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Draft in Montreal: everyone would say yes without hesitation

Montreal is a hockey city. We see it every day in the NHL… but we also saw it at the Four Nations Confrontation.

Have you noticed that people didn’t hesitate to sing the praises of Montreal, but that it wasn’t the same when it came time to talk about Boston?

I also noticed.

I’m not saying Boston is a bad city: I’m just saying Montreal, in terms of hockey, is special. The hockey planet loves to come and visit Montreal.

As long as it’s just for a few days…

In 2022, the Canadiens hosted the amateur draft and everyone loved it. Without the snow, people seem to love the city even more… and the draft was a success.

And what’s interesting is that David Pagnotta mentioned, in a text, that everyone would say yes without hesitation to the idea of reorganizing a draft in Montreal eventually.

Let’s recall that in 2025, the prospects will be in Los Angeles, but the leaders of the 32 teams will be in their city. It’s a format that will be tested for the first time this season.

And in my opinion, it will be the last time we see such a test. I expect a return to a usual format in 2026 since the NHL has a dynamic draft that people love.

Going back to that format would be normal.

After the success of the Vegas sphere in 2024, I think the next draft will be really flat and everyone will want to go back to the format of the last few years.

Moreover, because the draft in Vegas was so loved and due to the bias of recency, I expected Pagnotta to talk about Vegas in his text. But no: it’s Montreal that was named.

Does he know something?

In passing

– Note.

– Michael Pezzetta is skating with a blue jersey.

– News from CF Montreal.

– Interesting.

– Good question.

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Mikko Rantanen : “let’s say he’s not in ideal physical shape”

The case of Mikko Rantanen is really making headlines right now. Why? Because he’s producing more or less in Carolina, notably. Less than Martin Necas in Colorado, at least.

Rantanen has only three points in seven games since the trade and his NHL team has only two wins when he plays. He’s not having the impact he should in Carolina and one can wonder if he’s not distracted.

Is he missing Nathan MacKinnon?

I wonder to what extent the rumors that send Rantanen elsewhere if he doesn’t sign are part of the distractions in the file. Because yes, he really does have a chance to leave elsewhere if he doesn’t sign long-term in the next few days.

A bit like Jake Evans, kind of?

I don’t necessarily understand why the Hurricanes wouldn’t want to keep him for the playoffs since the team’s window is open. But right now, there’s clearly a world where Rantanen is traded soon.

Can it create distractions in the city, you say? Obviously.

But on this topic, I wonder to what extent Rantanen’s physical condition comes into play. After all, this morning, on the airwaves of BPM Sports, Renaud Lavoie said that in his eyes, Rantanen is not the fittest guy. Not ideal for NHL standards, at least.

Lavoie also describes him as a “major distraction” on a team. And it’s true that by force of circumstance and with all the circumstances, Rantanen is polarizing right now.

I don’t know to what extent the Hurricanes will really want to give Rantanen $14 million per season (because yes, Renaud Lavoie confirmed that he doesn’t want less than $14 million per year, the same amount as Leon Draisaitl) in these circumstances.

After all, if he’s not fit enough… #LukaDoncic

Is it because of his physical condition that Colorado traded Rantanen – as part of a trade that left the main party shocked – last month? One can think that this can be part of the thought process.

But there’s also the money, obviously. And clearly, Colorado was FAR from his demands.

What the Avalanche had hinted at, that we were ready to offer $12 million, that offer was never made.

Because what I’ve always been told is that the maximum we wanted to give him, per season, is around $9 to $10 million per year at most. – Renaud Lavoie

extension

So, it’s saying that right now, the ball is in the Hurricanes’ court. The team must extend Rantanen’s contract (and the player probably knows it) to not lose him within a week or by July 1st next.

I don’t understand how Carolina, which already has a weird reputation due to its owner, would gain from trading again by March 7th. There’s no Rantanen on the market right now…

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Jake Evans : “if he doesn’t sign by the end of the weekend, he’s gone”

Will Jake Evans play more than five games with the Canadiens for the rest of the season?

In other words, the question being asked here is whether Jake Evans will be traded by the Canadiens before the trade deadline, which is in 10 days.

And indirectly, we’re asking if he’ll sign a contract in the coming days.

Because the more time passes, the more we realize that with the interest of NHL teams in Evans, Kent Hughes will find a way to trade him if he doesn’t sign a medium/long-term contract with the club soon.

And what does “soon” mean?

According to what Marco D’Amico (RG Media) reports on the subject after speaking to several well-placed people in the industry, if Evans hasn’t signed by the end of the week, he’ll be traded.

Note that the rumor going around is that he won’t come to an agreement with the Canadiens by then.

I don’t know if he’ll be traded with Joel Armia or if he’ll be traded alone (in the event of a transaction), but it seems that the chances of him leaving are quite high.

