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Confrontation of the four nations: Montreal gains points

And then? Are you joining in on the wave of the Four Nations Confrontation?

Right now, we’re right in the thick of it. And it’s great to see that it’s starting in Montreal, as all eyes in the hockey world are currently focused on the Quebec metropolis.

What’s nice is that I feel Montreal is gaining points. Thank goodness the event didn’t slip into the hands of Toronto…

For the moment, not only are people not complaining, but you can also feel that many players are really happy to be part of such an adventure in Montreal.

Once they experience the atmosphere of the games, it will be even better.

Charlie McAvoy, like many American players yesterday, spoke of “hockey paradise” when referring to the tournament. But clearly, by the nature of things, he is also talking about Montreal.

The Canadiens’ facilities (in Brossard and Montreal) are at the heart of the experience, after all.

It’s fun for the Canadiens too.

It’s also good to see that Sidney Crosby, a hockey legend, is taking the opportunity while in Quebec to pay tribute to his years in the QMJHL, wearing the colors of the Rimouski Oceanic.

What I’m trying to say is that right now everything is going well, and no one is coming out publicly to criticize how things are unfolding lately.

Maybe that will change during the national anthems… but still.

When we look at it, it’s nice to see that Montreal looks good. With an emerging Montreal Canadiens and some salary space, perhaps some players will keep fond memories of their experience.

Be careful: I’m not saying a player would say no to the Panthers this summer at the expense of the Habs just because the tournament was fun. But every little point gained to counteract the negatives of Montreal for an NHL player, that counts. Doesn’t it?

In brief

– Speaking of the tournament.

– Nice signing for the team… but why is he going there?

– Ouch.

– Worth reading.

– Americans: nothing confirmed in goal.

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The advice from Alex Ovechkin to Ivan Demidov to become a great player

Ivan Demidov has all the tools to become a great player. We know that.

Everything indicates that he will be able to translate his performances to the NHL. But despite everything, Alex Ovechkin, who also arrived in North America with high expectations, has a piece of advice for him.

As Sergei Demidov (RG media) reported following an interview with the Capitals player, the advice that Ovechkin wants to give to Demidov is as follows: work hard and everything will be fine.

First of all, it is ironic to note that it is Ovechkin who gives this advice. After all, he hasn’t exactly had a Sidney Crosby work ethic for the past 20 years… even if he seems to have understood some things recently.

At the same time, maybe that makes him the best guy to give that advice. #DoWhatISayNotWhatIDo

What is encouraging is that Demidov, from what we understand, has a good work ethic. The Canadiens prospect has seen Scott Wheeler praise the way he works on and off the ice.

So clearly, if we follow the logic of the best Russian player in history, everything will be fine for Demidov.

Let’s note that he advised Demidov and Matvei Michkov not to be too show off, meaning not to be extravagant on the ice. He thinks Michkov might be a bit too much.

Here’s what he has to say on the subject.

The most important thing is not to be too extravagant. Because when you are, it can work against you in a significant way. – Alex Ovechkin

Because Demidov doesn’t seem to be the type of guy who seeks the most attention during a game, we can think that it will go well for him. And the Canadiens must think so too since Michkov was not drafted by the Habs… but Demidov was.

We will see in due time, but the excitement surrounding Demidov remains high.

In brief

– I like it.

– Well done.

– Wow. #Confidence

– Worth noting.

– That didn’t take long.

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Rumor corner: the Canadiens are keeping an eye on Noah Dobson

The Canadiens are in rumors about trading rental players, but that doesn’t mean Kent Hughes simply wants to acquire distant picks for his players.

That time is over.

In fact, everyone agrees that the Habs have a “hybrid” approach to keep the door open for adding a top-tier young talent to the organization.

And that’s why it’s interesting to note that according to Marco D’Amico from RG Media, the Habs are keeping an eye on Noah Dobson’s situation, who could leave the Islanders.

Interesting, isn’t it?

That said, I can’t say that I expect to see Dobson heading to Montreal. His potential availability is likely more related to the fact that he could be traded for a top player.

I don’t believe the Habs have what it takes to convince the Islanders. In fact, no: the Habs have what it takes… but Ivan Demidov is not available for any NHL team.

