Author: Dose

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The Canadiens drafted the two best available players in 2022, according to Mathias Brunet.

The 2022 draft was very exciting for Canadiens fans. The draft took place in Montreal, providing Kent Hughes the opportunity to make his first selections with the Canadiens, and the team had the very first overall pick.

It’s also worth noting that Kent Hughes made a big trade during the draft session to acquire Kirby Dach. However, we will focus on the players selected.

Mathias Brunet conducted a small exercise during his Wednesday segment on Retour des sportifs on BPM Sports by re-ranking the Canadiens’ players during their respective drafts.

According to him, the Canadiens did an incredible job in 2022 by acquiring the two best players from this class: Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky.

Even though he was selected first overall, Slafkovsky is not the best player from this draft class, according to Brunet. Hutson ranks first, while the Slovakian is placed second.

Given the performances of the young defenseman this season, it’s easy to understand why Brunet came to this conclusion.

Drafted in the second round (62nd overall), Hutson played two seasons at Boston University before joining the Canadiens. He currently has 37 points in just 45 NHL games, making him the player with the highest points-per-game average in this draft class (minimum of 10 games played).

Hutson is also capable of playing big minutes, even at a very young age. He already has an average ice time of 22:42 per game in his rookie season!

For Slafkovsky, the result of Mathias Brunet’s ranking is also encouraging. Being surpassed by his teammate, who was not a direct competitor for the first pick and turned out to be a surprise, is not the end of the world.

Brunet is aware that Logan Cooley has a better current point production than Slafkovsky, but he believes that when both players reach their full potential, Slafkovsky’s size and playing style will make him a better player than Cooley.

Hutson is not the only Canadiens player who has been “re-ranked” favorably by Brunet. According to the BPM Sports analyst, Kaiden Guhle is the 10th best player from the 2020 draft, having been selected 16th overall.

Cole Caufield, drafted 15th overall in 2019, is now ranked sixth in his draft class, while Nick Suzuki, selected 13th in 2017, sits in 8th position in his draft ranking.

Kent Hughes made excellent decisions in 2022, and the future of Jacob Fowler, also selected in 2022, could further enhance the quality of this draft for the Canadiens.

In Brief

– Fleury is an angel.

– Speaking of Lane Hutson.

– The Sabres are currently playing good hockey.

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Michel Therrien believes that the Canadiens will make the playoffs this season.

The Canadiens are no longer the same team since mid-December. The mediocre squad from the start of the season is now fighting for a playoff spot.

The offensive players are scoring more, the defense is stable, and the goaltenders are instilling confidence in all players with strong performances.

All of this has convinced former Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien that the Habs will make the playoffs this season. This is what he explained in an article published Wednesday night on the TVA Sports website.

According to Therrien, the recipe for winning is to have a good atmosphere and a strong team spirit. The players seem happy right now, and rightly so! Montreal has won 10 of its last 13 games.

It’s the only NHL team playing above .800 for the past 30 days.

Playing for development is good, but winning games is one of the factors that will help young players grow in the NHL. Playing to avoid last place isn’t as appealing as playing for a playoff spot.

Montreal is well-positioned to make the playoffs. Before Wednesday night’s games, the Canadiens were in fourth place among Eastern Conference wildcard teams.

(Credit: NHL.com)

The Habs are just two points behind the Blue Jackets and a playoff spot, and they have a game in hand over Columbus.

Boston is also in first place among wildcard teams, just three points ahead of Montreal. The problem for the Bruins is that the Canadiens have three games in hand on them. Given how the Habs are playing right now, getting three points in three games seems an easy task.

Returning to Michel Therrien, he enjoys seeing players have faith in their goaltending duo. He believes Jakub Dobes is doing remarkable work and that Cayden Primeau probably wouldn’t have been able to win in the games where the Czech started.

Therrien has even gone so far as to say that the Canadiens currently have the best goalie duo among teams in the playoff race.

Lane Hutson has received a lot of praise in recent days, having collected three points in two of his last four games. Therrien is convinced this is not a flash in the pan and he sees the young Canadiens defenseman capturing the Calder Trophy at the end of the season.

With 35 points, Hutson is currently the top scorer among NHL rookies. He is four points ahead of Macklin Celebrini. We must also remember that he is the sixth-leading scorer among defensemen in the entire NHL.

This is exactly the kind of player that has allowed the Canadiens to get back into the playoff race.

