Among them?

Larry Brooks… Who compares him to Vitali Kravtsov.

The New York Post journalist really messed up and many criticized his comment under his post on X:

Kravtsov – drafted 9th overall by the Rangers in 2018 – was destined for a great future in the National Hockey League.

However, he has never been able to establish himself as an impact player in the big league. He has played only 64 career games in the NHL…

But it’s really when you look at Kravtsov’s statistics (in the KHL) that you realize Larry Brooks is really missing the mark.

(Credit: HockeyDB)

At 18-19-20 years old, Kravtsov was not a star in the KHL.

Now he is 25 years old… And he claims a total of 45 points in 54 games this season.

Demidov, at 19, has 44 points in 52 games…

No, Larry: Ivan Demidov and Vitali Kravtsov are not even comparable!

Let’s remember that Larry Brooks is someone who does not hesitate to voice his opinions, but perhaps he should have done some research before making such a comment.

Because we can agree on one thing: the journalist does not look great at the moment.

In Brief

– Too strong!

– Obviously.

– An important milestone is coming for Pete Alonso.

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Artturi Lehkonen is on pace for 40 goals this season (over 82 games)

Artturi Lehkonen was not recognized as an ultra-offensive player when he played for the Canadiens.

He scored 18 goals in his first season in the NHL, but he was never able to repeat that feat in Montreal.

Things have been different since he arrived in Colorado, however.

He deserves the credit he merits: this season, Lehkonen – who missed a few games due to injury – has a total of 23 goals… In just 45 games.

You read that right!

He is on pace for 40 goals in a full 82-game season, and let’s agree that five years ago, no one would have predicted that in Montreal:

(Credit: HockeyDB)

The Canadiens traded him in 2022 for Justin Barron and a second-round pick.

Barron was used to acquire Alexandre Carrier (at least), but it is still fair to think this is a “bad” transaction for the Habs.

It seems like we didn’t really know his offensive potential, after all…

The one we loved to nickname “Lehky” provided strong service to the Canadiens organization, especially in a more defensive role.

The Finn was used on the bottom-6 and had an important role on the team’s penalty kill, but that pretty much ended there because he had difficulty contributing offensively.

Now that he is settled in Colorado, we see him rolling at a truly impressive pace.

He is scoring goals, contributing to the Avalanche’s offensive success, and he even has the luxury of playing on the top unit of the team alongside Martin Necas and Nathan MacKinnon.

That also helps when you’re surrounded in that way.

In a nutshell

– It will be special for the family.

– Interesting.

– Do the Stars have what it takes to go all the way this season?

– Noteworthy:

– Eagles or Chiefs tonight?

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Four nations: Drew Doughty will replace Alex Pietrangelo for Canada

Yes, it is NFL Super Bowl day today, but it is also the last day with National Hockey League games before the Four Nations Tournament break.

In fact, there are only two games on the schedule today starting at 1 PM, and then no more NHL games until Saturday, February 22.

The Four Nations tournament will begin this Wednesday at the Bell Centre, with Canada facing Sweden.

And speaking of Canada, well, we recently learned that a new addition has been made to the team to replace the absence of Alex Pietrangelo.

And without much surprise, it is veteran defenseman from the Los Angeles Kings, Drew Doughty, who has been chosen by Team Canada.

It was a logical choice, considering that if Doughty had not been injured for the entire first half of the NHL season, he would surely have been selected by Team Canada when they made their picks in December.

Doughty is a veteran, and he has already represented Canada multiple times, including two Olympic Games, in 2010 in Vancouver and in 2014 in Sochi.

The 35-year-old defenseman will thus join a well-stocked defensive unit, with Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Josh Morrissey, Shea Theodore, Colton Parayko, and Travis Sanheim.

We can expect to see Doughty in the top-6 to start the tournament, especially ahead of a guy like Sanheim.

Now, on the Finnish side, a change has also been made on defense, as Rasmus Ristolainen will not be able to participate in the tournament due to an injury.

It is the lesser-known defenseman from the Ottawa Senators, Nikolas Matinpalo, who will replace Ristolainen.

It is truly unfortunate for Finland, which loses a third defenseman for the tournament, after having already lost Miro Heiskanen and Jani Hakanpaa.

Matinpalo, 26 years old, has only 22 games of NHL experience, 18 of which were this season, and has not recorded any career points.

This is not ideal for Finland, but they didn’t really have a choice.

The only other Finnish defenseman who has played in the NHL this season is Ville Heinola from the Winnipeg Jets.

In short, let’s say that Finland is starting the tournament at a disadvantage when it comes to defense.

Esa Lindell, Niko Mikkola, Oli Maatta, Juuso Valimaki, Henri Jokiharju, Urho Vaakanainen, and Nikolas Matinpalo.

