Author: Dose

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Yaroslav Askarov returns to the American League

SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 25: San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) during the national athem before an NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks on November 25, 2024 at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

On November 18, eight days ago, the Sharks recalled Yaroslav Askarov from their club-school.

At the time, we all said the same thing:

Finally! Let’s see what he’s got…

But let’s just say that his stay in the National League wasn’t very long.

The Sharks decided today to send their goalie back to the AHL.

I know one guy who can’t be happy right now…

Askarov must not be happy right now because he wants to play in the National Hockey League.

He asked the Preds to trade him so he could have a chance to play in the big leagues… And now he’s back in the AHL after playing just two games with the Sharks.

Besides, it’s not as if Askarov wasn’t good in his audition in San Jose:

  • 3-2 loss to the Blues – 29 saves on 31 shots
  • Victory against the Kings – 22 saves on 24 shots

In two games, Askarov has a record of one win and one overtime loss. He has a .927 save percentage and a 1.96 goals-against average.

Those are great stats, we agree. And that’s why, in my opinion, the kid can’t be happy with his club’s (bizarre) decision.

Especially in light of the fact that it’s not like the Sharks are in the playoff race right now. So why not give one of the best prospects in the world a chance to shine? Unless they want to protect him?

It’s hard to understand…

Overtime

– Will he be claimed?

– Speaking of the Sharks.

– Logical.

– The former Alouettes is off to Calgary.

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Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba: just what the Canadiens need

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 11: Alexis Lafrenière #13 of the New York Rangers celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes with teammate Chris Kreider #20, Mika Zibanejad #93 and Jacob Trouba #8 during the third period in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 11, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)

No bickering in my cabin: these are words Chris Drury can’t say right now.

Yesterday, we learned that Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba are two players who could, at the right price, leave New York. I don’t know if the GM leaked this to shake up his troops or if it’s really a possibility, but let’s just say it’s got people talking.

And without saying that the Habs must do everything in their power to get them, the fact remains that, in their own way, both guys have a profile that fits the Habs’ needs.

A forward with flair

On the attack, the Canadiens need a forward with a real bite(Patrik Laine isn’t going to lead the charge in terms of effort on the ice), who can score and who is capable of being a leader.

A perfect match for Louis Leblanc Chris Kreider.

The Rangers forward has nine goals this season (and no assists, oddly enough) and is on track to score at least 35. He gives his all on the ice… when he’s motivated.

Incidentally, he was not at his team’s optional practice this morning after missing yesterday’s game with an injury.

Kreider saw his relationship with the Rangers ruined when he refused to “represent the club” in a press conference after a game against the Habs. And now, the Rangers’ start to the season has management looking at options.

Will a club raise its hand?

A top-4 defenseman

At the blue line, the Canadiens need a right-handed defenseman(who isn’t Justin Barron) to play on the top-4. It takes a veteran to eat up minutes, and it takes a tough guy who’ll bring leadership.

A perfect match for Shea Weber and Jacob Trouba.

We know that Trouba was almost traded to the Red Wings this off-season, so it’s no surprise that the Rangers want to get the guy out of their line-up.

It’s also worth noting that the Rangers captain hasn’t spoken to his boss since the latest rumours broke.

Clearly, Trouba knows that his days are numbered in New York. He suspects that of the two, he’s possibly the one his GM wants out of the club the most.

Will a club raise its hand?

Links with the Canadiens

As you can see, both fit in with what the Habs need. But even so, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton aren’t likely to go for them.

What are they?

  • The guys’ contracts
  • The Rangers’ needs

How badly does the Habs want to go after a $6.5M forward until 2027 and an $8.0M defenseman until 2026? In my opinion, it’s not Kent Hughes’ priority – especially for older guys who won’t be around when the Habs want to win the Stanley Cup.

