After experiencing an absolutely incredible Four Nations tournament, we are now back to normal, or back to the National Hockey League regular season.
In fact, NHL hockey will return today, with 14 games scheduled.
This is a very quick change of pace, as just two days ago, Connor McDavid scored the winning goal in overtime for Canada.
Players who participated in this tournament must therefore quickly get back into the NHL regular season, and especially for some, take care of their injuries.
Just ask Matthew Tkachuk, who will not play tonight for the Florida Panthers and will be evaluated in the coming days.
No Matthew Tkachuk for tonight, no real update from Paul Maurice either. Says he will be looked at by medical over the next few days.
In fact, the two Americans did not take to the ice in preparation for tonight’s game against the Canadiens in Ottawa.
This is not a huge surprise, considering they arrived from Boston, where they played a big game, and therefore, it’s probably just a rest before tonight’s game.
No Brady, Sanderson, Norris or Pinto this morning. JBD is placeholding for Brady on the top line during line rushes. Assumption that Tkachuk and Sanderson are getting the morning off to recover before tonight’s important game.
For now, there is no indication of injuries in their case, as there is for Matthew Tkachuk, but you never know.
Let’s recall that if Brady Tkachuk plays tonight, he’ll have to be ready, because Arber Xhekaj plans to make his evening very painful.
In short, let’s keep an eye on developments from the Ottawa side regarding their two American players, and also monitor the Toronto side, as Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner were also absent from their morning practice.
Auston Matthews & Mitch Marner not on the ice at Leafs optional skate, but expected to address the media this AM
Patrik Laine’s injury did a lot of damage to the hearts of Montreal Canadiens fans during the preseason, but in the end, when thinking about the long term, it was David Reinbacher’s injury that weighed more heavily on everyone’s mind.
Indeed, it was bad news to see a promising young defenseman (5th overall pick in 2023, nonetheless) suffer a serious injury for a long period of time, especially during a crucial season for his development.
We knew that Reinbacher would miss several months, up to six months in the worst case, and therefore, we suspected that it would be catastrophic for the development of the Austrian defenseman.
So it was a tough pill to swallow for everyone, but fortunately, all that is now behind us.
Reinbacher is now back in the game, having played his first two games of the season with the Laval Rocket in the last few days.
This is good news, especially considering that the Canadiens’ prospect is playing well.
Of course, we need to take it easy in his case, and even if the Austrian defenseman wants to play as many games as possible and therefore play two games in two days (yesterday and today), Pascal Vincent prefers to take precautions and follow a progressive return-to-play plan.
This is why Reinbacher will not be in uniform tonight in Syracuse against the Crunch.
Pascal Vincent has just stated in a press conference that David Reinbacher will not play tomorrow in Syracuse.
He is in top shape and wanted to play tomorrow, but it’s the plan for a progressive return to play with the @RocketLaval.
The 20-year-old defenseman is not injured and would be ready to play tonight, but we want to follow the plan and not make a mistake by having Reinbacher play too much too quickly.
This is a good decision by the organization and Pascal Vincent, because in the end, there’s no rush with Reinbacher, and it’s better to be safe than to take unnecessary risks, even if the Austrian defenseman is playing very good hockey.
Moreover, Pascal Vincent has stated that he was really impressed by Reinbacher’s first two games.
Vincent thinks that the Austrian has a very good sense of the game and good feet, and that he will bring a different offensive style than Lane Hutson and Logan Mailloux.
#Rocket Pascal Vincent on David Reinbacher’s potential
“In general, defencemen reach their ceiling at 26-27-28 years old. He has good feet and his hockey sense is really really good[..] His offence won’t get created the same way like Hutson or Mailloux. It will be different. It… pic.twitter.com/NYyOsCvanC
Vincent has therefore highly praised his new defenseman.
In the end, it’s a good thing to be cautious with Reinbacher and not to rush things, especially not with a back-to-back game so soon in his return to play.