Let’s see how this defense will perform against the best Canadian, American, and Swedish players.

In Brief

— To read.

— The Flames are out of the playoffs at the break.

— To check out.

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KHL All-Star Game: Ivan Demidov scores a goal in the final

This morning, Ivan Demidov shone in Russia as he participated in the KHL skills competition, later scoring two goals in the KHL All-Star Game semi-final.

Demidov helped his division team (the Bobrov division) qualify for the final, which took place today.

Once again, the Montreal Canadiens prospect stood out.

Indeed, Demidov scored a goal in the final, although the Bobrov division unfortunately lost 9 to 8 against the Chernyshev division.

Here is Demidov’s goal.

It’s a beautiful goal, but what stands out the most is Demidov’s smile after scoring.

The hope of the Tricolore really enjoyed himself this weekend with the skills competition and the KHL All-Star Game.

He concluded his first experience at this event with three goals in two games, which is more than respectable.

Now, Demidov can focus on the rest of the season with SKA Saint Petersburg, where he will be one of the key players for SKA’s success at the end of the season and in the playoffs.

His coach Roman Rotenberg is now using Demidov extensively, which is paying off for SKA, who are looking to climb a few spots before the start of the playoffs.

SKA is 6th in its conference but is only two points behind the second place.

(Credit: KHL.ru)

In short, with 15 games left in the regular season, Demidov still has time to impress us further and, importantly, to increase the record for the most points in a season by a player under 20.

In Brief

– Everything is going well for the Rocket, who won again yesterday in Toronto.

– Good point.

– Noteworthy.

– Tarasenko on his departure from Detroit?

– Even with the departure of J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson has still not found his rhythm.

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The Canadiens are receiving calls about Mike Matheson

The trade deadline is fast approaching in the National Hockey League.

Indeed, we are now less than a month away from March 7, which explains why trade rumors are flying in every corner of the league.

In fact, several rumors have already materialized, as some teams have completed significant transactions without waiting for the deadline.

On the Montreal Canadiens’ side, with the recent significant drop in performance, the team seems to have returned to familiar territory as the deadline approaches, which is that of sellers.

Marc Bergevin is not at the Bell Centre for a courtesy visit.

Vincent Damphousse is convinced that the CH will be sellers on March 7, and thus will trade some of its veterans.

Obviously, I’m primarily referring here to Jake Evans, Joel Armia, and David Savard, but as of the latest news, Kent Hughes is also receiving calls for Mike Matheson.

Indeed, multiple NHL sources reported to Marco D’Amico and Responsible Gambler that the Canadiens were receiving calls for several of their veterans, including Matheson.

This means that even though the CH’s number 8 is still under contract for the next season, several teams are interested in adding his services for beyond the current campaign.

And when you think about it, it is clear that with the salary cap increasing by nearly $8 million, Matheson and his annual salary of $4.85 million will be a great bargain.

Kent Hughes thus has the luxury of listening to the calls he receives for his defender and deciding if an offer suits him.

With the emergence of Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson has become slightly less important for the CH, which could lead Kent Hughes to trade him if the right offer comes along, especially considering the young defenders pushing through the organization.

In short, Matheson seems to be in the same boat as Armia, Evans, and Savard, and could very well leave the ship given that the CH will be sellers, at least partially.

Huh? What do you mean partially sellers?

Well, once again according to information from Marco D’Amico, the CH is currently employing a hybrid approach as the trade deadline approaches.

Indeed, on one hand, Kent Hughes will listen to offers for the veterans mentioned above and will seek to get as much as possible in return, but on the other hand, as we’ve heard in recent days, the CH wants to add NHL players to its team.

A young forward ready for the NHL and a top-4 right-shot defenseman would represent the targets for the Canadiens.

The names that are circulating a lot right now are those you have already heard, such as Dylan Cozens in offense and Noah Dobson on defense.

In short, the CH seems to have two clear goals in mind, which are to trade veterans while adding fresh strength to its team to improve right now.

It is clear that Kent Hughes no longer wants to trade his players only for draft picks and young prospects.

He wants to improve his team, and this could go through a transaction combining his two objectives.

One example that comes to mind is a trade involving Jake Evans and Simon Nemec, the young right-shot defenseman from the New Jersey Devils.

Nemec was not called up from the American League and used for nothing yesterday at the Bell Centre.

The Devils have been interested in Evans for a while, and Nemec is rumored to be on the trading block as well.

In short, all of this remains to be closely monitored until March 7.

In Brief

– It’s clear he is very talented, and it’s no wonder the CH continues to be linked to the matter.

– Noted.

– CF Montreal won 2 to 1, but did not have a great match.

– A new start for the Quebec native.

– Something to keep an eye on.