But where could he go?

D’Amico reported that the Kings, Kraken, Blackhawks (oh yes?), Devils, Islanders, Lightning, Wild, and Predators are teams that have shown interest in Evans to some extent.

Will the club want to get a player close to the NHL instead of a pick for Evans? To be seen.

Note also that in this sense, I’m looking forward to seeing Owen Beck tonight. I know he’s still far from a finished product, but the hope will (possibly) be called upon to replace Evans if he leaves.

Seeing what he has up his sleeve just before the trade deadline is not insignificant.

in rafale

– Grief for Ryan Johansen: will the Flyers have to pay him?

– Documentary on Maurice Richard: it will be officially released on March 7. [LP]

– They will be bad. But how bad?

– What do you think?

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Matthew Tkachuk on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon: The Fight Changed Everything in the NHL

No one was bored with the All-Star Game this year, in the NHL.

Instead, we had the Four Nations Tournament, which brought high-quality hockey. It caught attention due to the intensity and importance of the games.

And Matthew Tkachuk is the first to say it: the regular All-Star Game is fake.

He said it on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show last night. And in my opinion, that’s the news: a player like him being invited to such a big American show is a big deal.

It wouldn’t have been possible with just a regular All-Star Game for the NHL, we agree. The Four Nations Tournament has changed everything for Gary Bettman and his league.

Matthew Tkachuk was asked about his health and he said he was feeling better. But quickly, he changed the subject to talk about the Four Nations Tournament.

Let’s recall that his season might not be over after his injury in the Tournament.

 

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What I notice from the interview is the player’s pride. He mentioned several times over four minutes how proud he was to represent his country, and when talking about his father Keith, he spoke about one of the best American players in history.

I’m not saying he didn’t have a patriotic streak before… but I think it’s even more evident since the Four Nations Tournament.

He said his father was proud of his brother Brady and him when they fought against the Canadians, he talked about the pride of handing the Stanley Cup to his father, and he got a reaction from Jimmy Fallon’s audience several times.

But most importantly, he got the NHL talked about on Jimmy Fallon’s big New York stage. That’s a win for Gary Bettman.

In rapid fire

– The topic is still generating reactions.

– Francophone fans of the Senators: still a lot of work to be done. [BPM Sports]

– Worth listening to.

– He only wins… unless the game is important. #Canada

– He has everything to have a great season.

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Top-2 : Mark Scheifele becomes the best scorer of the Jets/Thrashers

Last night in the NHL, there were not many games.

Only two were scheduled.

Here are the results of the Jets-Sharks and Kings-Golden Knights games:

1. Mark Scheifele becomes the best scorer in Jets and Thrashers history

For most of the game between San Jose and Winnipeg, the Sharks led 1-0.

But in the final moments of the game, Josh Morrissey tied it up and sent everyone into overtime.

And in overtime, the resilient Jets won thanks to Mark Scheifele.

This was his 32nd goal of the season, but also his 329th career goal. In the history of the Jets and Thrashers, no player has more goals than him.

He surpassed Ilya Kovalchuk.

10th consecutive win for the Jets.

2. Four assists for Quinton Byfield

In Los Angeles, the Golden Knights were visiting.

The locals won with a score of 5-2 and on four of the five goals, Quinton Byfield collected an assist.

What a game for the young winger!

Watch this pass on the winning goal:

He became the fifth player in the history of the franchise to have as many assists in a game before the age of 22.

Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar, Luc Robitaille, and Butch Goring are the other players to have achieved the feat before him.

In 55 games this season, the former second overall pick in the 2020 draft has 33 points, including 11 goals.

Overtime

– Los Angeles came out strong in the third period. Four unanswered goals.

– Byfield obviously leads the charge in points.

(Credit: NHL.com)

– There will be more action tonight.

(Credit: Google )
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Jason Demers : “Several players told me they like playing against Adam Fox in the playoffs”

Adam Fox is recognized as an excellent offensive defenseman. He has exceeded the 70-point plateau in his last three seasons, but he often struggles in the playoffs.

He has good statistics in spring games, but his impact on the game is not enough to bring the Rangers to a Stanley Cup final.

In fact, as a 5-foot-11 offensive defenseman, it is difficult for him to play in both directions on the ice when the game becomes physical in the playoffs. He also had a lot of trouble in the Four Nations tournament, where he did not score any points in four games.

During his appearance on the Morning Cuppa Coffee show on Daily Faceoff, former NHL player Jason Demers revealed that several players have told him they like to play against Adam Fox in the playoffs.

Adam Fox looked a little overwhelmed at times during the Four Nations tournament…
Rangers, take note: he needs a legit lefty D partner to protect his game and career from burnout or injury. @JLazzy23 | @ColbyCohen36
Presented by @ProrasoUSA #ShaveLikeAPro pic.twitter.com/MCvFw7yo38
— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) February 24, 2025

This is a strong statement, but it can be understood. The Rangers have never reached a Stanley Cup final with Adam Fox.

