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SKA: with Evgeny Kuznetsov injured long-term, Ivan Demidov’s situation changes.

Since the beginning of the campaign, we have been closely monitoring what is happening with Ivan Demidov in Russia. The CH prospect is playing big hockey… but he isn’t getting a ton of ice time either.

All of this is mainly due to contract issues rather than his performance, but oh well.

That said, there is someone who is really helping the kid this season: Evgeny Kuznetsov. The former Capitals forward, who is a star in Russia, loves having Demidov on his line, which somewhat helps the young player’s situation.

However, yesterday, Kuznetsov was the victim of a rather borderline hit… and he was seriously injured.

According to Roman Rotenberg, we are talking about a “long absence.” TIFF, a Russian media outlet, mentions a possible absence of two months, but nothing has been confirmed in this regard for the moment.

All of this means that for a good while, SKA will be without Kuznetsov… and as a result, Demidov’s situation will change.

Theoretically, the logical reasoning would be to think that Demidov will get more ice time since the team needs to replace Kuznetsov’s offensive production. Thus, giving more playing time to one of the team’s top scorers is a concept that, on paper, makes sense.

But do I need to remind you that with SKA, logical reasoning is rarely the preferred approach?

Let’s remember that earlier this season, when Kuznetsov missed a few games, Demidov saw his ice time plummet. He had been demoted to the role of 13th forward (let’s recall that in the KHL, teams can dress a 13th forward), and he was only playing a (small) handful of minutes per game.

The question then will be whether the team will change its ways this time. Demidov is playing big hockey these days, but if Kuznetsov is no longer there, one might wonder if Rotenberg will take the opportunity to further reduce the kid’s ice time.

To be continued, therefore.

In Brief

– The only CH hope at the current WJC scores Sweden’s first goal.

It was Dalibor Dvorsky who scored the tournament’s first goal.

– Todd McLellan replaces Derek Lalonde behind the Red Wings’ bench.

– Charlie Lindgren is going to be a dad.

Phew.

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Dans les coulisses

4 Nations: Adin Hill makes it difficult for Samuel Montembeault

On December 4th, Samuel Montembeault was officially selected to join the Canadian team at the Confrontation of the 4 Nations. It was a great acknowledgment for the goaltender who, since his arrival in Montreal, has been doing an excellent job.

And with the Canadian team no longer in its prime years for finding goaltenders, Montembeault was a solid gamble to take.

We know that the goaltender received the call to announce the good news on December 1st. This means that since the beginning of the month, he is no longer playing to make the team, he is playing to prove that he deserves to be the starting goaltender.

Obviously, we know that his workload has been something for a little while, as he has had the last 10 starts for the Canadiens. That said, he has still done solid work.

An average of 2.64 goals allowed and an efficiency rate of 0.906 for a guy who “has weak legs”, is far from bad.

(Credit: Screenshot/ESPN)

These are statistics that, at first glance, make him a good candidate for the #1 role. Maintaining such numbers in a context where the guy is burned out is impressive.

However, if Jordan Binnington does not seem to be a major threat, it’s a different story for Adin Hill. In fact, the Golden Knights’ goaltender has been on fire since the beginning of the month, with an average of 2.00 goals allowed and an efficiency rate of 0.931.

And unlike Montembeault, he was not the last of the three to be selected. He thus started with a small advantage.

(Credit: Screenshot/ESPN)

There is still a little over a month before the tournament begins, which means things have time to change. However, it has already been nearly a month since the guys received the call, and since that moment, Hill seems to have stepped up his game.

Montembeault is solid (especially in the context where he never has time to rest), but Hill is a notch above.

In a context where the CH is ready to give a lot of games to Montembeault (although his workload will eventually need to be reduced), this means he will still have several starts to prove his worth before the tournament. However, if the tournament were to start today, one could think that it is the goaltender of the Golden Knights who would inherit the starting role.

Let’s see if Montembeault can turn the tide before the tournament begins.

In Brief

– CMJ: a Habs prospect on the top defensive pairing for Sweden.

– Two names to watch.

– A nice read.

– A sad anniversary.