Let’s see now how the 20-year-old defenseman will do until the end of the season, and in the playoffs with the Laval Rocket.
The Four Nations tournament is unfortunately now behind us, and we have to say goodbye to the best hockey we’ve seen in a long time.
We had the perfect ending with a brilliant Canadian victory in the final against the United States, and all those emotions will take a big hit when everything returns to normal, and we’ll have to watch Christian Dvorak play on a regular basis, starting tonight against the Ottawa Senators.
In short, it’s not every day that we can see the vast majority of the best players in the world play on the same team, and we must really take advantage of it when such tournaments arise.
It’s a great opportunity for us as fans to see the best players in the world cooperate and be on the same side for a rare time.
And if we go further, it’s also a great opportunity for any staff member to be in contact with players they’ve never had the chance to discuss with, which can create new beautiful connections.
Indeed, Jon Cooper seems to have subtly taken great care of developing a beautiful connection with Mitch Marner, who, let’s remember, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
And let’s say that’s an element that made Martin Leclerc think about Jon Cooper’s potential intentions to bring Mitch Marner to Tampa Bay.
Martin Leclerc explains that with this tournament, the Tampa Bay Lightning may have taken the opportunity to court Marner, a future free agent, via Jon Cooper.
Of course, it’s tampering (or an illegal move) if Cooper discussed with Marner the possibility of signing with the Lightning this summer, but if it was done subtly, then the Lightning will have succeeded in planting a beautiful idea in Marner’s head.
If Cooper treated him extremely well throughout the tournament, and even had him play with some of the Lightning’s active players, then it’s possible that Marner will think seriously about joining Cooper in Tampa Bay this summer.
Cooper seemed to really be in love with Marner during the tournament, as he praised him on several occasions.
Again, it’s a subtle way to please Marner as much as possible and put all the chances on the Lightning’s side in order to potentially sign the Maple Leafs’ forward this summer.
With the salary cap increasing, the Lightning will have more space on their payroll, and they can once again be aggressive in the case of one of the biggest fish on the market, just like they did with Noah Hanifin (who eventually signed with Vegas) and with Jake Guentzel, who is performing very well with Tampa.
In short, let’s see where this potential Lightning tampering will lead in the coming weeks and months.
– It’s starting for CF Montreal.
Start of the CF Montreal season @cfmontreal begins its regular season this Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM, facing Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on our waves @rds
Once again, Reinbacher was very effective in the game and this time, it ended with a convincing 5-1 win for the Rocket.
Convincing performance from the Laval Rocket, who win 5-1 against the Manitoba Moose in front of another sold-out crowd at Place Bell. Beaucage, Roy, Farrell, Xhekaj, and Dauphin scored; 20 saves for Cayden Primeau, who earns his 11th win in 13 games.
It’s his efficiency and the stability he brings that make him the player he is.
He didn’t get any points, but he came close on several occasions, providing good support to the attack.
He also directed two shots on goal.
David Reinbacher just made a great play for Alex Beaucage. Excellent pass that led to the attacker’s shot on the post. The 4th line of Nijhoff-Kidney-Beaucage is having an excellent evening so far.
– William Trudeau was involved in Xhekaj’s goal. But what caught my attention the most was that he sent two opponents to the ice in two different ways in less than 15 seconds.
And all this, despite some notable absences on both sides.
Shea Theodore, Josh Morrissey, Quinn Hughes… Not to mention those who were overlooked.
One of those overlooked, Mike Matheson, recently spoke to the media after today’s (Friday) practice and discussed his desire to participate in the tournament.
« Of course, I thought about it. As a Canadiens player, it’s my dream to play an important game at the Bell Centre. My game would have helped them, I believe. I was confident it was at least a possibility. » – Mike Matheson
It’s hard not to agree with the Quebec defenseman.
It’s every hockey player’s dream to play a game of this magnitude.
