Author: Dose

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Crosby in Montreal: “yes, if we don’t touch Demidov, Hage and Reinbacher”

The more the days go by, the slimmer the chances that Sidney Crosby will stay in Pittsburgh.

After all, he doesn’t have many seasons of good hockey left, and his team isn’t going anywhere. Just today, we learned that Evgeni Malkin’s contract would not be renewed. So, how long will 87 be a member of the Penguins?

If he’s traded, we need to talk about Montreal. His childhood club was the Canadiens, his father was drafted by the team and he’s never hidden his love for the city. Not many people would say no to seeing him in the metropolis. Mathias Brunet would say no if Ivan Demidov, David Reinbacher and/or Michael Hage were involved in the transaction.

I agree with Mathias. The problem: Pittsburgh is probably going to ask for one of these prospects and a first-round pick or two.

Crosby isn’t going to cost anything, because “he wants out of Pittsburgh…”

The Penguins will soon begin a pivotal period in their rebuilding. They won’t want prospects too old or picks too far away. They’ll be asking for the CH’s first two picks in 2025 and two prospects. Would Logan Mailloux and Joshua Roy be enough? Probably not.

But if Kyle Dubas realizes he can’t trade him for the price he wants, maybe he’ll take the trade in the end. We’ve seen worse.

If I were Kent Hughes – and I agree with the LaPresse journalist – I wouldn’t touch Demidov or Reinbacher at all. As for Hage, who received a nice tribute earlier today, I’d think twice…

Overtime

– The penultimate episode before the draft.

– Ah well.

-Too bad.

– I can imagine.

– That’s right.

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Mitch Marner cancelling his charity event: not everyone is happy about it

The big story of the off-season will undoubtedly be Mitch Marner.

If you weren’t already convinced he was going to change his address, you’ll probably change your mind with the news below.

The Leafs’ forward has cancelled his charity event.

After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event, scheduled for July 10 and 11. The uncertainty surrounding Mitch’s summer schedule makes responsible planning difficult. – Marner Assist Foundation

The event scheduled for July 10 and 11 in Toronto has therefore been cancelled, due to the uncertainty surrounding the player’s future.

And on social media, people aren’t taking the news too well. Some are calling him selfish and pathetic, others narcissistic, because he’s not supposed to be the center of attention at this event.

At the end of the day, the event aims to “generate lasting change for children and young people by providing resources that will have a significant impact on their lives”.

That he wants to leave the Queen City is one thing.

To cancel a charity that has nothing to do with contract negotiations is quite another.

In any case, the Leafs have nothing to reproach themselves for in this matter, and lately, the athlete has escaped it.

Overtime

– Notice to interested parties.

– Bon.

– Still.

– A real one.

– What a story!

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Rumor mill: The Panthers want to offer Bennett a contract worth $7 million per season

The Panthers will have some choices to make this summer.

In fact, one in particular is likely to be more complicated than the others.

Do we keep Sam Bennett… or do we offer him a big contract to keep him in Florida?

Because yes, we agree that Bennett is going to break the bank in a few weeks. He’s got the makings of a monster contract, and there will be interest in his services if he makes it to the free agent market.

And that could really happen, by the way… in the context that right now, the Panthers are trying to offer him a contract similar to that of Carter Verhaeghe, who earns $7M per season.

Elliotte Friedman talked about it today on Sportsnet 590.

7M isn’t enough for Bennett.

The Panthers have a tax rate advantage… but still: there’s going to be a club offering him a lot more than that, and maybe that’ll weigh in the balance, in the end.

Unless Bennett figures that in Florida, he has a better chance of winning the Stanley Cup and is willing to take less money to do it…

Andrew Mangiapane may test the market

Last summer, Andrew Mangiapane signed a one-season contract ($5.8 million) with the Washington Capitals.

He struggled offensively – 28 points, including 14 goals, in 81 games -… and the Caps seem keen to make another call.

The result?

The diminutive forward is likely to test the free agent market on July 1. Mangiapane also has a new agent:

I really find it hard to believe that Mangiapane will be able to sign such a nice contract this summer.

His performance has been disappointing, he’s 29, he’s not the biggest at 5’10 and 183 pounds….

