Author: Dose

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“At $1.1 million, is there a team that would claim Harvey-Pinard? Not sure.”

MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 16: Rafael Harvey-Pinard #49 of the Montreal Canadiens talks to the fans after the NHL regular season game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre on April 16, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Vitor Munhoz/NHLI via Getty Images)

After missing the first month and a half of the season, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard returned to action last week for the Laval Rocket.

The Habs sent him to the AHL to get back into shape.

How are things going for the forward? He scored yesterday… after being blanked in his first three games of the season.

Ultimately, you’d think the Canadiens would call him back at some point, because the Québécois has proven himself.

He’s proven he can play in the National League.

But given his lack of dominance and the fact that Patrik Laine seems to be closing in on a return to action, the Canadiens might also be interested in leaving the Québécois in the AHL.

There isn’t much room at the top, after all…

For him to stay in the AHL, on the other hand, Harvey-Pinard would have to be placed in the waivers because the Habs have been granted a waiver to extend his conditioning period in Laval.

And in that case, if he is placed in the waivers… Renaud Lavoie(BPM Sports) doesn’t think he’d be claimed because of his salary :

At $1.1 million, would any team claim Harvey-Pinard? I’m not sure. – Renaud Lavoie

Harvey-Pinard has qualities in his game that could be interesting.

In fact, it’s mainly his commitment and consistency of effort that have helped him build a certain reputation since his arrival in the pros.

On the other hand, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard is also a player who struggled to produce last year (two goals and 10 points in 45 games). He had a good run at the end of the 22-23 season, when there were a million injured players in Montreal (I’m exaggerating) and when there was nothing left for the Habs to play for… But that’s it.

Paying a player his salary for a performance like that is less attractive to a National League club. And let’s not forget one thing: if a team wants him… they’re obliged to keep him in the NHL.

The team must wait at least 30 days (or until the player has played 10 games) before it can send him back to the waivers. That said, a team would have to be struggling with injuries to make room for him…

For now, it’s hard to imagine the Canadiens’ plan in his case. That could change very quickly, as Montreal is no stranger to injuries… But the longer this goes on, the more likely it is that his case will be complicated to manage.

Overtime

– It makes sense.

– When you invite your buddies home and the pizza has finally arrived :

– It’s been a long time.

– Interesting!

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Mikko Rantanen, the NHL’s highest-paid player?

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Who’s the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL? He’s not necessarily the best: he’s the most recently signed.

That’s just the way it is in the sports world, where salaries rise quickly. Incomes are on the rise now that the effects of the pandemic have been behind us for years.

And the players are benefiting.

This same phenomenon is also likely to hit the NHL. The contracts of Leon Draisaitl ($14 million a year starting next year) and Auston Matthews ($13.25 million a year) are good examples. Both have recently surpassed Nathan MacKinnon ($12.6 M) and Connor McDavid ($12.5 M).

So who will get the next big contract? Obviously, we’re talking about Connor McDavid. By the summer of 2026, he’ll undoubtedly have the biggest active contract in the entire NHL.

In 2025-2026, until proven otherwise, Draisaitl will be the highest-paid player in terms of money on the cape. But he may not have the title all to himself, according to what Pierre LeBrun reports on the heels of TSN’s Insider Trading segment.

Here’s what he says.

I think Mikko Rantanen believes he can get $14M as a free agent. – Pierre LeBrun

There are two big names to keep an eye on this summer: Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen. Both players are at the end of their contracts, and both are likely to stay with the Maple Leafs and Avalanche even before testing the market, according to LeBrun.

I’m surprised about Marner… but hey.

With Matthews at $13.25M and MacKinnon at $12.6M, both teams will be trying to establish ceilings for negotiations. But with the real salary cap going up, the guys’ agents will have arguments.

That’s why LeBrun thinks that, on the open market, Rantanen could fetch more. But of course, maybe he’ll figure he’s okay at $12.5 million (random number) and won’t want to test the market.

Playing with the Avalanche sounds like fun.