They have managed to reach the Eastern Conference final twice in the last three seasons, but each time it was thanks to Igor Shesterkin, and they were missing something to win.

Jason Demers did not necessarily want to criticize Fox, far from it. He just wanted to point out that the Rangers need to find a good teammate to support Fox’s work on the blue line.

K’Andre Miller could have been that player, but the project has not worked so far. Demers thinks that given Fox is a talented player with a small build, he needs a teammate who can support him.

The best examples are Devon Toews with Cale Makar on the Avalanche and Filip Hronek with Quinn Hughes on the Canucks.

One thing to note is that Lane Hutson has often been compared to Adam Fox: an offensive defenseman with a small build. If the Canadiens want to avoid a situation like the one with Adam Fox, the team will have to find the perfect teammate for Hutson.

That’s where David Reinbacher could come in. His robust and defensive style of play could be the key to success in accompanying Hutson on the blue line.

It remains to be seen how Reinbacher’s development will go, but one thing is certain: Hutson will need support if the Canadiens want to go far in the playoffs in the coming years.

In a hurry
– The decision was very surprising.

Kyle Connor was very disappointed to be left out by the during the final against the at the Four Nations tournament ! https://t.co/n9VLgmml6Y pic.twitter.com/uglewHadGY
— RDS (@RDSca) February 24, 2025

– The Hurricanes were partying.

The Hurricanes have been in MTL since late Saturday night. They were at Palma around midnight last night. pic.twitter.com/xDNgERPCZt
— Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) February 25, 2025

– He’s doing his job and we love it.

We’re seeing a significant turnaround in Reinbacher’s development (@anthonymarcotte) https://t.co/nHbmIDoOmj
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) February 24, 2025

– He has a lot of work to do before getting there.

His head coach with the Rocket thinks so . https://t.co/ONX7FGyysA
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) February 25, 2025

– It’s no surprise coming from Tortorella.

He had a lot on his mind after the US defeat against Canada at the Four Nations https://t.co/UmKX2yhikN
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) February 25, 2025

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In images: the potential sequence that could have led to the injury of Kirby Dach

No one expected a Kirby Dach injury on Monday, but Martin St-Louis announced that his center player would miss Tuesday’s game against the Hurricanes due to a lower-body injury.

When thinking of Kirby Dach and a lower-body injury, one immediately thinks of his right knee injury that kept him out for the entire last season.

Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports investigated all day to get information about Dach’s injury and discovered a sequence where the Canadiens’ number 77 seems to take a hit to his right knee.

You can see the sequence in question in the first few minutes of his Monday intervention on the show JiC.

As he went to retrieve a puck in the corner of the Senators’ territory, Dach was hit by Cole Reinhardt, who made contact with his right knee.

This is the same right knee that kept Dach out of the game for the entire last season.

What’s most worrying is that during his second-to-last presence on the ice, he skated for only 20 seconds before retiring to the bench, holding his right knee.

Lavoie is also questioning the information he received, saying that Dach is still being evaluated, but the injury reportedly dates back to Saturday – already two days ago.

TVA Sports’ informant thinks it’s possible to hope that the injury is not too serious and that Dach will not miss more than one game.

However, Lavoie is not 100% sure that the isolated sequence is exactly the one where Dach got injured, and it will be necessary to wait a few days for the Canadiens to confirm the final verdict.

Maybe a little rest could do Kirby Dach some good, as he’s been struggling to find himself this season, with only 22 points in 57 games since the start of the campaign.

Rapid Fire

– Note.

– This is a player who could greatly help the Maple Leafs.

– The NHL would like to return to Montreal for another draft session.

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Ivan Demidov will cost “10 million $ or more per year” after his entry contract, according to Tony Marinaro

With the Canadiens’ recent performances, it’s clear that the rebuilding process is still underway. One element that could help put an end to this rebuilding is Ivan Demidov.

The Russian hopeful of the Canadiens is on fire lately, to the point where we can already imagine the kind of salary he could earn after his entry-level contract in the NHL.

This is going to happen sooner or later. Tony Marinaro played along during his appearance on the TVA Sports show JiC on Monday.

According to him, Ivan Demidov will sign a contract that will earn him “10 million dollars or more per year” after his entry-level contract in the NHL.

In fact, Marinaro believes Demidov could sign the most lucrative contract in Canadiens history.

The record currently belongs to Carey Price, who signed a deal with an average of $10.5 million per season. This means Demidov would earn more than $10.5 million, according to Marinaro!

Only 16 NHL players currently have a contract with an annual value of $10.5 million or more. Marinaro doesn’t necessarily put Demidov in the same category as these players.