5.8 M$ per season for a player like him was already a lot to begin with. He may have to take a pay cut to sign elsewhere, and there should be some interest in his services around the league.

But clubs won’t be lining up, either.

Two guys on the market on Long Island

The Islanders are entering a new era.

The organization has a new GM in Mathieu Darche, the club will be in a position to talk about the top spot in the next draft (which is fast approaching, by the way) and we have a feeling it’s going to feel good out there.

The Islanders have been good in recent years, but they’ve never been a dominant club.

That said, to make room, Darche seems to have a plan in mind.

I say that because right now, there are two guys on the market on Long Island according to David Pagnotta: Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Pierre Engvall.

Pageau is coming off his second-best offensive season in his career (42 points), and he’s still capable of giving more.

On a third line, we’re talking about a guy who can really get the job done. Should the Canadiens be interested in him? Maybe, in the sense that adding a feisty guy like him who’s good in the face-off circle can never hurt… But it’s Pageau’s contract ($5M) that’s the scary part.

For Engvall, it’s been really tough this season, and trading him will be difficult because he still has five years left on his current contract ($3M per season).

Overtime

– Nice!

– 100 %.

– A good draft.

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These Habs players who could make it to the Olympics

The next Olympic Games will be staged in February 2026, in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

This morning, some countries(like Canada) revealed the identities of the first six players selected from their respective nations.

So far, only the Canadiens’ Juraj Slafkovsky has been officially confirmed for the Games. But who else on the Canadiens might be able to compete?

Basically, here’s what you need to know.

12 teams will take part in the tournament, and three groups have been created for the occasion.

Group A includes… :

  • Canada
  • The Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • France

Group B features… :

  • Finland
  • Sweden
  • Slovakia
  • Italy (host country)

Group C features..:

  • United States
  • Germany
  • Latvia
  • Denmark

Obviously, the Habs have no representatives from Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Latvia or Denmark in the organization.

But…

Nick Suzuki has a chance of making it to the Olympics.
(Credit: Getty Images)

For Canada, there are a few names that come to mind.

Nick Suzuki is clearly the most logical candidate because he had a big 24-25 season. He’s established himself as one of the good players at his position… and he finished the season so strong that, right now, the leaders must be wondering about him.

But there’s also Samuel Montembeault, who defended Canada’s colors at the 4 Nations Confrontation. On the other hand, we know that the competition in front of the net is fierce right now…

Could guys like Mike Matheson or Kaiden Guhle have a chance? They might. But I wouldn’t bet my house on it, either, even if Matheson has an incredible skating stroke and could use it on big ice:

In the States, you’d have to think Lane Hutson would fit right in.

He’s already one of the NHL’s very good offensive defensemen, and he’s only got one season left in him. I can’t see the U.S. ignoring him, especially if he has a great start to the season…

And of course, Cole Caufield could also earn a spot if he keeps scoring goals. But between the two, I really feel it’s Hutson who’s the favorite to get a spot in the American rotation.

He’s so talented…

We know Slaf already has his spot.

If not…

Patrik Laine could also have his place in the Finnish lineup. He’s a powerplay specialist – everyone knows that – and in a short tournament like the Olympics, having a sniper like him can help.

And, finally… I’d also like to mention Emil Heineman and Jakub Dobes, who could prove useful in a depth role. Dobes may not be #1 because the Czech Republic has goalkeepers like Petr Mrazek, David Rittich, Karel Vejmelka and David Rittich… but hey.

Heineman, on the other hand, took part in the recent World Championship for Sweden. That said, Sweden has a pretty talented group of forwards, and it’s this element that may hurt Heineman in the end.

Ivan Demidov would probably have had the chance to take part in the Olympics too, but we know that Russia won’t be taking part…

Overtime

– Hiring in Calgary.

– Love the result.

– Of course.

– Seen it all the same.

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Nikolaj Ehlers “will earn more than $9M per season”: The Canadiens must forget the project

Among the interesting players on the free agent market, which opens on July 1, is Nikolaj Ehlers.

The forward may not sign a new contract with the Jets, because Winnipeg probably won’t have enough money to pay him.