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Dans les coulisses

The Canadiens can recall Jakub Dobes as of today

The Canadiens’ schedule looks tough in the coming weeks.

After enjoying an easier December before the holidays, we see that the next five weeks will not exactly be marked by a favorable schedule for the CH.

We’ll see if the club will really be #InTheMix at that time.

(Credit: TVA Sports)

What we observe is that there will still be several sequences of two games in two nights. Starting Saturday and Sunday, the CH will begin its Florida tour.

And by the end of the trip, there will be a Chicago-Denver game (on January 3 and 4) that won’t be exactly easy either. There will thus be two back-to-backs in about ten days.

What I’m trying to say is that Samuel Montembeault, who had heavy legs before Christmas, can’t play every game night. He will burn out due to the demands of the modern NHL schedule, including traveling and an increasingly offensive style of play.

And don’t forget that he’s going to the Four Nations Clash. He won’t have a break in February.

When we look at all this, the Canadiens can’t rely on just one goaltender. We know that the CH did it before Christmas, but that can’t continue like this. It can’t be the norm.

The CH has four options to put in goal.

  • Samuel Montembeault
  • Cayden Primeau
  • A Laval goaltender (likely Jakub Dobes, but it could be Connor Hughes)
  • A goaltender who is not currently in Laval (acquired through trade or signing, for example)

As Montembeault can’t play every game, the club clearly has less confidence in Primeau and, according to the latest news, the CH hasn’t acquired a goaltender, Dobes is becoming an increasingly serious option.

And as Renaud Lavoie reminded us this morning during his segment on BPM Sports’ morning show, even though there is currently a trade freeze during the holiday season, the CH can still call Jakub Dobes if they want. After all, they have only 22 guys out of 23 in their lineup.

Let’s recall that a few months ago, colleague Maxime Truman highlighted the fact that the CH really likes the work of European goaltenders. And since then, Dobes’ name has been on everyone’s lips.

Recently, we know that he was approaching a call-up, but injuries have slowed down the CH’s plans.

Whether to recall the goaltender from Laval Rocket or not will be the decision of Martin St-Louis and Éric Raymond, the goaltending coach. But if they haven’t trusted Primeau to play against Detroit, why would it be different against the Panthers or the Lightning?

If Monty doesn’t play the next two games, I think there’s a chance Dobes will experience his baptism of fire in the Bettman circuit in the short term. But that’s not a guarantee either.

In Brief

– I love it.

– Interesting.

– LeBron James wants December 25 to be NBA Day.

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Dans les coulisses

“I don’t think that David Savard is going to cost an arm and a leg.”

When the Canadiens went to get Alexandre Carrier, a player who resembles David Savard in some ways, it was thought that the Habs had found the guy who could one day replace the veteran on the Canadiens’ blue line.

And unless Savard signs a new contract in town, that day will arrive at the earliest in spring 2025.

The question we must ask is whether the Canadiens will be able to trade the veteran to another team in the Bettman circuit by the trade deadline.

And here, opinions clash.

On one side, there are those who want to keep him at all costs. But there are also those who want to trade him at all costs and those who are open to trading him, depending on the price asked.

But what is an offer too good to refuse? Is it a first-round pick? Is it more than that? Less than that? Everyone has their own answer to this question.

Regarding Savard, some journalists from The Athletic (Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun) included him in a piece aimed at predicting where players would end up by the deadline.

LeBrun named the Oilers and Johnston named… the Maple Leafs for Savard. So we will keep an eye on them, given that these guys are well-connected.

But beyond the teams themselves, there is a passage in LeBrun’s text that caught my attention as it says a lot about the Canadiens’ mentality regarding the Savard situation.

I don’t think David Savard will cost an arm and a leg. It would be appealing for Oilers who don’t have a first-round pick this season. – Pierre LeBrun

The same Pierre LeBrun has already said that Savard is likely in his last year in Montreal. Thus, we can think that, in light of this information, the club is currently in the “trade Savard at all costs” category.

