Author: Dose

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Jaroslav Halak announces his retirement 15 years after his magical 2010 series

In 2010, Jaroslav Halak worked his magic in Montreal. I think everyone in town remembers it.

At the time, the Canadiens’ management opted to stick with the long-term plan by keeping Carey Price and trading Jaroslav Halak to the St. Louis Blues.

The problem was never the transaction itself, since keeping Carey Price was the right thing to do. The problem was the return Halak got in the summer of 2010: Lars Eller and Ian Schultz.

Halak went on to make his way in the NHL for years afterwards.

He played for years in St. Louis before being traded to the Sabres (where he never played), Capitals and Islanders. He also played for the Bruins, Canucks and Rangers until 2023.

He also attempted a comeback with the Hurricanes recently, but without success.

Halak hasn’t played in two years and is now 40. He finally announced what everyone suspected: he’s officially retired. Tomas Prokop tweeted this following an interview with the man himself.

Doing it in 2025 means it’s already been 15 years since he made his mark on the city of Montreal in the playoffs. Time flies, and while the habs of 2025 have brought optimism back to the city, remembering 2010 is still cool.

The Slovak had played in the QMJHL (with the Lewiston MAINEiacs, USA) in 2004-2005 after being drafted in the ninth round (271st overall) by the Habs in 2003. He also spent a few seasons with the Bulldogs in the AHL.

581 NHL games later, everyone agrees that he has surpassed the expectations of what a long shot like him should normally accomplish in the Bettman circuit.

In the end, he officially announced his retirement before Price, even though he played longer.

overtime

– Victory for the Alouettes, who lose the services of Davis Alexander.

– Where will the Canadiens’ prospects play in 2025-2026? [JdeM]

– Oilers need defensive reinforcement.

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Listening to Éric Raymond, Jakub Dobes is way ahead of Kaapo Kahkonen

Kaapo Kahkonen’s signing with the Canadiens may not have pleased Jakub Dobes.

The latter took advantage of Cayden Primeau’s poor performances to carve out a position as number-two goaltender with the Habs last season, and let’s just say he did pretty well for a rookie.

Kahkonen and Dobes are expected to do battle in training camp, but it looks like the latter will have a head start if we are to believe the words of goaltending coach Éric Raymond, interviewed by Marc Antoine Godin of Radio-Canada Sports.

In response to a question, Raymond hinted that Kahkonen is the kind of experimental player who can support Jacob Fowler in Laval.

Understandably, the Habs goaltending coach sees Dobes retaining his number-two spot in Montreal while Kahkonen returns to the AHL.

This seems to suit Raymond, who praised Dobes. He liked the way the goalie broke the ice under a lot of pressure, and he’s sure his next NHL games will go even better without it.

The only problem is that Kahkonen has to go through the waivers if he’s sent to Laval. Dobes, on the other hand, doesn’t have to.

If Kahkonen is claimed, Laval would find itself with a goaltending problem, especially if someone gets injured during the season.

It’s funny to hear all this, considering that when Kahkonen was signed, it looked like he was going to be the one ahead of Dobes at practice.

Getting back to Éric Raymond, he’s very happy with the Canadiens’ goaltending group at the moment. He likes Samuel Montembeault as number one, followed by two young prospects in Dobes and Jacob Fowler, and a veteran reserve in Kahkonen.

Dobes may have a head start on Kahkonen when training camp opens, but we can still expect quite a fight for the number-two goaltending spot.

In Overtime

– Michael Hage won’t be a flop even if he doesn’t become the Habs’ second center.

– It won’t happen again soon.

– Wow.

– A similar end to Shea Weber’s career for Alex Pietrangelo[Le Journal de Montréal]

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If Sidney Crosby is traded, it won’t be this season, says Frank Seravalli

Canadiens fans dream of seeing Sidney Crosby play for their team.

Montreal, however, will have to wait for a chance to get Crosby.

During the latest taping of his podcast with Bleacher Report, Frank Seravalli explained that he expects a potential deal involving Crosby to take place during the off-season, but not this year.

In other words, Sidney Crosby is not expected to be traded between now and the end of next season.

The best argument to back up Seravalli’s words is the fact that Evgeni Malkin is expected to leave Pittsburgh after next season. It’ s been known since June that the Penguins don’t want to renew his contract.

Seeing the teammate with whom he enjoyed all his success in Pittsburgh could convince Crosby to finally agree to a deal.

For now, as Seravalli explains, Crosby has no intention of leaving Pittsburgh, and the Penguins probably don’t want to ask their franchise player to accept a trade.

Keeping Crosby doesn’t help the Penguins’ rebuild, but he’s the kind of player who draws crowds and can help you a lot with marketing.

Seravalli also recalled the three teams involved in the rumours, and Montreal is obviously one of them. We’re talking about the Canadiens, the Kings and the Avalanche.

If you’re dreaming of Sidney Crosby in a Canadiens uniform, you’ll have to be patient. It’s not likely to happen this season (if at all).

Overtime

– It would be monstrous.

– The Canucks aren’t done shopping yet.

– The Hurricanes could be interested in Erik Karlsson.