In Brief

– Michel Bergeron would like to see the Canadiens add more firepower on offense.

– Even coaches need to see the doctor.

– Hutson could replicate a Bedard feat.

– A nice victory for Arsenal.

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Career match point ratio: Hutson is at the same level as Fox, Makar, Hughes, and Karlsson.

The Canadiens’ fans went to bed late last night.

The game held in Salt Lake City began at 9:10 PM (Quebec time) and ended around 11:45 PM.

But even though we had to go to bed late… It was worth it because Lane Hutson put on quite a show against André Tourigny’s team.

The small defenseman racked up three assists in the Canadiens’ beautiful victory and he extended his lead at the top of the rookie scoring leaderboard, ahead of Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov.

Hutson has 35 points so far, while the other two each have 31.

With yesterday’s game, Hutson is now averaging 0.82 points per game since the beginning of his career.

That’s excellent for a defenseman… Especially for a 20-year-old.

However, it is also worth noting that there are only four other defensemen (drafted after 2000 and who have played at least 40 games) who have a ratio of at least 0.8 points per game in the NHL since the start of their respective careers.

We are talking about Cale Makar (1.07), Quinn Hughes (0.94), Adam Fox (0.85), and Erik Karlsson (0.81).

What a line-up:

It’s funny, but the four defensemen mentioned above all have something in common.

They have all won (at least) once the Norris Trophy since they have been in the National Hockey League, and we are also talking about the last four recipients of the trophy.

That’s crazy:

(Credit: Google)

Seeing Lane Hutson as part of that group is definitely a good sign for the future… And it’s no accident that people are starting to say he will lift the Norris Trophy one day.

Hutson is the talk of the town right now:

The sample size is small and everyone will agree at this level.

Hutson has played only 45 games in his NHL career… But at the same time, it is hard to believe that he won’t be able to improve because the talent is there.

That’s what is (really, really) exciting for the Canadiens and their fans.

In brief

– Speaking of Lane Hutson.

– Learn more about Connor McDavid:

– Snipe.

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The Canadiens are the only NHL team with a winning percentage above .800 for the past 30 days.

Can we say that the Canadiens are the team of the moment in the National Hockey League as we write these lines?

The answer to that question is yes.

We could even respond to the question by saying: “Absolutely”!

In the past 30 days, the Canadiens are the club that has won the most games in the NHL (tied with the Dallas Stars).

The difference, however, is that the Stars (14) have played one more game than the Canadiens (13).

But where it really hits is when we see that the Canadiens are the only NHL club playing over .800 for the past 30 days.

No one could have predicted this a month ago:

(Credit: StatMuse)

There are several factors that can explain this phenomenon.

For me, these are the ones that catch my attention the most:

  • The emergence of Lane Hutson
  • The return of Patrik Laine (even though he missed some games)
  • The arrival of Alexandre Carrier
  • The performance of Monty AND Dobes
  • The awakening of Kirby Dach
  • The brilliance of the 4th line (before Emil Heineman’s injury)

But what is working is that the Canadiens are playing the right way.

The guys stay focused even after allowing a goal (which was not the case before), the special teams are doing the necessary work for success… And Martin St-Louis has started coaching for real.

We sometimes see the Canadiens’ coach shortening his bench (like yesterday with Pezzetta) to use his best players and we also see that he makes decisions to win. Expectations are changing, after all…

All of this means that the CH is currently fighting for a playoff spot, which was not expected at the beginning of the season.

At least, seeing the club perform in the early weeks of the campaign… It was logical to believe that we had to forget the playoffs.

Tomorrow’s game will be interesting, then: the Dallas Stars will be on the menu and as I mentioned at the beginning of my text, the Stars and the CH are the only two teams in the league to have won 10 games in the past 30 days.

It promises!

In brief

– Nevertheless, the CH should not give them any gifts tomorrow.

– He deserves it.

– Hmm. I would go with Thomas Vanek. You?

– Well, another thing. It always seems complicated, LIV…

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Emil Heineman was seen with a cast on his right wrist.

Emil Heineman injured himself after being hit by a car in Salt Lake City on Monday.

The forward was unable to play in yesterday’s game, and the Canadian team announced a recovery period of 3 to 4 weeks in his case.

However, he was seen in Brossard today with a cast on his right wrist.

The information was reported by Renaud Lavoie on the JiC show airing on TVA Sports.