And I don’t think the Rangers are in “salary withholding” mode when they’re currently aiming for the Cup…

And on that subject, I don’t see how the Rangers, who won’t necessarily want prospects and picks that don’t help in the present, could find common ground with the Habs.

Short of a three-team deal that would send Trevor Zegras to New York, that is? But then, I’m imagining things.

I don’t think it’s going to happen as the pitfalls look numerous. But the fact remains that, on paper, Kreider and Trouba have what it takes to fill short-term gaps for the Habs… who, however, are thinking more long-term.

Better luck next time?

Extension

Let’s note, for the fun of it, that Jeff Gorton was in New York in 2009 when the Rangers drafted Kreider and in 2019 when the club acquired Trouba’s services.

He was assistant director of player personnel (2009) and GM (2019) respectively at the time. He knows the guys well.

(Credit: Elite Prospects)
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The habs’ problem is effort: Patrik Laine won’t change everything

Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

The Canadiens have been inconsistent all season.

The club can play well and perform well for a few games in a row… But it can also fall apart quickly and have long, difficult moments.

But in defeat, there’s one element that comes up time and time again. And I’m talking about the flagrant lack of effort on the part of certain players.

It’s one of the Canadiens’ biggest problems right now, and it’s ironic because behind the bench is Martin St-Louis.

We’re talking about the same guy who had success in the National League because he showed fighting spirit and fought to make his mark. There was effort in Martin St-Louis’ game when he played in the NHL.

That said, it may be easy to think that things will turn around when Patrik Laine returns, because he has his qualities… But those who believe he will change everything will be disappointed.

Why? Because Laine, well…

Because Laine, well… He’s not necessarily the hardest-working guy on earth.

He may have an excellent shot, and that’s never going to change, but we also agree that he’s not the one who’s going to push the group to push even harder.

He’s not the one who’s going to lead the others towards absolute effort, let’s put it that way.

Sure, Patrik Laine will help the team on certain levels… But only when he’s completely shaken off the rust.

Because let’s not forget this too: when the maverick returns, don’t expect him to fill the net at a completely insane pace.

He’ll need time, after all. And that’s perfectly normal. A bit like what we’re seeing with Kirby Dach, although it’s starting to get rather worrying in the case of #77…

For the effort problem to be solved, it’s up to the important players to stand up and lead by example.

Slaf, Suzuki, Caufield… When a club’s big guns work hard, it’s easier for the rest of the group to keep up.

And that’s what leaders need to understand. It starts in practice, and at that level, maybe the guys need to be more serious too.

Overtime

– He’s really hot.

– Auston Matthews is back to practice.

– The Hurricanes are looking for a goalie.

– If he keeps performing like this, he’ll win the Vézina. And that won’t even be a question.

– Happy reading.

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First line for Newhook and top-4 for Barron: you can’t make it up!

This morning at practice, we saw that Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach were still on the club’s fourth line. Not a bad thing, as they need to wake up.

But that’s not all we can learn from practice.

There are two things we want to highlight here. The first is that Alex Newhook finds himself on the club’s first line for tonight’s game against Utah HC.

Newhook has four points so far this season.

We’re quite critical of his game, as we feel he can give more, especially in terms of passing. Did you know that since the start of the season, the former Avalanche has zero assists in 20 games?

Why not pair him with Cole Caufield, of course?

It was probably Brendan Gallagher who deserved to be there. I don’t know if Martin St-Louis didn’t want to break up a line, but one fact remains: Newhook is there by default. And the Habs don’t look good, since a position like that has to be earned.

But there’s another element we need to look at: Justin Barron.

The guy played one game in November (against Columbus, on the 16th) and is clearly the team’s #7 defenseman. And now, on his return to the line-up, we choose to place him on a top-4?

I understand that they wanted to put David Savard with Arber Xhekaj and that the Sheriff isn’t a top-4 guy. I also understand that Kaiden Guhle (who’ll be playing with Barron tonight) isn’t a third-pair defenseman and that Matheson/Hutson is the first pairing.