But at the same time, when you look at his numbers, it’s easy to think that if he were to become a free agent, he’d be in demand and could become the face of a franchise.

(Credit: Hockey DB)

Remember that Rantanen, who currently earns $9.25 million a year, already has a ring. If he wants another, taking a discount from Denver would be a good option.

But what if he doesn’t? Someone will pay him. He’s too good, after all.

Overtime

– Really?

– Team Canada: who will be the starting goalie?[BPM Sports]

– Read more.

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“Even if the Canadiens made me an offer, I wouldn’t listen. I’m not interested” – Danick

Yesterday morning, Jean and I published our 7th episode (out of 10) of Stanley25, season 2.

In Part 1, we discussed the identity of the Canadiens’ real hockey boss, two of the Canadiens’ non-tradable players, the guys who were hangovers at Guy Lafleur’s chapel, the fact that I was barred from a public signing last Sunday, the shitshow that became a signing session with Cole Caufield 10 days ago, and a QMJHL player who’s been heavily scrutinized by the Canadiens this year.

In the second part of the podcast, we welcome Danick, a Canadiens and Rocket super fan who has made a name for himself on HFTV‘s social networks. If you don’t put him back, he’s the one screaming outside the Bell Centre with tattoos in ‘face…

Jean asked Danick if he’d been approached to work for/with the Canadiens, and Danick made it abundantly clear:

“Even if they did, I wouldn’t listen. I’m not interested in that […] I know the Canadiens in the bubble they’re in, and I’m not the kind of guy who’s going to be told: turn left, turn right, do three laps, look pretty, just have a drink.

It’s going to be a complete change of character for me.” – Danick

It’s pretty special that a super fan of a team isn’t interested in eventually working for that same team….

A few minutes later, Danick confessed to having been hired by several teams in Quebec (mostly senior), which earns him a little money on the side.

I guess these teams give him carte blanche…

Danick told 9millions that some Canadiens players – and managers, I’m sure – are afraid of what he might do when they meet him. You know, an organization is always afraid of “different” people it can’t control…

They’re often unpredictable in their eyes!

I’ll end by reassuring Danick: there are agents out there who are afraid of Jean and me, probably two of the nicest guys in the Québécois sports world.

At the end of the day, people who say the right things, stay true to who they are and work for themselves, not for others, will always be dangerous in the eyes of the more fearful.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing, to be feared for your freedom and courage. If Canadiens fans were more Danicks than men in ties who go to the Bell Centre just because it’s paid for by the company, the atmosphere in the arena would be a lot better. #Passion

Okay, enough Sunday philosophy on Thursday: tell me about the Canadiens, Danick!

@hftvsports Danick has had ENOUGH 😡 #gohabsgo #quebec #nhl ♬ original sound – HFTV

Overtime

– It’s Marc-André Fleury’s birthday.

– Who will play for Canada in 2025?

– It’s up to him to seize his chance.

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Jesperi Kotkaniemi wanted to leave the Canadiens

ELMONT, NEW YORK - APRIL 27: Jesperi Kotkaniemi #82 of the Carolina Hurricanes warms up prior to Game Four of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on April 27, 2024 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)

Marc Bergevin, as you may know, opened up to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.

Three years after losing his job(a job he no longer wanted, he said), he agreed to talk about several topics that marked his time (which he loved) as GM of the Canadiens.

And of the lot? The hostile offer sheet with the Hurricanes.

What you need to know is that, in hindsight, he would make the offer sheet to Sebastian Aho differently. He thought the big bonuses would be too much for the Hurricanes and they’d be forced to let him go.

It didn’t work out. And in the end, it turned out to be a good deal for the Canes.

I learned my lesson, honestly. – Marc Bergevin

This brings us to Jesperi Kotkaniemi. After all, it was out of revenge that the Hurricanes offered KK $6.1 million over one year, in order to bring him to Carolina and then sign him to a bigger contract – but at a lower price per year.

And just because he scored his third goal of the season yesterday doesn’t mean the Habs are bored.