Heineman is back in Montreal and he was in Brossard today to attend David Reinbacher’s (solo) training session.

More details to come…

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Riley Kidney: In Laval, they are considering the idea of sending him to Trois-Rivières.

If we haven’t been talking much about Riley Kidney lately, it’s for a reason.

The forward has been sidelined for the last six games of the Laval Rocket because his coach doesn’t trust him.

The last game the forward played was over three weeks ago (December 22), leading to the belief that he is no longer part of Pascal Vincent’s short-term plans.

Vincent Demuy (BPM Sports) chatted with the Rocket’s coach about Riley Kidney and it becomes clear that the options concerning the center player are not unlimited.

His season is going so poorly that the management in Laval discussed the idea of sending him to Trois-Rivières… And Vincent added that the possibility is on the table.

This says a lot:

Kidney, standing at 5 feet 11 inches (190 pounds), is recognized as a reliable forward in all three zones of the rink.

He also recorded 100 points or more in his last two seasons in the QMJHL and it’s no coincidence that the Canadiens chose to select him in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft.

However, as is often seen, young productive players in junior do not always find immediate success when transitioning to the pros.

Riley Kidney had a respectable first year in Laval (20 points, including seven goals in 65 games)… But it has been more than difficult since the start of the 24-25 campaign.

He has only gathered seven points (one goal) in 24 games…

In Trois-Rivières, the forward might have what he lacks in Laval: quality playing time.

It’s by playing regularly and being placed in a quality role that he will be able to regain his confidence. He can’t showcase himself with the Rocket… Because he simply isn’t playing.

But would a stint in Trois-Rivières mean that Kidney will never have the chance to play in the NHL one day? Not necessarily.

We’ve seen players who played in the ECHL and made a return to the top like Mason Marchment, Michael Bunting, Ben Chiarot, Brett Kulak, Vincent Desharnais… You get the idea.

That said, Kidney better get back on track… Otherwise, he will never play a single game in the NHL.

Quick hits

– When Tage Thompson is healthy, we’re talking about one of the best forwards in the NHL.

– I believe it.

– Sick!

– Oh really?

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Mikko Rantanen: Eric Engels believes that the CH would do everything to sign him this summer.

The longer it goes, the more doubts there are about Mikko Rantanen’s future in Colorado.

And the reason is simple: the Avalanche may not have the necessary resources to pay him what he’s worth, as the forward is currently in the last year of his contract.

If he hasn’t signed a new contract by July 1, Rantanen will be a free agent.

The possibility of seeing the Avalanche trade him before the deadline has therefore been mentioned (by Renaud Lavoie).

But even if Rantanen is traded by March 7… That doesn’t mean he will agree on the terms of a new contract with his new team.

There is a world where he decides to test the free agent market to see how much money he can get… And if that happens, Eric Engels feels that the Canadiens will do everything they can to bring him to the city.

This is just my opinion, but I think they (Canadiens) would back a Brinks truck up to Mikko Rantanen’s door if he managed to hit the market. – Eric Engels

For those wondering: Brinks is known for its armored trucks that transport cash and valuables.

Eric Engels’ reference is spot on.

There is some salary that will be freed up at the Canadiens this summer.

Christian Dvorak ($4.45M), Joel Armia ($3.4M), and Michael Pezzetta ($812,500) are not expected to return to Montreal, and we might also consider adding David Savard’s name ($3.5M) to that list.

That’s already more than $10M that would be removed from the Canadiens’ salary cap. But at the same time, they also need to offer new contracts to Evans, Heineman, and Dobes… And we must not forget that Slaf’s next contract ($7.6M per season) will kick in this summer.

There is also Lane Hutson, who will sign a big contract soon… But his big salary would only come for the 26-27 season.

That said, we know the salary cap will rise. But does the Canadiens really have the space (short and long term) to offer a monster contract to Rantanen?

The question arises because there are rumors suggesting Rantanen could earn up to $14M per season on his next contract:

Note that Patrik Laine and Mikko Rantanen are both from Finland and share the same agent.

Could Laine convince his buddy to take a little less money to sign with a team that has what it takes to be competitive for a long time?

Maybe… But in my eyes, it would be the only possible option to see Rantanen wear the Canadiens uniform next October.

Unless Kent Hughes decides to trade one of his big contracts to make room for the Avalanche star forward? That’s possible, too…

In Brief

– The market is heating up regarding John Klingberg.

– Wow.

– Good point.