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BPM Sports: Martin Lemay will not be returning to the helm of Retour des Sportifs

There will be some changes this fall at BPM Sports.

Martin Lemay announced on Facebook that he will not be returning to host Le Retour des Sportifs.

In a lengthy text of explanation and thanks, Lemay revealed that it was the station’s management who made the decision not to renew his contract.

The host received confirmation by telephone from his superiors on Thursday.

In the text, Lemay explains that a radio station often makes decisions about its next season around February or March, but that he spent the beginning of the summer without knowing whether he would be back.

In fact, Lemay used this message to point the finger at BPM Sports management, who, in his opinion, are making questionable decisions. He doesn’t like decisions made by BPM Sports executives who don’t spend time in the office.

More details to follow.

Overtime

– Dubas is asking a lot for his players.

– Shawn Lemon is back with the Alouettes.

– Damian Lillard returns to the Trail Blazers.

– Oops.

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Logan Thompson gives credit to Habs fans: In the playoffs, the atmosphere was incredible

For the first time since 2021, the Canadiens were able to make the playoffs last season.

But it wasn’t the same.

It wasn’t the same because in 2021, the Bell Centre wasn’t full because of the COVID-19.

We got to see the real playoff atmosphere in Montreal in 2025, and it felt good in a way.

Hearing the fans be so noisy is always a pleasure… and even Logan Thompson enjoyed the experience, even though he was playing for the opposing team.

Speaking to Sportsnet, the goaltender praised the fans, saying they’re passionate and it’s incredible to play in an amphitheatre as noisy as the Bell Centre.

It’s true, in a way, that it must be special.

Guys have been dreaming of this since they were young… and to be able to live it to the full, it sure feels different.

Because in reality, it’s exciting too.

The motivation is there in a context where the crowd is encouraging and the noise of the fans is simply sickening. I get goosebumps just thinking about it: on the ice, it must be even more special.

But it also goes to show.

We often hear players say that playing at the Bell Centre – even in the regular season – is a different experience.

Playing at the Centre Bell in the playoffs must be even more special… and it’s a reminder of how differently we do things in Montreal.

Here’s hoping we can do it again for a long time to come… hehe.

Overtime

– Good question.

– Logic.

– Ouch.

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Logan Mailloux praises David Reinbacher “He’s going to be an exceptional player”

If David Reinbacher has been selected 5th overall in 2023, it’s for a reason.

And that reason isn’t hard to understand.

The defender is talented and has great potential. We’re not talking about a flashy player on the ice: we’re talking about a guy who does his job by limiting mistakes. And right-handed defensemen like that in the NHL are worth their weight in gold.

It’s been hard to follow his progress over the past campaign… because Reinbacher hasn’t played much.

He hurt himself at the Canadiens’ practice camp, and his injury forced him to play just 10 regular-season games in Laval. He did well under the circumstances and was even better in the playoffs with the Rocket, which is encouraging for what’s to come.

But there’s one guy who’s been around him this season in Laval, and that guy’s name is Logan Mailloux. In his eyes… there’s no doubt about it: David Reinbacher is going to have a great career in the National League.

Here’s what Mailloux told Marco D’Amico(RG Media):

He’s so good defensively that few players can pass him on the boards or even pass him at all […] He’s going to be an exceptional player. – Logan Mailloux

David Reinbacher’s calmness with the puck, his reliability in all three zones of the rink, the quality of his slap shot… he has the tools to become a complete National League player.

Will he one day be one of the NHL’s elite? Maybe he will.

But if that doesn’t happen, and he’s still capable of helping the Habs in the long term by playing on the team’s top-4 and having major responsibilities on the ice… no one can complain either.

Again, at the risk of repeating myself: quality right-handed defensemen aren’t a dime a dozen in the NHL.

And that’s probably why the Canadiens decided to select him so high in the draft, given the club’s need for guys like him for the future.

Overtime

– Transaction between the Canucks and Leafs.

– Bravo.

– Love this.

– Sad news.

– MLB news.

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Pierre Dorion: “Bolduc’s pitching is in the top 10% of the NHL”

Zachary Bolduc has many qualities in his game.

He’s got a good skate, he can hit, his offensive skills are simply undeniable…

But his greatest strength is his shooting.

He’s able to draw quickly on reception, and his wrist shot is accurate too.

It’s not for nothing, in fact, that he was able to put 19 in his first full season in the National League. He relies on his shot to be dangerous offensively, and that’s a really interesting feature he brings with him to Montreal.

But how good is his shot?

Pierre Dorion (BPM Sports), who saw him play in the NHL when he was GM in Ottawa, says the Québécois’ shot is in the top 10% of the entire National League.

And that, we agree, is quite attractive, thank you.

I’m curious to see how Martin St-Louis will use him, but I especially have the impression that Bolduc will be able to make his mark on the powerplay.

He’s excellent when used as a bumper, because even then, the speed at which he can get his shots off is impressive.

And if Bolduc is able to help the Canadiens with the man advantage… everyone in Montreal will be happy, because we know that you have to score goals to win games.

It’s hard to believe I’m alone on my island, but I can’t wait to see what this kid’s got.