But the fact remains that the Habs’ lack of depth is glaringly obvious when you see Barron move from the bridge to the defensive top-4. This explains why the Canadiens, despite being healthy, won’t be making the playoffs.

Overtime

– Have fun : Martin St-Louis’ advice to Joshua Roy.

– Logical.

– Interesting.

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Michael Pezzetta is no longer part of the team’s plans

Let’s face it: Michael Pezzetta is no longer part of the Canadiens’ plans.

It’s all very well to talk about Cayden Primeau, who played only two games (and two incomplete games at that) in November, or Justin Barron, who played only one game in November, but Pezzetta has played only three games this season. And he’s obviously healthy.

Even so, El Pezz has the right attitude. He doesn’t whine, and we even see him getting involved in his community.

But the fact remains that on the ice, he’s not an option. He’s only played in games where Juraj Slafkovsky was absent, and he’s clearly not lining up to play often anytime soon.

While Lucas Condotta (who has clearly surpassed him in the pecking order) has been sent back to Laval, Joshua Roy has been recalled. And that’s not counting the imminent returns of Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Patrik Laine.

Pezzetta is unlikely to play for the Habs anytime soon, if nothing changes.

Right now, the Habs have 22 guys on their active roster, so they won’t need to move to add just one of the two injured. But if RHP and Laine are ready and none of the guys are injured, a decision will have to be made.

Yesterday, the decision would have been simple: send Condotta back down. But now?

If Joshua Roy does well, he’ll stay in town. And we’ll have to find another solution to make room for RHP(if he doesn’t make the cut in the waivers, of course) at the club.

And that’s where Pezzetta comes in. Instead of considering Harvey-Pinard for the waivers, why not Pezz? After all, he has no future in Montreal, and clearly, it wouldn’t hurt the Habs.

Renaud Lavoie confirmed in a text that this is indeed an option.

If Pezzetta were placed in the waivers, he would either go elsewhere in the NHL or to Laval. He wouldn’t get any less playing time than he does now, and he’d surely make more money(either because of taxes or because he wouldn’t have to pay escrow in the AHL) in the end.

In my eyes, it’s the right thing to do instead of thinking about putting Harvey-Pinard in the waivers. And if the two injured players return this week (which isn’t completely impossible), Pezzetta could really go for the waivers in the next few days.

Overtime

– It’s going to be a long process.

– Which players don’t play like Corey Pronman thought?

– It’s not much.

– The three former Sens players honoured on December 5.

– Audience on the menu.

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It was against the Canadiens that Chris Kreider put the Rangers to shame

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 11: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers looks on before a face-off against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 11, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)

Yesterday, we learned that the New York Rangers, in an effort to shake things up a bit, put the for-sale sign in front of the locker of two players: Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba.

In Trouba’s case, it’s not surprising. The Rangers tried to trade him this summer, but failed. One suspects that his days in the Big Apple are numbered.

But he refused to leave. And at $8 million a year for two more years, he’s not the most sought-after player.

But Chris Kreider’s case comes a little more out of the blue. After all, he’s an important player in the Rangers’ identity, and there’s every reason to believe that he’s appreciated in the dressing room.

He earns $6.5m for just under three more years.

Why would the Rangers want to trade a player like him in a season when the club is aiming for the Stanley Cup? It’s probably not just to make room for Igor’s next contract, is it?

And it’s probably not just because the club disappoints.

(Credit: NHL.com)

According to what Renaud Lavoie told BPM Sports this morning, the break between the Rangers and the player happened a few months ago, during a game against the Canadiens.

And it’s an interesting story.

Basically, at a game against the Habs, Jim Ramsay (the Habs’ director of sports medicine and performance and head athletic therapist) was ignored by the Rangers, his employer of the past 30 years. There was no tribute to him during the game.

However, Chris Kreider took the time to chat with him after the game at MSG.