– Bravo!

– Indeed.

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Logan Mailloux plays less in the A.N. (Laval) and it’s partly because of Lane Hutson.

Times have been tougher lately for Logan Mailloux in Laval.

The defender – who will participate in the American League All-Star Game – has only collected four points (one goal) in his last 22 games.

He is in a slump.

Perhaps this coincides with the fact that he is playing less on the power play as well.

Pascal Vincent decided to give him less ice time when the team has the advantage of one man, and last week, I mentioned in an article that it was normal to have questions seeing Mailloux’s role changing.

But the head coach of the Rocket explained yesterday on the airwaves of BPM Sports that there is a reason behind Mailloux playing less on the power play.

And without saying that it is entirely Lane Hutson’s fault… Let’s just say that the small defender of the CH is playing his role (unintentionally) in Pascal Vincent’s decisions:

If I had a short-term vision, he (Mailloux) would be on the first powerplay. We would focus on that and develop his skills on the power play. – Pascal Vincent

The Rocket’s coach then explains that long-term, he does not necessarily see Mailloux playing on the first power play in Montreal because Lane Hutson occupies that position.

And unless there is a surprise, Hutson won’t be moved anytime soon.

Pascal Vincent wants to find a solution so that his defender is able to help the CH in another way when he is ready to make the jump to the NHL.

In Laval, they also want him to improve without the puck:

Pascal Vincent’s comments are interesting.

He hasn’t hidden his game and wanted to set the record straight because there were still doubts starting to settle in some people’s minds.

Now, it’s clearer.

That said, Logan Mailloux has the talent to be a good offensive defenseman in the NHL. We saw it this season, as he collected three points in five games during his (brief) stint with the Montreal Canadiens.

But to become a good NHL player, you cannot just excel in one area.

Just as we saw his offensive qualities in Montreal this season, we also observed that he had a lot of work to do in his zone or when he is not in the offensive territory, and that is what the coaching staff in Laval is currently working on.

It makes sense. And we agree that the Canadiens’ management has a say in these decisions, especially seeing Hutson perform so well since the beginning of the season…

In Brief

– A newcomer in Trois-Rivières.

– He is back.

– Today’s waiver activities:

– Tony Marinaro is a national treasure.

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Injury of Emil Heineman: “It’s quite easy to see that it’s an arm”

Emil Heineman was hit by a car on Monday. We learned this yesterday and it changes the dynamics in the city a bit.

We know that the Canadiens will have to call someone up (Jared Davidson is a strong possibility at the moment) to bring a 13th forward into town – and to send Michael Pezzetta to the stands.

We also know that the fourth line of the CH has been broken up.

But the most important thing is that the young man is okay. On this subject, he posted a message on social media to thank those who support him.

Here’s what it says.

Thank you all for the love and support recently. I will come back stronger. #GoHabsGo

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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Jake Evans : «I do not believe that the Canadian is comfortable going for six years»

Let’s talk about the trade market.

The Jake Evans file is probably the most important for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton. After all, he is the best player of the CH this season among the unrestricted free agents of the club for the summer of 2025.

And I say this with all due respect to David Savard, who is also important. Yesterday, he stepped up after the second goal from the Utah representatives, and that energized his teammates on the bench.

We know that the Canadiens want to extend their center’s contract – discussions have already begun in this regard – before the trade deadline… but the club does not want to do it at all costs.

Once again, in his daily article on The Athletic’s site, Pierre LeBrun talked about the situation. And he repeated that the Canadiens do not want Evans to have a contract that is too hefty or a “home run” type for the coming years.

What the informant mentions is that the number of years on the contract will surely complicate negotiations. The 28-year-old player will want to capitalize on his window of opportunity, but…

But the CH might not want to sign the player for the long term, according to Pierre LeBrun.

I do not believe the Canadiens are comfortable going to five or six years. – Pierre LeBrun

The journalist believes that if the CH has not signed Evans by March 7, he will be shopped by necessity. After all, there are teams that will want him at $1.7 million.

And since the market is expected to get active quickly this season, as written by Marco D’Amico, the CH GM’s phone will ring sooner rather than later.

If the CH and Evans need to “both be a little uncomfortable” to reach an agreement, it will thus be necessary to determine what the risk management will be for both sides.

And if both are comfortable taking a bit of risk, there should/could be an announcement in a few weeks.

in brief

– Note.

– What will he do?

– Surely.