If the club doesn’t shoot itself in the foot with salary cap issues and doesn’t get into too much trouble on the ice by trading a player who is destined to leave, then yes, it makes sense to think that Savard will be gone by the deadline.

In brief

– Good question.

– Hmm…

– A must-read.

– Interesting.

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Dans les coulisses

Donald Trump wants Wayne Gretzky as Prime Minister of Canada.

Wayne Gretzky and Donald Trump clearly have a good relationship.

When Trump was re-elected as president of the United States earlier this year, the former NHL star was by his side. Images of the two circulated at that time.

And it caused quite a stir.

Donald Trump, who is building a team around him in anticipation of his return to power, clearly wants to collaborate with Gretzky, who is Canadian, for future endeavors.

In fact, as the main interested party said on social media (via the Truth platform), he was with Gretzky yesterday (Christmas Day, that is) and proposed he run for the next Prime Minister of Canada.

He noted that one day, it will (according to him) be the title of Governor of Canada, as he wants Canada to become a U.S. state.

According to Trump, Gretzky could “easily win” and wouldn’t even have to campaign. Trump added that #99 doesn’t want to do it, but he encourages Canadians to start a movement to convince him otherwise.

We understand why he would want his friend Gretzky to be the Prime Minister of Canada. He would have a greater influence over his northern neighbors, which is pretty easy to understand.

And in these more than uncertain times for Justin Trudeau, the current Prime Minister of the country, things are going to stir here in 2025.

Can we interpret Trump’s message as a potential disavowal of Pierre Poilievre, who has a good chance of becoming Prime Minister in the future? Or is it simply a message in favor of Gretzky, nothing more?

Your answer is worth mine.

In Brief

– Notice to interested parties.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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The good moves by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton in 2024

In 2024, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton made some good moves as GM and VP of the Canadiens.

At the end of this year, I felt like compiling my personal top-5 of their best moves from the past 12 months. Inevitably, this will lead to debate about my choices – and I love that.

Here’s what I’ve noted. And no, saying the team will be #InTheMix didn’t quite make my top-5…

5. Bringing Lane Hutson to the NHL

This may seem obvious since the young man was ready to make the jump, but the way the Canadiens handled Lane Hutson’s situation (bringing him in after two years in the NCAA) deserves recognition. After all, the rookie is performing well in the NHL.

And luckily, the American is here, to be honest.

4. Hiring Pascal Vincent to coach the Rocket

Kent Hughes did the right thing (even if it took time) by bringing Jean-François Houle back as head coach of the Rocket in the spring. But when he left even before his contract extension kicked in, a solution needed to be found.

And it was Pascal Vincent.

The Rocket’s start to the season has been excellent, and even though it has been a bit tougher since, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Vincent has a lot of experience in the AHL and NHL.

Bringing him into the organization was an excellent move.

3. Extending the contracts of Kaiden Guhle and Juraj Slafkovsky

During the summer, the two young players saw that the Canadiens weren’t waiting until they approached restricted free agency. Guhle (six years, $5.55M per year) and Slafkovsky (eight years, $7.6M per year) both agreed to let the Canadiens buy out years of unrestricted free agency.

And even though it’s not perfect in 2024-2025, it remains a good move, nonetheless. It was this summer and still is.

2. Acquiring Patrik Laine

When the Canadiens acquired Patrik Laine, it gave hope to the fans. And when he returned to play in early December, it electrified a Bell Centre that desperately needed it.

It was a great move.

1. Drafting Ivan Demidov (and Michael Hage)

In my eyes, Ivan Demidov is the most important piece of the Canadiens’ rebuild. Obtaining his services at #5 in the 2024 draft is nothing short of fabulous.

And when he gets playing time in Russia, he shows us how good of a choice it was.

But we must not forget that trading Sean Monahan eventually led to the arrival of Michael Hage, a first-round prospect that Canadiens management holds in high regard.

One day, he will make a difference – if all goes well.

Honorable Mentions

Want honorable mentions? Here they are.

– Bringing Alex Barré-Boulet into the organization.

– Trading Jake Allen to give the undisputed #1 position to Samuel Montembeault. Even if Cayden Primeau struggled this autumn, the Quebecer has clearly accepted the confidence placed in him.