Especially considering his demands…

James Myrtle wrote about it in a recent article: the team that wants Ehlers will have to get its cheques out because it’s going to be expensive.

Very expensive.

The journalist from The Athletic claims that Ehlers “will earn more than $9 million per season”… which is still a lot for a guy who has never once reached the 70-point plateau since the start of his career.

He’ll earn over $9 million per season. – James Myrtle

At that price… I think the Canadiens should pass.

After all, even if Ehlers were to fill a certain role in Montreal – that of adding talent and offensive punch to the top-6 – the salary he’s going to command is likely to be too big.

We’re talking about a guy who’s often injured (he only has three full 82-game NHL seasons under his belt), who’s not the biggest guy at 172 pounds… and we know, on the other hand, that the Canadiens need to bulk up.

The idea of adding a player like him to the line-up may be attractive for a number of reasons. Ehlers is one of the (very) good skaters in the National League, he has a truly undeniable offensive flair, he has a (very) good vision of the game… and he’s also capable of putting it in.

But then again, at 29, this is probably his last chance to get a big contract, and he’ll definitely want to sign for the long term. I can’t see Kent Hughes giving him a multi-year deal at $9M+ per season, because that’s not part of his plan either.

If the salary were more reasonable… I’d go for Nikolaj Ehlers tomorrow morning. But at $9M+ per year… I’m a little skeptical.

Even if the ceiling is going to go up in the next few years!

Overtime

– Still!

– I love it.

– Good.

– His rise is meteoric.

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Montembeault: We can’t rule out his presence at the Olympics, but…

Samuel Montembeault was selected to take part in the 4 Nations Confrontation in February.

The Canadiens’ goalie didn’t play for Canada, but still.

The fact that he was chosen by the management was satisfying for Monty, and gave him the opportunity to gain experience by practicing with the best players in Canada.

That said, it doesn’t mean that his place at the next Olympic Games (2026) is guaranteed.

It really doesn’t.

We shouldn’t rule out his presence on the Canadian team, because the officials know him very well, but… reading Pierre LeBrun(The Athletic), we understand that the competition is fiercer than ever these days among goalkeepers.

There’s certainly less to worry about at the moment, given Binnington’s season, Thompson’s huge year, Kuemper’s nomination for the Vézina Trophy and Blackwood’s performance in Colorado. – Pierre LeBrun

You’ll notice that here… Pierre LeBrun didn’t even mention Montembeault’s name in his sentence.

Ultimately, things may change between now and then.

Because in reality, it’s the goalkeepers’ performances between now and December – when Canada must hand in its official line-up for the Olympic tournament – that will dictate what happens next.

If Monty is the league’s best goalie in October and November, Canadiens officials will have no choice but to consider him for the Olympics.

But the opposite is also true: if Monty struggles at the start of the season and Canada’s other goalies do better than him… he’ll have to forget about the project.

All in all, it’s a source of motivation for Samuel Montembeault.

It’s up to him to show that he’s got the talent to be one of the greats, and at the same time, if he excels quickly at the start of the next campaign… it’ll probably also help the Canadiens achieve success on a regular basis.

Overtime

– Of note:

– Jaromir Jagr is in Florida.

– Oh.

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Olympic Games: Brad Marchand not named today

At noon today, the Canadian Olympic team unveiled its six-player roster for the 2026 Games in Italy.

And what you need to know is that Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Cale Makar and Brayden Point, as on the heels of the Four Nations Confrontation, were named months in advance.

But today, unlike the Four Nations Tournament, the sixth player isn’t Brad Marchand: it’s Sam Reinhart.

After the Four Nations, we all figured Marchand wasn’t going to be named in the top six for the Olympics. That doesn’t mean he won’t be at the Games, since there are plenty of guys left to be named, of course.

But with the series he’s experiencing in Florida, you’d think the situation would change. But no, in the end.

If he has a good start to the 2025-2026 season with… an NHL team, I’d expect him to make the Olympics. But obviously, he’ll have to show that he deserves his position.

Remember that in February, it was harder for him with Canada.

Details to follow…

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Jean Pascal “calls out” to a Québécois pugilist, then runs into him at the Grand Prix festivities

Were you the type to spend the whole weekend on Île Notre-Dame? On Crescent Street? At Windsor Station? In front of your TV?