His mobility and offensive instinct would have definitely brought something interesting, especially in the first game against the United States when Cale Makar was absent.
We clearly saw a lack of offensive support in the defensive brigade, and Matheson could have remedied the situation.
However, we can’t say that Thomas Harley, who came in as a replacement, wasn’t beneficial either.
I knew he was very underrated, but I was greatly surprised by his game, which is completely different from Matheson’s.
What matters in the end is that Canada won the gold medal in this tournament.
The trade deadline in the NHL took place on January 24, 2025.
Mikko Rantanen seemed unable to come to an agreement on a contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche, and the team decided to trade him to Carolina.
Since his arrival with the Hurricanes, it has been very difficult for the Finn: two small points in six games.
However, it’s time to start thinking that Rantanen could very well be traded again at the trade deadline (March 7).
Even if star players are rarely traded as rentals, it could very well be the case again for Rantanen.
It’s rare to see star players acquired as rentals because it often costs a lot for about 20 games.
The team that could potentially acquire his services could agree with him before July 1, the date on which the big winger would become an unrestricted free agent.
We can imagine that the Hurricanes would trade him because they don’t think they can sign him long-term. And if that really happens, Friedman expects several teams to be interested.
We must also remember that in the famous Necas-Rantanen trade, the Chicago Blackhawks retained 50% of the Finn’s $9.25 million annual salary.
He therefore has a cap hit of $4.625 million for the rest of the season on Carolina’s payroll, and if the Hurricanes trade the star, they could also retain 50% of his salary.
This would give a Rantanen at $2.31 million. Not bad, is it?
Teams could view Mikko Rantanen as an NHL trade deadline rental target, according to @FriedgeHNIC
Carolina could retain salary in a trade, making Rantanen’s remaining cap hit $2.3M. pic.twitter.com/YA2somT0da
Several teams will definitely be interested in adding a $2.31 million Rantanen to make a push for the playoffs, even if he’s just a rental.
Of course, the price to acquire him won’t be very high (considering his talent) since he’s seen as a loan player.
I wonder what a return for #96 could look like.
We’ll have to wait until March 7 to see if he’ll be traded and get an answer.
In passing
– Words of wisdom.
Habs coach Marty St. Louis today on watching the Canada vs USA final:
“These are opportunities that don’t come often. It’s not easy to make these teams. When you have the opportunity to wear that jersey, to represent your country, it’s special. You want everybody to be… pic.twitter.com/nRYTGCkO1l
– I also love Emil Heineman’s season: he’s a nice surprise this season.
Brendan Gallagher today on Emil Heineman:
“You can see how valuable he is to our group. I think he really balanced our 4 lines. He does a lot for us & we’re happy to see him back. You kinda laugh about it now. The guy got hit by a car! It’s kinda unfortunate. There’s not much… pic.twitter.com/P2uWA9KJvU
The Canadian defenseman was the victim of a severe cut before the Confrontation of the 4 nations and we do not know when he will be able to return to play.
It’s certain that seeing Guhle wear a splint of this kind can be worrying.
Because we agree on one thing: the piece is not small.
And the bigger it is… The more we can believe it’s serious, which is logical.
I look forward to seeing, that said, the Canadian’s plan for Guhle for the rest.
When Kirby Dach got injured, the organization wanted him to stay involved within the organization to make his life easier and to keep him in the game.
The CH also did the same with David Reinbacher, let’s remember.
Could we see Guhle receive the same treatment? In my eyes, the chances of this happening are good… Because we know the Canadian values their defenseman.
We know Guhle has all the tools to be part of the future and be a good defenseman in Montreal.
That’s why – according to my logic – the organization will do everything to ensure his rehabilitation goes as smoothly as possible.
The proposal by the Parti Québécois to create a Team Quebec could have led to a healthy, respectful, and researched debate on the issue of creating Quebec national teams. I know it sounds naive. We are in an era of disgust for the middle ground and the ease of dismissing others. Soon, we will be talking about extreme sovereignists and extreme federalists, I’m sure.