– Trusting Emil Heineman in the NHL.

– Offering a contract extension to Martin St-Louis by activating the option in his contract. Because even if things don’t always go well, allowing him to coach towards the end of his contract would have been a very bad decision.

– Signing Connor Hughes to keep the net in Laval.

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Canadian: Three players from the organization who are expected to emerge in 2025.

The Canadiens have several talented young players within the organization.

There are talented guys coming up, and we should see them in Montreal soon.

Among them? Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, Michael Hage, Ivan Demidov, Owen Beck… But the CH also has young players who are already there, and among all this great group, there are players who are expected to break out in 2025.

Here is a list of three guys I would like to see have a big year:

Logan Mailloux

Logan Mailloux has talent oozing from him. He has some really interesting qualities for a player of his size, and he is destined for a great career in the NHL if he can develop in the right way.

Things started off really well for him this year in the American League, and we even saw him get a chance in Montreal. He did well, by the way: the right-handed player scored three points (one goal) in five games, and beyond offensive production, he was solid.

Sure, it wasn’t always perfect when he was in his zone… but that’s something to work on. That said, Mailloux needs to have a strong finish to the season in the American League to come into the next camp with confidence.

If he arrives at camp with confidence, good things will happen.

He has the skills, the physique, and the confidence to become a good player. We all agree that he needs to correct some aspects of his game (especially on the defensive side), but still: when a talented defenseman at 6’3″ and 213 pounds is able to play well, he often can excel in the NHL.

But Mailloux needs to reach the next level for that to happen.

(Credit: Getty Images)

Joshua Roy

It’s funny… but it seems to me that the cases of Joshua Roy and Logan Mailloux are similar. We’re talking about two excellent players… But we’re also talking about two excellent players who need to find a way to be more consistent in their performances.

Joshua Roy shone at the U18 Championships alongside Connor Bedard, and it’s not a coincidence. And if Bedard said that Roy was one of the best players he played with, that’s not a coincidence either.

But we know the deal with Joshua: he doesn’t always seem focused, and his motivation is sometimes lacking. Because for the rest… There’s not much to criticize in his game.

We saw him briefly in Montreal this season, but the result wasn’t very fruitful. Roy – compared to last season – didn’t necessarily seem to be in his place in the NHL, and it appeared to be moving fast at times.

Like Mailloux (again), Roy has the talent to succeed.

And it’s by working on his work ethic that he will be able to succeed.

Juraj Slafkovsky

Ah, Slaf… Juraj Slafkovsky was drafted first overall in 2022, and we saw exactly why in the second half of last season.

He had a stellar finish to the season alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield and even reached the 50-point plateau. For a 19-year-old player, that’s impressive.

It’s excellent, even… But Slaf has struggled to get going since the start of the season.

He can have good moments… but he can also be invisible for stretches of a few games thereafter. I saved him for last in my text, and there’s a reason: if there’s one player I would particularly like to see break out, it’s him.

He has the hands, the size, the vision… Slaf needs to shoot more often because he isn’t using his shot enough.

He needs to use his skills to drive to the net because he is capable of doing it.

With a body like his, he should be even more intimidating to other teams in the NHL.

For the CH to be competitive in a few years, the prospects must progress and help the team on the ice.

I’m not counting Slaf among the prospects because he already has experience, but you get what I mean.

Roy, Mailloux, and Slaf are three of the valuable jewels of the organization, and the Canadiens will need these guys in the coming years.

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Ranking: the Rangers and the Islanders at the bottom of their division

Some surprises have emerged this season in the NHL.

This happens every year, but this season has greatly surprised us, especially when looking at the current NHL standings as we reach the Christmas break.

Seeing the Washington Capitals with the third-best points percentage in the league (0.706), no one saw that coming.

Also, who would have thought the New York Islanders and Rangers would be face-to-face at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division?

I’m the last person who would have predicted this, especially for the Rangers.

To see so many star players placed on the market and to see captain Jacob Trouba traded is quite intriguing.