In fact, Marinaro bases his prediction mainly on the fact that the salary cap will increase over the next few seasons. The value of each player’s contract will increase, and it will be necessary to pay accordingly.

If Demidov signs his three-year entry-level contract this summer, the cap will have plenty of time to increase and give him arguments to earn a big salary.

When it’s time to sign this new deal, the big contracts of Brendan Gallagher ($6.5 million per season) and Josh Anderson ($5.5 million per season) will have already expired, giving Kent Hughes plenty of room to maneuver.

The problem for Demidov is that he may not have the right to surpass Nick Suzuki’s contract ($7.875 million per season) by a large margin, out of respect for his captain. This is what caused trouble in the negotiations between Mikko Rantanen and the Avalanche, as the team didn’t want to offer him a bigger contract than Nathan MacKinnon.

Demidov is proving he’s ready for the NHL. In an interview with the site RG.org, Spartak Moscow head coach Alexei Zhamnov said Demidov could be a player ready to play on the top-six with the Canadiens as early as his rookie season.

With 47 points in 57 games this season, Demidov is impressive in his rookie season in the KHL. All this, while averaging only 13:33 of ice time per game.

There’s no need to panic. Demidov has a good chance of becoming one of the best players on the Canadiens, but he hasn’t even played a single game in the NHL yet. I think we’ll have more answers to the question of his first contract extension after his rookie season in the NHL.

In Quick Hits

– The Ducks acquire goalie Ville Husso.

– It wasn’t disappointing at all.

– This will be his greatest challenge.

– It’s magnificent!

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David Savard has “helped a lot” Arber Xhekaj since his arrival in the NHL

In his first season in the NHL, Arber Xhekaj impressed everyone by making a place for himself in the Canadiens’ regular lineup. The first sheriff’s rodeo went well, but he has had his share of difficulties since that first season.

As a rugged and fight-capable player, Xhekaj had no problem attracting the love of the Tricolore fans. The only problem is that at some point, we felt that he was putting his desire to hit before the team’s needs.

His fights and penalties often cost the CH dearly.

However, the defenseman has since regrouped and it’s perhaps thanks to David Savard. Xhekaj sees Savard as a mentor in the NHL, and he claims that the veteran “is one of those who has had the most impact” on him in Montreal.

This is what he revealed in an interview with Evan Milner of the Canadiens.

Xhekaj’s second season in the NHL was far from impressive. The good news is that he had the chance to pair up with Savard for most of the 2024-25 season.

Playing with a responsible defenseman like Savard seems to have allowed Xhekaj to release some stress and focus on his own game.

In fact, Xhekaj is happy to have become a calmer player. He no longer wants to cause problems for his team by taking bad penalties due to his frustration.

We’ve seen Xhekaj fight a few times this season, but he now knows when to draw the line. In January, when the Canadiens were leading 3-0 in a game against the Maple Leafs, he refused to fight with Ryan Reaves.

It wasn’t time to give energy to his opponents.

Regarding Savard, Xhekaj says he admires his teammate’s career on the blue line. We’re talking about players with a similar build, who have a support role, but who can be important for an NHL team.

During the interview, Xhekaj confirmed that he would like to have a career similar to Savard’s. Playing over 800 games in the NHL and winning a Stanley Cup are two challenges that the young Canadiens defenseman would like to achieve.

Unfortunately for Xhekaj, he may soon have to part with his teammate, as several rumors claim that David Savard could be traded before the trade deadline.

In rafale

– Three-game suspension for Trevor Zegras.

– An interesting file to follow.

– Sad news.

– Embiid is still injured.

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Shane Wright, one of the best scorers per 60 minutes since November 24

The Seattle Kraken played three games between November 17 and 23.

Shane Wright did not participate in any of those games.

Why? Because the forward was left out by his coach, even though he was healthy. Dan Bylsma’s decisions really whipped him, however.

Since November 23, Wright has played 38 games and collected 32 points.

He is the top scorer on his team since being left out. He has collected at least one point in ten of his last twelve games… and it goes even further than that.

Since November 24, Wright is also 15th in the NHL in points per 60 minutes.

The one the CH ignored in the 2022 draft is really coming out of his shell:

This season, Wright is on a 50-point pace (over 82 games).

This is more than a respectable production for a guy who started slowly.

Of course, we will always compare the two players for obvious reasons… But Slaf is also having a similar season. He has 31 points in 54 games since the start of the campaign (a pace of 47 points over a full season) after collecting 50 points last season.

But my observation is this: Wright, like Slaf, took time to get going.

It took him about twenty games in the NHL and almost a full season in the American League to get where he is today, and that’s more proof that player development is not always the same.

Good, if Wright is finding his role with the Kraken.

In a rush

– Note:

– I like that.

– Hum…

– Well done.