Listening to Bergevin, the decision not to keep Kotkaniemi was a no-brainer. After all, the GM didn’t think the player was worth $6.1 million… and he wouldn’t have signed long-term with the Habs, who wanted a change of scenery.

Letting him go made sense.

Remember that KK agreed to a one-year deal at a high price, knowing that he would sign for a longer term at a lower price. It was a strategy to get him out of Montreal with a high average salary, and he wouldn’t have signed such contracts elsewhere.

The Habs tried to negotiate a deal instead of an offer sheet, but the Canes wouldn’t let Seth Jarvis go.

He’s a big part of Marc Bergevin’s legacy. And, contrary to what many people think, he doesn’t consider that he left the Canadiens in bad shape.

In particular, he says he left the new administration plenty of options.

I didn’t leave the franchise in bad shape. – Marc Bergevin

Since his departure, Marc Bergevin has drawn criticism from many quarters. And while it’s no surprise to see him defending his record with Pierre LeBrun, the fact remains that he’s done some good.

It’s not as rosy as he thinks, but it’s not as black as some people think either.

Overtime

– Ouch.

– Oh.

– Is his future in Toronto?

– It’s not looking good for the Islanders.

– Rocket loss yesterday.

– Chris Kreider: a trade this summer is more likely.

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It’s American Thanksgiving and the Habs are last in the East

Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images

It’s American Thanksgiving and the Habs are last in the East.

I say this because every year, we hear the old classic that once American Thanksgiving arrives, we can take the standings and see who has a chance of making the playoffs.

And the standings don’t exactly favor the Habs at the moment.

(Credit: NHL.com)

No matter how much we try to kid ourselves that “the club is only five points away from the playoffs” or that the Penguins have a worse points percentage than the Habs, the fact remains that the club is last in the East.

Do Martin St-Louis’ men have what it takes to overtake eight teams in the standings? The answer is no.

As we’ve seen in recent games, the Canadiens have just four wins in their last 13 games. And even though they won yesterday (in overtime against a bad club), that doesn’t erase everything.

Those who listened to the coach’s post-game press briefing last night could see that, no, he didn’t sound fully satisfied. His answers were short.

At the same time, that’s logical, because despite the 4-3 victory, there are still aspects that need to be corrected. Not everything about yesterday’s match was perfect.

What do I take away from all this?

1. Justin Barron is playing with fire. Yesterday, he had no choice but to be in the lineup because Mike Matheson still couldn’t play… but let’s just say he was struggling defensively.

Covering your man, in a man-to-man system, shouldn’t be an option.

2. Cayden Primeau was under a lot of pressure and he wasn’t naughty. He didn’t hurt his club, but he didn’t get up either. He did enough to get the win with 21 saves on 24 shots.

As for the Habs, they scored four times on 23 shots. That’s 10 more than the day before.

3. Juraj Slafkovsky has been flogged for playing on the fourth line recently. And after the few messages he’s received in recent weeks, he’s finally understood.

In addition to his goal, he played better yesterday. If the Habs want to win games, they’re going to need this Slaf more often… which hasn’t been the case regularly since the start of the season.

4. Brendan Gallagher didn’t just inspire Slaf: he inspired all his teammates, too, as he battled Zach Werenski. He’s got guts and does everything he can to inspire others.

It has an effect.

5. The network landed for the Habs in 2022-2023 when Sean Monahan was injured. In 2023-2024? When he was traded. And this year, the network was never really on board.

Watching the veteran play last night in Columbus, it’s easy to see why. He takes the little details seriously.

Extensions

Yesterday, after the game, the Canadiens players headed for New York, where they will play on Saturday. But today will be a complete vacation for Martin St-Louis’s men. #ActionDeGrâce

Tomorrow, it’s back to practice.

We’ll have to wait until tomorrow for news of Mike Matheson. We know he’s banged up (he missed two games in a row, after all), but we don’t know how bad.

Will he play on Saturday? It’s too early to say.

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Marc Bergevin had already decided to leave Montreal in 2022

The end of his reign was not a logical continuation of his beginnings.