First, I would like to clarify that I was just as disappointed by the tweet from HFTV (in English) that labeled the idea as “fucking ridiculous” as I was by those who responded by saying they were not “true Quebecers”.
On both sides, we should learn to calm down, listen, and accept the fact that we disagree without attacking each other.
I haven’t read many journalists, columnists, or internet users defending the project and analyzing the opposing arguments. That’s why I’m writing this article: to offer the other side of the coin, the counterarguments that get lost in a wave of insults.
No matter your allegiance or preconceived idea, the least we can do is take the time to listen, or in this case, read the proposal in all its facets.
“We would be POOR!”
Firstly, not so much. Secondly, that’s not the point.
Some people repeat that Quebec would “explode” on the international stage. In reality, Quebec – assuming Russia returns – would likely rank around 6th in the world.
Besides David Pastrnak, who is by far superior to any active Quebecer in the NHL, the Czech Republic doesn’t have a club that is significantly superior, or even visibly superior, to what we project for a Team Quebec. Slovakia, Switzerland, and Germany are practically uncontestedly inferior on paper.
(Credit: RDS.ca)
And let’s not have a short memory: Quebec could have beaten Finland 15 years ago, Sweden 30 years ago, and Canada 45 years ago.
Ah, and BTW, the Czech Republic finished the last two World Junior Championships… ahead of Canada.
It’s a bit absurd to claim that Quebec wouldn’t be of international caliber.
Slovakia may never win the Olympic gold medal, but when they win, even when it’s not the biggest stake, the party is on. Slovakia, like Latvia or Austria, has the right to exist on the international stage despite the reduced quality of its lineup.
I imagine that Canadian soccer fans didn’t watch the last World Cup, considering that the Canadian team had no chance of winning?
Quebec, which has its nation status at the UN and the right of seniority in hockey, would have just as much right to exist as these national teams. That’s the point.
“Anyway, Ontario will ask for a national team?”
This argument comes up too often, considering it’s based on an inaccuracy, a lack of knowledge, or bad faith.
No, Ontario, like the Maritimes, or Alberta, or the West (or even Wisconsin, in the United States) won’t ask for the creation of a national team.
Why? Because none of these entities are a nation.
What is a nation? It’s said to be “a set of human beings living in the same territory, having a community of origin, history, culture, traditions, sometimes language, and constituting a political community”.
And that goes beyond the federalist vs. sovereignist question. In 2006, the Canadian Parliament adopted a motion recognizing that “Quebecers form a nation within a united Canada”.
Quebec is a distinct nation from English Canada, with language being the best example, followed by culture and history.
At the Olympics, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Palestine, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda are examples of participating nations. In soccer, the UK is split into four: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico is among the best baseball teams in the world, and it’s an American territory.
Quebec is a nation and has the right to exist on the international stage. It’s not an opinion, but a fact.
“Don’t create a team just because our players can’t make the Team Canada lineup”
In fact. Except that the idea of a Quebec national team is not new, nor is it related to the low representation in the Team Canada lineup that was announced for the Four Nations Confrontation.
This being said, thanks to its nation status, Quebec has the opportunity to do what many consider to be the best thing for our athletes, namely to send as many as possible to the international stage.
I’m not sure I understand how it could be a bad thing to offer opportunities to shine and create unforgettable memories for the best Quebec athletes.
Instead of having just one guy from Quebec on the Canadian team at the Olympics, there could be 20 more on the same ice. Same thing at the World Junior Championship, where Quebec players have been underrepresented in recent years.
Young Quebec hockey players are at a disadvantage at Hockey Canada, says Simon Gagné https://t.co/8j5yKQqZ4y
“We wouldn’t even be in the Four Nations Tournament”
It’s not because the Four Nations Tournament is at the center of public attention this week that the mission of a national team is centered around this tournament.