Clearly, something is not right with the Rangers, and Chris Drury could be the reason, or at least part of the reason.

As for Patrick Roy’s team, I didn’t have very high expectations for them, but I didn’t expect them to be last in the Metropolitan.

What’s even more shocking is to see the Montreal Canadiens are only two little points behind these two New York clubs, who should be more competitive.

In fact, the Islanders have fewer wins (13) than the Canadiens (14) and have played one more game than Martin St-Louis’s team.

The Habs, who were supposed to be in the famous mix this season, don’t have a disastrous season, but most fans expected more.

I can’t imagine the anger and frustration that Rangers and Islanders fans must feel right now, as they logically should be in playoff contention.

Imagine if the Habs had a roster like the Rangers but were languishing in the Atlantic’s basement…

There would be chaos in Montreal, and fans would probably want all (or almost all) members and players of the organization to be fired/traded.

On the other hand, there definitely has to be some change somewhere for the two New York clubs.

Both managements will have a lot to think about during this Christmas break.

In Brief

– The Xhekaj family at Christmas.

– Travis Kelce reached the prestigious milestone of 1000 career receptions.

– In the absence of NHL hockey on December 25, there are always the classic NBA games on Christmas Day. Anthony Edwards made sure to put on a show.

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Dans les coulisses

3 goals in 3 matches: Ivan Demidov is unstoppable

Ivan Demidov appears to have been motivated by the recent presence of Kent Hughes in Russia.

He scored in his last two games on December 19 and 21.

The young prospect has not had consistent quality playing time this season, but he does occasionally play good minutes, as he did during the game on December 21.

He played nearly 16 minutes in that 3-2 overtime victory.

On this Christmas Day, Demidov and SKA Saint Petersburg faced the powerful CSKA Moscow.

And the Montreal Canadiens’ prospect picked up right where he left off and continues to impress the Canadiens’ management with his 3rd goal in as many games.

Additionally, Demidov also collected an assist in a very intense matchup.

As for being an intense game, it was quite something.

CSKA Moscow initially started the game like lions, scoring no less than… 5 unanswered goals in the first period.

During that first engagement, Roman Rotenberg changed goalies twice.

Afterward, SKA gradually got their engine running, but it was too little, too late, as Demidov’s team ultimately fell 6-5.

However, Demidov’s performance surely gave good reasons to play him more often.

1 goal and 1 assist, in addition to playing 15:34, is worth its weight in gold.

Rotenberg even used him for 55 seconds on the power play during the game, in addition to having him on the first unit.

Below is his Christmas goal that brought much hope to SKA, as the team was dangerously close to catching up with their opponents.

You can see the turnover that Demidov created by using his body to separate his opponent from the puck, then going on to finish Mikhail Grigorenko’s pass.

Demidov is not only talented, but he also knows how to use his body and is very smart, allowing him to create such opportunities.

We know Demidov is a magician with the puck, but seeing him involved in all aspects must be very appealing to the Canadiens’ management.

Rotenberg must also have been pleased with the young forward’s performance and may be inclined to use him more on the power play.

In Brief

– Father Lindholm.

– A bet that could pay off big for him.

– A must-read.

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Dans les coulisses

A beautiful year 2024 for the Montreal sports teams

Where to start?

The year 2024 was glorious for Montreal’s sports teams.

The CF Montreal, the Alouettes, and the Carabins all had great seasons: let’s take a detailed look at what happened with each of these clubs.

CF Montreal (11-10-13) 

It started well for CF Montreal.

The club hadn’t lost after three away matches to start the season, but it became more complicated afterward.

It was truly in the 10th match of the season that things started to spiral quickly. The crushing 4-1 defeat against Nashville hurt, and CF Montreal went on a terrible streak afterward:

  • Loss 4-1 vs Nashville
  • Loss 3-2 vs Miami
  • Loss 3-1 vs Columbus
  • Loss 5-1 vs Toronto

It was night and day compared to the start of the season. The club only won one match in May… 

Amid all this, there were rumors surrounding the possible departure of the club’s star, Mathieu Choinière.

Nothing to help, then.

Things got better at the beginning of June and the club went on a five-match unbeaten streak.