Renaud Lavoie notes that after the match, he was supposed to meet the media. He chose not to because he didn’t want to “represent the Rangers” due to the way Ramsay was treated.

Jacob Trouba then said that if Kreider didn’t talk, he wasn’t going to either. #Leadership101

This (among other things) is why the Rangers will try to trade Kreider – and Trouba – down the road. There are undoubtedly several reasons for this, but here’s a big one.

Clearly, a team that wants grit and talent can (indeed, must) call New York.

Overtime

– Oh.

– News from Noah Corson. He should be sentenced on January 29.

– Rocket: good crowds in Laval.

– Josh Anderson plays simpler, but he doesn’t break everything either. [JdeM]

– Ouch.

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Top-5: Miles Wood’s smashed stick hits his coach

The Canadiens weren’t playing last night, but it was an eventful night of hockey.

22 teams were in action.

Here are the results and highlights:

1. Miles Wood’s smashed stick hits his coach

An extremely frustrating evening for the Avalanche, who were never in the game against the Lightning.

Colorado allowed five goals in the first period. The game ended 8-2.

By the middle of the second period, Brandon Hagel already had five assists.

On Brayden Point’s goal, Alex Georgiev broke his stick on the post.

Miles Wood also broke his stick while retreating to the locker room…

And it’s going to cost him, because his paddle hit his coach Jared Bednar directly in the face.

Not strong, chief!

Both Avalanche goalies played half the game. Georgiev conceded three goals on 17 shots and Justus Annunen, five on 16.

2. Successful debut for Jim Montgomery

The Blues were in New York to take on the Rangers.

It was Jim Montgomery’s debut behind the Blues’ bench, and he made a successful entrance. 5-2 victory.

His first NHL goal came with the Blues against the Rangers. And his first Blues win came against the Rangers.

As for the game, Québécois Zachary Bolduc scored two goals.

He seems happy to have a coach who speaks his language.

On the Rangers’ side, Matt Rempe was in the news again…

For all the wrong reasons.

A completely useless shot…

3. Natural hat trick for Nico Hischier

Three consecutive goals: a feat that has its own NHL term.

It’s a natural hat trick, and a rare one at that. Yesterday, Nico Hischier pulled off the feat.

The captain scored his team’s second, third and fourth goals.

He now has 13 goals so far this season, three behind Sam Reinhart, Leon Draisaitl and the NHL’s top scorer.

The Devils easily disposed of the Nashville Predators 5-2.

The Preds’ disastrous season continues… Will David Jiricek save their season?

4. Matvei Michkov and Macklin Celebrini shine

The race for the Calder is shaping up to be an interesting one. In addition to Lane Hutson, Logan Stankoven, Matvei Michkov and Macklin Celebrini will all be contenders.

Yesterday, Michkov and Celebrini distinguished themselves.

The Russian scored a goal and, since being left out, has collected seven points in six games.

As for Celebrini, he collected three points, including two goals.

He may have missed a few games due to injury, but in the 12 games he played in, he scored 10 points.

Here’s a look at the Calder race :

(Credit: poolexpert)

5. Two players score their first NHL goal

Last night was probably the best day ever for two players.

Both players scored their first goal in the Bettman circuit. In Ottawa, Cole Reinhardt found the back of the net.

In Philadelphia, Emil Andrae did the same.

In 12 games this season, Andrae has one goal and three assists. He’s a Flyers second-round pick in 2020.

As for Reinhardt, he was also selected in 2020, but much further back (sixth round, 181st overall).

In three games with the Sens in 2024-2025, he already has two points. Since 2020-2021, he’s been looking good in Belleville.

Extension

– Claim him in your pools.

– Great defensive sequence!

– Finally.

– Superb save!

– Hagel obviously leads the charge.

(Credit: )

– Four teams, including the Habs, in action tonight.

(Credit: Google)
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Paul Bissonnette was attacked by six men in an Arizona restaurant

Former NHL player and co-host of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast Paul Bissonnette was allegedly assaulted by six men in an Arizona restaurant on Sunday night.