A player who could eventually be traded for Dobson is Elias Pettersson. It’s the kind of trade that could make Lou Lamoriello think twice since the talent is there.

However, do not expect to see the Canucks player leaving Vancouver this season.

Chris Johnston (The Athletic) mentioned that the chances of seeing Pettersson being seriously shopped this season are slim. If a trade does happen, it could be this summer.

Cam Robinson also thinks, according to the whispers he’s heard, that Pettersson has recently been pulled off the market.

But if we look at a player likely to depart by March 7, we need to turn our attention towards the Boston Bruins and the club captain, Brad Marchand.

As time goes on, it becomes clearer that he has a chance of leaving Boston (which seemed improbable recently) not this summer as a free agent, but as soon as March 7.

The Bruins have not yet decided on the direction to take with the matter, but management isn’t hanging up on those who are calling to inquire about the player’s availability.

James Murphy, from RG media, asks us to keep an eye on the Golden Knights (them again!) and the Avalanche. And if he really becomes available, clubs will line up to acquire him.

In Brief

– Change at the helm of Team Canada.

– Samuel Montembeault is taking advantage of his time with the Canadian team. [LP]

– The Bell Centre is ready.

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Ivan Demidov: “I heard good things about his work ethic.”

Did you know that Ivan Demidov, who is considered the best prospect of an NHL team according to Craig Button, has also earned the top spot on the podium at The Athletic?

What a surprise, huh?

Scott Wheeler, who ranked the top prospects from the 32 NHL teams, not only placed Demidov at the top of his list but also recognized the Russian as the sole prospect in the “category #1” of prospects. He is in a class of his own.

But what interests me is also learning that Demidov is doing things the right way.

Why do I say that? Because in his write-up about Demidov, Wheeler noted that he had heard good things about how the Flanelle prospect works to improve as a hockey player.

He is very talented, but I have heard good things about his work ethic on and off the ice. – Scott Wheeler on Ivan Demidov

This is what allows him to do things on the ice that no one else can do. His talent and work ethic are at another level.

More than Matvei Michkov? Who knows.

It is also worth noting that four other prospects from the Canadiens are in the top 100 of The Athletic. David Reinbacher is notably ranked 24th, meaning the CH has two prospects in the top 25.

Michael Hage (35), Logan Mailloux (58), and Joshua Roy (82) are also included.

This means that all of the CH’s first-round picks not in the NHL are there… except for Filip Mesar. Roy is the only further pick to be part of the ranking.

However, we note that goalies are not included. This explains the absence of Jacob Fowler.

in brief

– The former Chiefs player reacts to his old team’s loss.

– Canadiens’ losses: is the brand image of the CH affected? [98.5 Sports]

– To be continued.

– Indeed.

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Lane Hutson went to motivate his former teammates for the Beanpot final

Lane Hutson had time off during the NHL break for the 4 Nations Showdown. It was well-timed because his former NCAA team, the Boston University Terriers, was in action in the Beanpot final against Boston College.

The Canadiens defenseman took advantage of his break to pay a visit with his teammates.

Before the game, he entered the locker room with Macklin Celebrini to read the starting lineup and motivate the team.

Honestly, I have never seen Lane Hutson show so much emotion. The usually reserved player was jumping around and shaking hands with his former teammates.

 

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The video is hilarious, but it’s heartwarming to see that, even now that he is in the NHL, Hutson has not forgotten his former team. It’s also nice to see him visit his brother, Cole, who still plays for Boston University.

Lane’s visit probably lifted Cole’s spirits, who took the lead for the Terriers midway through the second period with an excellent wrist shot from the left circle.

Lane Hutson didn’t just limit himself to a visit to the locker room to encourage his former teammates.

During the game, he was spotted in the stands waving a large Boston University flag as the many fans in attendance cheered “Go B.U.”

The Terriers ultimately won the Beanpot final by a score of 4 to 1. Cole Hutson’s goal was the game-winner!

This meant that Canadiens prospect Jacob Fowler and Boston College had been defeated.

Fowler did not have a bad game, but his forwards did not help him at all. They only scored once while Fowler limited his opponents to three goals out of 43 shots directed at him.

We hope Fowler won’t hold a grudge against his future teammate Lane Hutson because of this defeat!