On November 28, 2021, three years ago to the day, the Canadiens made the decision to fire Marc Bergevin, Trevor Timmins and Paul Wilson. Geoff Molson made a decision that would transform the Canadiens.

Jeff Gorton arrived in Montreal (with a mandate to rebuild Geoff Molson’s club) and hired Kent Hughes as GM. Since then, much water has flowed under the bridge.

But since then, Marc Bergevin had never given a single interview to talk about his years in Montreal. That’s why I was surprised to see Pierre LeBrun publish an article on the subject this morning.

The Athletic’s journalist has pulled off a major coup, as Bergevin is well behind the scenes. If he had wanted to talk and be in the spotlight, he would have been.

What’s particularly interesting is Bergevin’s statement that he had made the decision not to return to Montreal after the 2021-2022 season. Remember that 2021-2022 was the last year of his contract.

There have been many rumours about a potential new contract and the price to pay to keep the architect of the 2021 Stanley Cup finalist team. And from what he says, Geoff Molson approached him in the summer of 2021 about keeping him on for the longer term. At the time, he was a year away from the end of his contract.

But he didn’t want to stay. And he made that clear to his owner.

I said to him: Geoff, I’m going to finish the last year of my contract and I’m going to move on. He understood. – Marc Bergevin

History will have taught us that he didn’t finish the last year of his contract because he was fired on the heels of his team’s ugly start to the season. Hiring Jeff Gorton was the right thing to do for the owner.

But the fact remains that Marc Bergevin has nothing ugly to say about Geoff Molson.

One aspect that made Marc Bergevin want to move on was the COVID-19. The situation wasn’t easy for him (he didn’t see his children for almost a year, as they were in the U.S.) and it hit him hard.

That weighed in the balance.

When Geoff made me the offer [of a contract], I felt there was no light at the end of the tunnel. – Marc Bergevin

What’s fascinating in all this is that rumours of contract negotiations for Bergevin were raging several months after the Canadiens had reached the finals.

Was everyone wrong? Did the former GM choose to rewrite history? Or are we simply wrong about when Bergevin told Geoff Molson he was moving on?

Ultimately, no matter how it was done, it was just as well to make the change. Bergevin has been able to get back into a calmer rhythm of life, and the Habs have nothing to complain about with their new management. Bergevin wishes them the best of luck.

I invite you to read Pierre LeBrun’s article again, as Bergevin touched on a number of other subjects.

Overtime

– What do you think?

– 8:24 of playing time for Ivan Demidov today. [KHL]

– Now there’s a goalie who’s pulling out all the stops.

what happened to silovs?
byu/Frederick_C_Kruegerincanucks

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Top-5: When Charlie Lindgren decides to score… in his own goal

There were 15 NHL games yesterday.

The Canadiens won in Columbus, but there was also plenty of action in all four corners of the league.

And it shook:

1: When Charlie Lindgren decides to score… in his own goal

To see a goalie score a goal in hockey is rare.

But yesterday, we witnessed a truly special scene in Tampa Bay.

Charlie Lindgren scored a goal… in his own net.

He tried to send the disc behind his goal, but miscalculated his exit.

The result?

This sequence will clearly go down in the bad games of the week, if not the year:

Yikes… Let’s say it’s not ideal, hehe.

But in the end, it all ended relatively well because the Capitals were still able to win 5-4 over the Lightning.

The Habs alumnus’s blunder didn’t hurt too much, then. A stroke of luck!

2: It’s about time for Bedard

Prior to yesterday’s game, Connor Bedard hadn’t scored in his last 12 games.

It was his worst lethargy since the start of his young career.

That said, he took matters into his own hands against the Stars.

Bedsy put an end to his bad streak with a magnificent shot:

In the Blackhawks’ 6-2 victory, we note Bedard’s goal…

But we must also mention Taylor Hall’s performance.

The man who was left out by his coach last week reminded everyone that he’s talented by scoring a hat trick :

It’s got to be good for Taylor Hall’s confidence.