The Canadiens seem to have picked up a guy who can quickly contribute to the club’s success on the ice.

Kent Hughes had to part with one of his best prospects in Logan Mailloux to get Bolduc out of St. Louis, but if the kid starts scoring goals quickly in Montreal… Mailloux will be forgotten pretty quickly too, even if he’s having success with the Blues.

It could really help both clubs at different levels, in the end.

Overtime

– Good point.

– He’s good.

– Well done.

– Coming up.

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Juraj Slafkovsky is the face of a new advertisement in Slovakia

Juraj Slafkovsky’s popularity continues to grow.

He’s a crowd favorite in Montreal because of his charisma (and also his talent), and he’s also one of his country’s biggest stars.

After all, in Slovakia, athletes have always been really popular.

So it’s no surprise to see Slaf as the new face of a lottery advert for the TIPOS company.

In the ad, we see the Canadiens player skating with his Slovakia jersey on his back… and at the end of the ad, we see him presenting a scratch-off lottery ticket with a smile on his face.

I don’t think he needs that kind of money, though… hehe.

Obviously, Slaf’s popularity attracts the attention of companies willing to appear with an ad.

He had his ad with McDonald’s in 2024, he was at the center of a Sherwood ad that same year, he became the face of a brand of bottled mineral water from Slovakia…

His name is attractive to big brands because we know how much people love him.

The young man has always had a rather special character (in a good way) and obviously, companies want to take advantage of his prestige to gain popularity too.

It’s not crazy. Because that’s how business works!

It’s further proof that he’s very popular despite his young age… and if he continues to enjoy success in Montreal and the National League, we’re likely to see him in a number of other commercials in the coming years too.

It’s a no-brainer, really.

And, clearly, TIPOS has just made another big splash by teaming up with Juraj Slafkovksy, who was the first overall pick in the 2022 draft and scored 50 and 51 points in his last two seasons with the Canadiens.

Overtime

– How many does he score in 25-26?

– Big deal for Ducks goalie.

– Good for him.

– Really?

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Top goaltenders 25 and under: NHL ranks Jacob Fowler #5

Jacob Fowler’s two years in the NCAA have shown us that the goalkeeper has talent.

A lot of talent.

He was dominant at Boston College and put his name on the map. Before he was drafted by the Canadiens in the 3rd round (69th overall in 2023), Fowler was a bit of a silent figure… because he played in the USHL. But things are different now.

Things are different to the point where the NHL (already) ranks him among the top goalkeepers aged 25 and under.

Reminder: Fowler is 20 years old… and he’s only played a handful of games at professional level. He played in three regular-season games at the end of last season with the Rocket, and also took part in eight playoff games.

11 games of experience isn’t a lot.

But still, it’s enough to put him ahead of guys like Devon Levi and Jet Greaves, who have already played in the National League.

When we talk about Jacob Fowler, we see him as a goalie with the potential to help the Canadiens for a very long time.

He’ll need to spend (at least) another year in the AHL to fine-tune his development – as is the case with virtually all goalies – but if that goes well… the chances of him becoming Montreal’s #1 goalie before long are good.

Again, it all depends on how he progresses. But we know he’s very talented and has what it takes to succeed.

It’s also ironic to see Fowler ranked 5th on this list, considering that Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson are also ranked 5th.

Caufield is one of the best forwards aged 25 and under… and Lane Hutson is one of the best defensemen aged 25 and under.

The Habs obviously have some good talent on hand.

And that’s without mentioning Ivan Demidov, Juraj Slafkovsky, Zachary Bolduc and Kaiden Guhle… three guys who could earn their place in rankings like these one day.

Overtime

– Happy Birthday!

– Can’t wait.

– Some things will never change.

– For WNBA fans:

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Blue Jackets: a first-round pick publicly requests a trade

It’s hard to manage a team in Columbus.

Why is that? Because if everything isn’t perfect, chances are good that free agents aren’t knocking on doors very often to come and play in the Ohio city.

And the guys who are already there don’t always want to stay.

This morning, we had further proof of this: a former first-round pick (2020) of the club mandated his agent to go public and ask the Blue Jackets for a deal.

We’re talking about Yegor Chinakhov, a Russian player who isn’t closing the door on a return to Russia.

The reason Chinakhov is asking for a trade is because he doesn’t get along with Dean Evason. So he wants to be traded and go play in another city.

The Blue Jackets know their player wants to leave, but they’re not going to give him away. And that’s even if his market value has surely taken a hit, knowing that the matter is now public.

Will Don Waddell’s Blue Jackets be able to find common ground with another organization? Will the Russian have to show up for camp in Columbus in the next few weeks?

History doesn’t tell.

Note that he didn’t ask for this when Pascal Vincent was running the club. He did this summer, when the Blue Jackets came close to making the playoffs.

In 30 games this season, the winger collected 15 points, including seven goals. He’ll be a restricted free agent in a year’s time, and will have a $2.1 million impact on the Blue Jackets‘ payroll.

overtime

– Well done.

– Dominique Ducharme believes in Joe Veleno.

– The Oilers had an ugly off-season.

– If the TV show is good… it can do it.

– Another one.