Wednesday Habs Headlines: Russia banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

• Jacob de la Rose was perhaps an unexpected choice to replace Jonathan Drouin on the top line. [Journal de Montreal | Google Translate]
• Claude Julien has had a positive impact on the Montreal Canadiens. [RDS]
• Brendan Gallagher is an impact player once again. [RDS]
• A skate switch has been part of Carey Price’s rebound. [TSN]
• The Canadiens star netminder had things to prove. [Journal de Montreal]
• Cayden Primeau has been named Hockey East Rookie of the Week. [Northeastern University Athletics]

Around the league and elsewhere

• The Russian National Olympic Committee has been suspended from the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Russian athletes who are proven to be clean may compete under a neutral flag. [Sportsnet]
• The IOC’s decision may have implications for Hockey Canada, as the KHL had previously threatened to bar all of its players from Olympics participation in such a circumstance. [TSN]
• A look at sexual harrassment in sports. [Hockey Wilderness]
• According to Forbes, the New York Rangers are the NHL’s most valuable franchise. [TSN]
• In the wake of the tragic death of 16-year-old Jordan Boyd in 2013, the QMJHL announced the implementation of new safety measures. [TSN]
• Riley Cote claims that cannabis use is common in the NHL. [Merry Jane]
• Corey Pronman talks to AHL President Dave Andrews about the state of the league. [The Athletic]
• Ron Hextall is standing by embattled head coach Dave Hakstol. [TSN]
• Apparently the Matt Duchene-Kyle Turris trade wasn’t enough. Is it time to shake up the Ottawa Senators again? [TSN]
• Viktor Arvidsson was a playmaker in a post-game wedding proposal. Here’s the full story. [Nashville Predators]
• Brett Connolly was very focused on Monday night. Perhaps too focused? [Twitter]

• Matt Moulson has cleared waivers and will be assigned to the Ontario Reign of the AHL. [Die by the Blade]
• Mikael Backlund is a pending UFA. What sort of contract can the Calgary Flames anticipate? [Matchsticks and Gasoline]
• Tomas Nosek is a breakout candidate for the Vegas Golden Knights. [Knights on Ice]
• Colorado Avalanche fans are already thinking about the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. [Mile High Hockey]
• Making the case for the current blue line of the Dallas Stars. [Defending Big D]
• The New York Rangers have signed Marek Mazanec. [Blueshirt Banter]
• Patrik Laine’s pretty good, guys. [Sportsnet Stats]