In Brief

– The development of hockey players in Quebec needs to improve.

– Joshua Roy is at a crossroads. [HabsolumentFan]

– Great visit in Quebec.

– It’s the end for Loui Eriksson.

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The value of Joel Armia could be higher than one thinks

After experiencing mediocre performances in recent seasons, Joel Armia has taken charge this year. He has become an important support player for the Canadiens and is catching eyes across the NHL.

With a contract that expires at the end of the current season and good performances, Armia could become a rental player for a contending team in the NHL.

Marco D’Amico from RG.org recently spoke with a source from the West in the NHL, and it seems that Joel Armia’s value is higher than one might expect.

It appears that several NHL teams are interested in the Finnish player’s services. Growing interest could allow Kent Hughes to seek a better return than expected for his forward.

This is great news for the Canadiens!

Armia has hit the 10-goal mark this season, but the most impressive thing is that three of his goals were scored while shorthanded. He is excellent in the defensive zone and knows how to create offense, even while a man down.

He is impressive to watch while shorthanded, and this could convince many NHL general managers to pursue him through a trade.

With a bit of competition, Kent Hughes could secure an excellent return for a player who was sent to the AHL last season! It’s funny to see teams interested in him when they could have acquired him for free last year.

What could further advantage Kent Hughes is salary retention. Joel Armia’s contract carries a cap hit of $3.4 million for the Canadiens, and competitive teams often can’t afford to add that kind of money to their cap. Hughes could increase the return by retaining part of the salary.

The return in a potential trade could even be more significant if Kent Hughes decided to trade Armia alongside his linemate Jake Evans.

Several players from the Canadiens are part of trade rumors right now, but it’s certainly important to keep an eye on Joel Armia leading up to the trade deadline on March 7.

The Finn will have the chance to prove his worth in the coming days at the Four Nations Tournament.

In Brief

– The Bell Centre is simply magical.

– Martin Lemay does not want to lose Jake Evans.

– Interesting.

– It’s an event that draws crowds.

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A contract between Jake Evans and the Canadiens is still a “very live possibility.”

On Sunday, Pierre LeBrun from TSN revealed that negotiations between Jake Evans and the Canadiens are not progressing. After the game against the Lightning, Evans spoke about his time with the Canadiens in the past tense, which makes the situation quite strange.

There are only a few weeks left before the NHL trade deadline, and if Kent Hughes doesn’t reach an agreement with his center before March 7, we could expect to see him traded elsewhere in the league.

However, Renaud Lavoie from TVA Sports wanted to reassure Canadiens fans during his appearance on the show JiC on Monday night.

According to the TVA Sports insider, there is still a “very real possibility” of seeing Evans extend his contract with Montreal.

As Renaud Lavoie explained, it is completely normal to see Jake Evans’ camp and the Canadiens negotiating strongly. It’s part of the game.

It’s important to understand that negotiations for a player who exceeds the expectations of his contract can be very difficult. Jake Evans earns only $1.7 million per season with a production of about one point every two games.

It is certain that he will be entitled to a salary increase, but it remains to be seen if Kent Hughes will be willing to pay the price.

His point production can increase his salary, but we are also talking about a player who is extremely responsible in both ends of the rink, is excellent on the penalty kill, and has some playoff experience.

It is already known that Kent Hughes would ask for at least a second-round pick in case of a trade, but if negotiations are going well, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Evans’ price go up.

Montreal is going through a series of eight losses in their last nine games. This is probably a clear signal that the Canadiens should still be sellers at the trade deadline.

However, one must wonder if Evans could be part of the core when the CH becomes competitive. At 28 years old, he still has a lot of hockey to play, unlike a player like David Savard.

If Kent Hughes thinks Evans could help the Canadiens in the future, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him do everything possible to extend the center’s contract.

In brief

– Lane Hutson visited his former teammates.

– Touching.

– On his side, Jean-Charles Lajoie would like to see Mike Matheson involved in a trade.

– One must look on the bright side of things.

– A new chapter in Ben Simmons’ story.

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Jesse Puljujarvi: A professional trial… in the American League

After being traded by the Oilers, Jesse Puljujarvi found himself in Carolina.

