Thursday Habs Headlines: Suggestions of a Canadian Division in 2020-21

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

• The Canadiens could be playing in a seven-team division with the rest of the Canadian clubs in 2020-21. [Sportsnet]
• Hours after reports of failed negotiations on Brendan Gallagher’s new contract, the forward signed a six-year deal. [EOTP]
• It turns out it was all a misunderstanding on Gallagher’s agent’s part. [La Presse]
• There were concessions to be made on both sides to get the deal done. [Sportsnet]
• Geoff Molson is clearly happy with the development:

• As is Gallagher:

• Before that deal, Bergevin also extended the contract of Jake Allen. [EOTP]
• Is if a true extension for a player expected to play out the three years of his commitment, or simply a move made in preparation of the upciming expansion draft? [La Presse]
• Tyler Toffoli is relishing the chance to play in front of a passionate crowd. [TSN]
• Here’s what he’s accomplished in his NHL career to date. [Canadiens.com]
• A republished interview from 1969 with goaltender Bill Durnan. [NHL.com]
• Elliotte Friedman breaks down the signings that have taken place so far, and also reports that the Canadiens were showing interestin in Mike Hoffman before Toffoli was signed. [31 Thoughts]

Around the league and elsewhere

• The QMJHL has paused the season for teams playing in the temporary East and West divisions, leaving the Maritime group the only one in operation for at least the next two weeks. [QMJHL]
• Marc-Andre Fleury is staying in Las Vegas. [NHL.com]
• There’s a quick turnaround for arbitration hearings, with the first of them set to take place in less than a week. [Sportsnet]