In fact, the initiative of the Fondation Équipe Québec concerns all teams, all sports, and all ages.
The “20 more” we’re talking about for the Olympics become an exponential number.
Would it really be harmful for young Quebecers to have more space on the international stage, regardless of their allegiance?
“Anyway, we don’t produce enough good players”
It would perhaps be interesting to question the causes of this marked decline. The structure of Hockey Quebec is part of the equation and probably constitutes the core of the answer, accompanied by the high costs for parents. However, an equation is rarely simple.
Without claiming with certainty that a system of Quebec national teams would solve the problem, is it possible that it could, and can we discuss and analyze this option without jumping to conclusions? One doesn’t prevent the other, and the two issues can be compatible.
Not many people agree that the Americans have understood something that we haven’t in Canada, through their national team development program. Sweden (10 million inhabitants) and Finland (5 million inhabitants) produce excellent hockey players, partly thanks to their national development program.
But in Quebec, for obscure reasons, it seems far-fetched to believe that the same system would help.
Beyond the quality of development, the decrease in the pool is another part of this long problematic equation.
Believe it or not, Équipe Québec already exists, in some sports, and participation is increasing.
It’s proven that a memorable performance in an international competition contributes to an increase in registrations among young people the following year. In a world where Quebec exists on the international stage, young athletes from the province could dream more of representing their nation, rather than being limited by the space reserved for them, justified or not, within a much larger country that necessarily limits their chances of making it.
The decline in Quebec representation in Canadian teams will be slowed down by maintaining the status quo?
“An idea from separatists!”
Do you notice that none of the five counterarguments mentioned so far talk about sovereignism?
According to a Léger survey conducted in 2020, nearly 75% of Quebecers are in favor of creating Quebec national teams. The Fondation Équipe Québec defines itself as nationalist and claims to have support from all four parties elected to the National Assembly, making it a non-partisan issue.
Team Quebec: “Of course, it would be an honor to represent Quebec”
Team Quebec: “I was talking about it the other day with Jonathan Drouin, in Colorado,” said Alexandre Carrier. “We were discussing what our lineup would look like. I would love it!”
Obviously, the issue resonates more naturally with those who have Quebec pride close to their heart, but that’s not the core of the matter. It’s possible to have a constructive discussion about this possibility without ever touching on the sovereignist cause or even the federalist thought movement.
Before being elected Prime Minister of Quebec, François Legault supported the project, which no longer seems to fit with the line of his party.
However, it’s interesting to note that Minister Mathieu Lacombe stated that “the recognition of ice hockey as Quebec’s national sport was an important symbol that could induce a movement on the ground” after adopting this bill. It’s legitimate to question the nature of this “movement” if the government refuses to consider national teams.
Thanks @francoislegault for supporting the creation of Quebec national teams three times before taking power in 2018. Why did you backtrack on your commitment now that you’re Prime Minister?
In conclusion, the notion of “all or nothing” could be abandoned on both sides. It’s okay to be partially or mostly in agreement, without being totally in agreement, or to be ambivalent.
There is an infinite combination of concrete measures that could address some of the issues raised in this text. Some people would like to see a national development program for young Quebecers, but want them to continue representing the Canadian federation at the highest level. Some people would like to see the creation of Quebec national teams in certain disciplines or tournaments. Know that Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England all represent the UK at the Olympics. It’s possible to discuss for the collective good.
The final word
I thank DansLesCoulisses.com for publishing the article. Despite the difference of opinion, Maxime Truman and Charles-Alexis Brisebois agreed to offer a platform to the other side of the coin, which I greatly respect. Some Montreal media outlets have openly refused to open the dialogue, preferring to take a hard stance on their positions.
I hope to have analyzed the popular opposing arguments in a respectful and constructive way, while avoiding the division that arises as soon as identity is mentioned.