Or is the Grand Prix, for you, like the Yukon’s public finances: you don’t give a damn?

Jean Pascal vs David Loiseau?
It hasn’t all been racing in Montreal over the past few days.

On Friday, Jean Pascal and his promoter (New Era Promotion / Yan Pellerin and Jean-Paul Mouradian) took advantage of the Grand Prix Festival on Crescent to organize an official face-to-face with Michel Cieslak. Reminder: Jean Pascal and Cieslak will face off on June 28 at Place Bell for the WBC World Light Heavyweight title.

On Saturday night at the SI House red carpet at Station 1889 (Windsor Station), Jean Pascal once again went head-to-head…this time, when nothing was planned.

For years, Jean Pascal and David Loiseau have sought each other out on social networks. A month ago, Jean Pascal went so far as to challenge Loiseau on 98.5 FM. Well, the two pugilists ran into each other at Maison SI and taunted each other a little, respectfully, I’m told… even going so far as to engage in a traditional face-off.

(Credit: Pierre-Luc Carle)
(Credit: Pierre-Luc Carle)

A face-to-face without a scheduled fight? Why not? Especially since, after his June 28 fight, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Pascal take on celebrities rather than boxers aiming for a world title. If he loses, of course, because if he beats Cieslak, he’ll continue his traditional career.

Could Loiseau and Pascal one day face off in a kind of Mike Tyson / Logan Paul fight? Would that draw a crowd in Quebec?

David Loiseau, who hasn’t fought since 2014, would be willing to take on Jean Pascal (in boxing or mixed martial arts?) for a fee of $1 million.


I don’t think anyone anywhere will pay Loiseau $1 million to get in the same ring (or octagon) as Jean Pascal. And if they did, they’d have to pay Jean Pascal over $1 million too..

But hey, it would still be something! And it would get people talking!

Loiseau is much heavier than Jean Pascal. Would it make for a good fight?

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Penguins don’t want to renew Evgeni Malkin’s contract

For a few weeks now, we’ve suspected that Evgeni Malkin would be taking his last steps in Pittsburgh in 2025-2026.

But now we learn that it’s not just a matter of Malkin no longer wanting to be in Pittsburgh: it’s a matter of the Penguins wanting to move on.

According to Josh Yohe (The Athletic), the Penguins have no intention of offering the Russian a contract extension once his current deal (which expires in a year) expires.

Will he be traded down the road? I’d be surprised… unless he intends to play another season.

For example, if the Panthers picked up the guy who spends his off-seasons in South Florida, and gave him another year on his contract, that would make more sense. This is just me speculating here.

But he shouldn’t just be “traded as a rental player” next March if he intends to retire. I don’t really believe that right now.

Unless things go very badly in Pennsylvania?

And since he’s slowing down, I don’t know if he’ll really want to move and start over somewhere else. And that’s whether it’s somewhere else in the NHL (which he’s never wanted to do) or whether it’s Russia.

I really have a feeling that Malkin will simply retire in 2026. As long as he’s not the player he once was…

Obviously, by necessity, we’re going to wonder what this means for Sidney Crosby. Does the Penguins captain see himself playing in Pittsburgh without his friend in 2026-2027?

We’ll see in due course.

overtime

– He becomes Mathieu Darche’s assistant.

– Of note.

– Obviously.

– The Habs retweeted this.

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Juraj Slafkovsky named to Slovakia’s Olympic team

Unsurprisingly, Juraj Slafkovsky will be going to the Olympic Games.

The news broke this morning, as the Olympic hockey teams announced the first six players on their rosters for next winter’s event in Italy.

Here are the six Slovak players.

Obviously, in terms of talent, Slaf had to be at the Olympics. He’s better than any other player in his country in terms of talent.

And I couldn’t see his comments against the federation and his almost toxic popularity in his country preventing the decision-makers from calling on him for the next stage.

So logic prevailed.

Of course, you’ll remember that he couldn’t take part in the Four Nations Confrontation because the Slovaks weren’t there. Otherwise, he would probably have been there too.

Details to follow…