However, with losses of 4-1 against Colorado, 2-0 against NYC, 5-0 against New England, and 4-1 against Cincinnati during the final stretch of the season, there were growing concerns about the club’s playoff participation.

CF Montreal was never consistent, after all… And when Choinière officially left at the end of August, hopes faded.

But miraculously, CF Montreal had good results in September and October.

It qualified for the preliminary round match of the MLS Cup, played at Stade Saputo in front of a roaring crowd… But the club ultimately lost in penalties to Atlanta.

From CF Montreal’s 2024 season, we also remember…

  • The positive performance of Josef Martinez (11 goals)
  • The disappointing performance of Matías Cóccaro
  • The emergence of Joel Waterman
  • The presence of Laurent Courtois

For one of the rare times in its history, CF Montreal will start the next season with the same coach as the previous season.

That’s a good thing… And it remains to be seen if Joey Saputo will want to invest money in the group so the club can have a better season in 2025.

Note that the club will play its first match on February 22, in Atlanta.

Montreal Carabins (7-1-0)

The Carabins had a good season.

This is often the case, but the Montreal team was one of the best in the country. And it showed week after week:

  • Match #1, victory 45-14 against Sherbrooke
  • Match #2, victory 47-8 against McGill
  • Match #3, loss 32-22 against Laval
  • Match #4, victory 30-18 against Concordia
  • Match #5, victory 25-6 against Sherbrooke
  • Match #6, victory 38-28 against McGill
  • Match #7, victory 32-31 against Laval
  • Match #8, victory 33-2 against Concordia

The Carabins easily accessed the RSEQ playoffs and defeated McGill University in the provincial semi-finals by a score of 42-3.

However, the club lost the final against its long-time rival: the Rouge et Or from Laval University won the final (22-17) to claim the Dunsmore Cup for the 17th time in its history.

It is difficult to predict what lies ahead for the Carabins since they will have to manage without Jonathan Sénécal next year.

But the University of Montreal has one of the good football programs in the country and there is no need to worry too much on that front.

Montreal Alouettes (12-5-1)

The Alouettes’ season is easy to summarize.

After week 12 in the CFL, the Montreal club held a record of eleven wins and one loss… And at that moment, thoughts were already turning to the playoffs in Montreal.

It makes sense.

Jason Maas (coach) knew it was practically sealed, which is why we saw a certain relaxation in the final stretch of the campaign.

The Alouettes won only two of their last seven matches of the season, and even though they had won the Grey Cup in 2023, they entered the playoffs in the “wrong” way.

The Sparrows faced the Toronto Argonauts in the Eastern final and sunk themselves with several turnovers during the match.

It was a great contest, but the Alouettes were unable to beat their opponents:

The defeat hurt because in the Alouettes’ locker room, they genuinely believed in their chances of winning the Grey Cup for a second consecutive year.

But that might be the issue too: the club arrived at the playoffs perhaps a bit too confident… And that led to several mistakes against Toronto.

Note that we also witnessed the emergence of quarterback Davis Alexander, who replaced Cody Fajardo on several occasions in the Montreal lineup.

It was Alexander who received a vote of confidence from Danny Maciocia since Fajardo was traded to Edmonton on December 17:

Montreal Team in the LPHF (13-6-5) 

Lastly, we must mention the Montreal team!

The LPHF launched its activities in 2024 and the league had a successful first year of existence.

The Montreal team did well, finishing with a record of 13 wins, six losses, and five additional overtime losses, which allowed them to end up in second place in the league’s overall standings.

Unfortunately, Marie-Philip Poulin’s team lost in three games during the first round of the playoffs against the Boston team, abruptly ending the Montreal women’s season.

But here’s the positive: Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Erin Ambrose were all among the most productive players in the LPHF during the 2024 season.

They did well:

(Credit: LPHF)

 

Conclusion

The Alouettes and the Carabins are likely to be quite good again in 2025.

As for CF Montreal… It is always complicated to predict because we never know when a controversy might arise around this club.

But ultimately, it would be nice to see CF Montreal have a great season.