This was reported by Jessica Johnson of FOX 10 Phoenix on Monday evening.

The events took place at a Houston’s restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona, around 7:30pm on Sunday evening.

According to a Scottsdale Police representative, there was an altercation between six men and the restaurant’s management. It was then that Bissonnette allegedly tried to calm the six men and invite them to leave the premises.

Instead of responding calmly, the six men decided to physically assault Bissonnette inside and outside the restaurant, causing him injuries.

The good news is that all six men were arrested by the police. However, they have not been identified by police.

The nature of Bissonnette’s injuries has not been specified, but they are not believed to be life-threatening. He was, however, taken to hospital for evaluation.

It’s pretty crazy to hear stories like this, especially when all Bissonnette wanted to do was help the restaurant employees.

Bissonnette was a tough guy in the NHL and got into plenty of fights, but faced with six men, it’s understandable that the situation was completely different.

We should therefore expect him to take a few days off from his post on TNT and the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast.

We wish Bissonnette all the best for a speedy recovery.

Overtime

– This could be a good idea.

– A first game behind the Blues bench for Jim Montgomery.

– That’s right!

– The Lions receiver is doing well.

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Lucas Condotta loaned to Laval

This morning, the Canadiens recalled Joshua Roy from the Rocket.

But the club wasn’t finished moving.

This afternoon, we learned that Lucas Condotta is leaving for Laval:

More details to come…

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Tony DeAngelo: Ivan Demidov should never have slipped to 5th place

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - 2024/10/28: Sergei Plotnikov (L), Ivan Demidov (C), Tony Deangelo, known as Anthony DeAngelo (R) SKA Hockey Club seen in action during the Hockey match, Kontinental Hockey League 2024/2025 between SKA Saint Petersburg and Sibir Novosibirsk at the Ice Sports Palace. (Final score; SKA Saint Petersburg 6:3 Sibir Novosibirsk). (Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

In Montreal, we love Ivan Demidov.

Yes, we do… even though he hasn’t played a single career game in a Canadiens uniform.

It’s just like Lane Hutson and Cole Caufield, really. We were all looking forward to seeing them arrive in Montreal…

The excitement is there when we talk about the Canadiens’ prospects, because since his selection at No. 5 in the draft, positive comments have been coming from everywhere when he’s in the news.

Speaking of the draft, Tony DeAngelo believes that Demidov should never have slipped to the Canadiens.

He doesn’t understand why other teams ignored him, because according to the former NHL defenseman who now plays with Demidov in Russia, the latter is a “world-class” talent.

DeAngelo was on the Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast and he really wanted to give his teammate a shout-out:

During his appearance on the podcast, DeAngelo also stated that he sees Demidov becoming a 30-goal-per-season top-6 winger… In the worst-case scenario.

If – and I mean if – Demidov progresses as DeAngelo predicts, the Canadiens will have one of the best players in the National League on their hands.

But that’s what makes the defender’s comments so interesting: he’s around Demidov every day or so, and he’s in the best possible situation to see him progress… And you can’t discount the fact that DeAngelo knows the National League.

After all, he played eight seasons in the NHL, which is no mean feat. He knows what he’s talking about.

But we have to be careful here.

Obviously, as much as everyone wants DeAngelo to be right, chances are it won’t work out too. And I’m not saying that to denigrate Ivan Demidov’s talent: it can happen to any talented prospect who makes the jump to the NHL. There have been examples in the past, and it’s not to be dismissed.

On the other hand, when you see an 18-year-old succeed in the KHL because he’s got skills, because his skating is on point and because he has undeniable offensive qualities, that’s a good sign for the future.

And that’s obviously what DeAngelo focuses on when he sees his teammate on the ice.

Overtime

– Interesting.

– Artem Zub is out with a long-term injury.

– The three NHL stars of the week.