Thursday Habs Headlines: Expect an impressive 2019 from Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

• Jesperi Kotkaniemi has earned the confidence of his club. [Sportsnet]
• Ryan Poehling and Alexander Romanov are turning heads at the World Junior Championship. [La Presse]
• With improvements across the board, is Shea Weber’s return or Carey Price’s play more responsible? [The Athletic]
• ICYMI: Price will represent the Canadiens at this year’s NHL All-Star Game. [EOTP] | [All ASG 2019 Rosters on Sportsnet]
• Habs’ prospect Samuel Houde was named to the QMJHL’s team of the week. [Instagram]
• The Canadiens’ 2018 turnaround could serve as a model for similar teams. [The Athletic]

Around the league and elsewhere

• The World Junior quarter-finals on Wednesday held several surprises, perhaps most notably Finland besting Canada in overtime. [TSN]
• Bruce Boudreau’s mom Theresa will be in attendance at the Wild’s “Next Gen” game against Toronto. [The Athletic]
• With the 2020 Winter Classic officially being played in Dallas, the Stars are under even more pressure to make the playoffs. [31 Thoughts]
• Kristian Vesalainen (the KHL’s Rookie of the Month for December) appears to have made the right decision leaving North America (for now). [Arctic Ice Hockey]
• Alex Ovechkin has announced he will miss the All Star Game (and sit one regular season game, as well). [TSN]