Disagree if you want. It’s okay, and it would be boring if everyone agreed. Except that it’s more fun when we listen to each other and respect each other.
Then… Are you looking forward to seeing the Canadian’s game tomorrow night in Ottawa, against the Senators?
I know, I know. The show will be much less good than in the last week and a half… But okay.
Arber Xhekaj has given all Canadian fans a good reason to watch tomorrow night’s game.
The Canadian’s defenseman, asked about Brady Tkachuk after today’s practice, has like sent a message to the Senators’ captain.
If Tkachuk is in uniform – let’s remember he was injured before yesterday’s game -, he’ll probably have to expect to drop the gloves.
Because the Sheriff’s plan is to make his life difficult tomorrow night, as can be read in an article by Nicolas Cloutier (TVA Sports):
I’m going straight to him. I’m going to crunch him. I don’t care […] I want to make his life… miserable, I want his evening to be painful. – Arber Xhekaj
Great Arber!
How do we face Brady Tkachuk if he’s in the Senators’ lineup tomorrow night?
Maybe it’s better not to get into his game.
Nonsense, thinks Xhekaj. “I’m going to go to him. I’m going to crunch him. I don’t care” https://t.co/cpl4PWnJMz
We know that the Canadian’s defenseman is not afraid of anything.
And we know that he doesn’t hesitate to drop the gloves if the moment is well chosen for him to do so.
That being said, it’s sure that Arber is looking forward to facing the youngest of the Tkachuk brothers after seeing him dominate the 4 Nations Tournament.
Brady has been so, so good for the American team that right now, everyone is talking about him all over the league.
Strong men like Xhekaj will want to measure themselves against him to prove themselves – and that’s normal.
Tomorrow’s game is likely to be exciting, therefore. At least, with Arber sending his message a little over 24 hours before the game… It promises.
Let’s hope Tkachuk is in uniform!
In a hurry
— Incredible.
WOW!
9.3 million viewers for Canada-USA final on ESPN last night.
After Canada’s victory over the Americans last night, Justin Trudeau rushed to publish a message that says a lot about his various platforms.
You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our sport. — Justin Trudeau
With everything surrounding the two countries lately, obviously… Justin Trudeau’s statement drew attention for fairly normal reasons.
But apparently, the comments from the main person involved were really poorly received by Donald Trump.
Why doesn’t it surprise me?…
The American president, on Fox News, called Justin Trudeau a loser.
And Donald Trump also mentioned that Trudeau is killing Canada with radical and Marxist policies. Trump claims that the United States has a great relationship with Canada… But only not with Justin Trudeau.
He’s not pleased:
After Canada’s victory over the United States, @realDonaldTrump is attacking @JustinTrudeau on Fox News, calling him a “loser” who is “killing Canada” with his “radical Marxist policies.” He claims to have watched the end of the game,… pic.twitter.com/hzXriU6BSR
Donald Trump knows how to not make new friends. We expected him to react after the game, but we didn’t necessarily expect him to react like this either.
Because it’s pretty intense, we agree.
But that’s Donald Trump: he says what he thinks out loud… For better or for worse.
And it’s clear that when he says things like that at a time like this, after an American defeat to the Canadians… His reputation continues to grow.
Again, for better or for worse.
Note that the American president took the time to “congratulate” the Canadian team on their victory, but he also took the time to remind everyone that the American team deserved to win because it’s fantastic.
Mise à jour des blessés présentée par la Clinique AthlétiK!
Anthony Beauregard sera de retour au jeu.
Anthony Beauchamp, blessé au bas du corps, est évalué de façon quotidienne.
Metis Roelens, blessé au haut du corps, est évalué de façon quotidienne. pic.twitter.com/wBR2vTnSt9
pre-game show Starting at 6 PM. 
Colisée Vidéotron
Game starts at 3 PM
819 519-1634 | 
vs USA 
final:
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