Because we know it’s been tougher in recent seasons, especially since he won the Hart Trophy in the 2017-2018 season…

3: The Sharks can’t escape these games

On Tuesday, the Canadiens lost to André Tourigny’s team after firing just 13 shots on net during the game.

We had a similar situation yesterday…

Before that, the Sens were in San Jose against the Sharks and Macklin Celebrini scored (again):

But here’s what’s interesting…

The Senators won the game 4-3, finishing with an impressive (or not so impressive) eleven shots on goal.

In defeat, Mackenzie Blackwood made… Seven saves.

It’s tough, and the Sharks can’t get away from these games.

It’s part of the learning process… But it’s hard to believe that the guys were really happy after the game:

4: Martin Necas continues his demolition job

Who’s going to stop Martin Necas?

The Hurricanes’ Canadiens player has been on fire since the start of the season, and we saw it again last night.

He contributed to his club’s 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers with two assists.

This one deserves to be seen again and again:

Necas’ two points moved him into first place in the NHL’s all-time scoring column (37).

Behind him are Kirill Kaprizov and Nathan MacKinnon, each with 35 points.

Necas is having the season of his life after being the subject of many rumours this summer…

5: Hat-trick for Brayden Point

I don’t think we talk enough about Brayden Point.

He scored 51 goals two years ago, finished last season with 46 goals and 90 points… But still, he doesn’t necessarily make the headlines.

Yesterday, we saw why he’s so good: in his club’s 5-4 loss to the Capitals, the Lightning’s diminutive forward scored three goals.

He’s having a good season:

Point has now scored 15 goals since the start of the season.

That’s good for 3rd on the NHL’s all-time scoring list (tied with Ovi), behind Sam Reinhart (17 goals) and Leon Draisaitl (16 goals).

The Lightning forward could really challenge for the Maurice Richard Trophy if he keeps up the pace.

Extension

– A beautiful moment.

– Snipe.

– Oh!

– Nice.

– Speaking of the Caps:

– Flyers escape with win over Preds :

– Jordan Binnington makes Blues history.

– Nice goal, too.

– Well done.

– The Bruins are back on track.

– A rare win for the Penguins.

– Wow.

– Looks easy.

– He’s still going strong.

– A steal!

– Top scorers of the night :

(Credit: NHL.com)

– Reminder: there are no games today in the NHL.

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“Shut up and skate”: Maxim Lapierre is (really) fed up with lack of effort

He gives what he can give, Gally.

There’s a growing sense of frustration among Habs fans about the club’s season. Beyond the defeats, it’s often felt that the team isn’t playing with the knife between its teeth… which irritates many.

And rightly so. It’s one thing to lose, but quite another not to show up at all.

This frustration is felt not only by the fans, but also by members of the media. When Tony Marinaro isn’t calling into a graveyard because the club is on the verge of finishing him off, it’s other media personalities who speak out in frustration.

And last night, on Marinaro’s Sick Podcast, Maxim Lapierre also shared his dissatisfaction with the guys’ oft-repeated lack of effort. And no, he didn’t pull any punches:

You make $400,000 every two weeks to play 20 minutes a game at the Bell Centre. Shut up and skate. – Maxim Lapierre

Lapierre, who has never been criticized for his lack of effort during his playing career, admits that he doesn’t necessarily like to use the salary argument, but that it does put things into perspective. He doesn’t want every guy to turn into Connor McDavid, but he does want guys to play with effort.

Skating, shoulder stroking, taking shots: the basics.

Of course, some guys are exceptions to the rule. Last night, for example, Brendan Gallagher (who, considering his injury history and big contract, would be well advised to take it easy) gave up 10 body checks (a career high)…

And tonight, he threw down the gauntlet against Zach Werenski, who’s in a higher weight class than he is. It’s not for nothing that he has a reputation as a warrior.

But obviously, not everyone has Gallagher’s heart… and that’s kind of what Lapierre is criticizing. He wants to see the guys give the impression that they’re there to give 100%.