The experience was not successful for him there: the Hurricanes decided not to offer him a new contract in the summer of 2023.

As a result? The former 4th overall pick (2016) signed a contract with the Penguins… And he had to prove himself in the American League before being recalled by the Pens.

But in Pittsburgh, Puljujarvi was never able to blossom into the player he was expected to become.

Thus, the player and the Penguins agreed to terminate his contract to allow him to play elsewhere.

Today, we learn that Puljujarvi has found a new team… But he will need to work hard to stay in North America.

He is heading to Charlotte (with the Checkers) in the American League under a professional tryout:

Things are not looking good for this player who had everything it takes to become dominant, to put it another way.

It is still strange to think that at the 2016 World Junior Championship, Puljujarvi was (definitely) the best player in the tournament… He who completed a trio with Patrik Laine and Sebastian Aho.

The other two players – compared to him – are still playing in the NHL as of this writing:

(Credit: Hockey DB)

If things do not work out for Puljujarvi in Charlotte, one can really believe that his time in North America is in jeopardy.

It’s as if he has one last chance to make himself known, deep down.

But at 26 years old, it’s understood that time is starting to run out for him…

The case of Puljujarvi demonstrates two things: one should not rely on the performance of a young player in the WJC to think he will become an impactful player in the NHL. And it also shows that the Oilers made a mistake in selecting him with the 4th pick because there were quality players still available when they took the stage to announce their choice.

Imagine if the Oilers had chosen Matthew Tkachuk, Mikhail Sergachev, or Clayton Keller with that pick! :

(Credit: HockeyDB)

In Brief

– That’s excellent.

– That would be crazy.

– Oh wow!

– Oh really?

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Lane Hutson is about to launch his clothing collection

Lane Hutson is a popular player in Montreal.

And we all know why!

The player’s fans will be thrilled to learn that he is about to launch his own clothing collection soon.

In collaboration with his brothers and Fantom Shop, Hutson will launch a clothing collection that will be available starting February 24.

On the Fantom Shop website, there is a countdown to the release of the clothing.

The Canadiens defender talked about it during his appearance on the podcast “Game Notes “, and Colby Armstrong, who is one of the hosts (and who played for the CH, let’s remember), already has a cap in the colors of the collection.

To hear Hutson talk about his new project, simply click on the link below:

What’s particularly interesting about this news is that a portion of the profits will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada.

The foundation aims to help families cope better in difficult situations and allow parents of sick children to stay close to their places of hospitalization.

It’s truly a wonderful cause.

That said, it’s quite unusual to see a 20-year-old — who is in his first full season in the National Hockey League — embark on a project like this.

It shows great maturity on his part and also demonstrates that Lane Hutson has his priorities straight.

He wants to do what he can to help and get involved in the community, and that is truly commendable.

I’m looking forward to seeing the merch and I’m sure it will sell quite quickly.

Especially given that it’s for a good cause!

In Brief

– Enjoy reading.

– Leo Carlsson impresses William Nylander.

– Kudos to the guys from HVTV!

– It promises to be exciting!

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Joel Armia did not train with Finland today

Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland all practiced today at the CN Complex in Brossard.

The Four Nations Tournament will officially begin on Wednesday, and the different nations are starting to prepare for the event.

It’s coming!

The Finnish team was the last to hit the ice in Brossard, and right from the start, there was one element that caught attention.

CH player Joel Armia was not on the ice with the rest of his teammates.

He was spotted in the hallway leading to the rink:

Does this hide an injury? Let’s hope not for Finland… but also for the Canadiens.

After all, Armia plays a role in Martin St-Louis’s lineup.

But Armia wasn’t the only absence today: only 11 skaters and two goalkeepers from Finland practiced.

There weren’t many players on the ice:

There are several injured guys on the Finnish team at the moment.

The good news?

The guys have the opportunity to rest a bit since Finland’s first game will be presented Thursday at the Bell Centre.

The Finns will face the Americans for the occasion.

Until then, we will obviously need to monitor Joel Armia’s health status.

It will be interesting to see if he will be able to participate in practices this week before playing on Thursday and if he’s not in uniform, we can start to worry in Montreal.

To be continued, then.

In brief

— Hello, Sam!

— Oh.

— Classic.

— It’s a bit weird 😂