Maybe if that happened, the Habs would be in a better position… and maybe even in the famous mix.

Overtime

– Good listening.

– Chris Kreider: a trade this summer would be more likely than at the deadline.

– Martin Necas is really on fire.

– Interesting.

– The Juan Soto derby is in full swing.

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Mathieu Olivier knows his name is circulating in Montreal

MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 16: Kaiden Guhle (21) of the Montreal Canadiens battles for position with Mathieu Olivier (24) of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period of the NHL game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Montreal Canadiens on Nov 16 2024, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC(Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Mathieu Olivier is having a great season.

He’s in his prime, at 27, and has collected nine points (six goals) in 20 games since the start of the campaign.

For a support player and a guy who’s known as a tough guy, that’s more than excellent.

That’s why his name has been circulating in Montreal over the past month.

He’d be a perfect fit for the Canadiens, in the sense that he’s got qualities that can help the club right now. After all, we’re talking about a guy who works his butt off on the ice time after time, and in Montreal, we know that such players are rare these days.

That said, the Québécois is aware of the rumours about him. He doesn’t want to worry about it because he’s concentrating on his game, but it’s playing on his mind all the same:

It’s hard not to hear them unless you live under a rock […] I have family and friends in Quebec, so it comes back to my ears a bit. – Mathieu Olivier

The quote above comes froma TVA Sportsarticle:

It must be special.

It’s easy to get distracted, after all: he’s from Quebec… And his name has been mentioned in some Montreal rumors.

But if it’s not in Montreal (many would like it to be), we can still expect to see Mathieu Olivier change addresses between now and the next NHL trade deadline.

He’s in the final year of his contract ($1.1 million per season), and there are bound to be several clubs interested in his services in the coming months.

That said, if Kent Hughes can’t get him in the next few months, he should at least try to bring him to town in the off-season.

Because it seems to me that players with heart like him would be a welcome addition to the Montreal line-up.

No?

Overtime

– Too bad. 🫤

– He’s going to be good.

– An issue to keep an eye on.

– News in MLB:

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It has to be Cayden Primeau’s last chance tonight

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 11: Cayden Primeau #30 of the Montreal Canadiens looks to push the puck up the ice in the second period against the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL game on November 11, 2024 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Ben Ludeman/NHLI via Getty Images)

There have always been expectations for Cayden Primeau.

Even though he was drafted in the 7th round in 2017.

It was his two years at Northeastern that opened just about everyone’s eyes. Because in the NCAA, the American was dominant.

On the other hand, Primeau was slow to establish himself as a National League goalie.

We’ve seen a few flashes from him, especially in the last season… But I think you’ll agree with me if I say it stops there.

That said, he’ll have the opportunity to face the Blue Jackets tonight in Columbus, as the Canadiens play their second game in as many nights. Monty did well yesterday, and deserves a night off.

But as soon as I heard it was going to be Primeau in front of the net, here’s what I thought:

This has to be his last chance.

It takes longer to develop a goalie than a forward or a defenseman, and that’s nothing new.

But when you look at Primeau’s 25-year-old stats this season, you realize he doesn’t look like a National League goalie:

  • 1-2-1 record (appeared in eight games)
  • 4.59 goals-against average
  • .842 save percentage

At some point… Enough is enough. The Canadiens have put a lot of effort into goalie development, but you can’t move forward if he’s not getting the job done in front of the net.

If Primeau can’t come up with a big one tonight, I’d like to see the Canadiens go out and get an experienced guy to back up Montembeault.

There’s been a lot of talk lately that there’s a leadership problem in the dressing room… And maybe getting an older goalie could help calm things down.

Because we know that the Monty-Primeau duo isn’t the most experienced duo in the NHL.

To be continued. But Primeau better not get hammered tonight, because I’ve got a feeling it could be the end, otherwise.

And if that happens, I’ll be curious to see what the Canadiens do with him.

Overtime

– Speaking of leadership…

– Sean Monahan gives love to fans in Montreal.

– Still.

– No surprise there.

– The photo is incredibly beautiful.