Friday Habs Headlines: Wideman understands Romanov’s challenges

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

• Thanks to his KHL experiences, Chris Wideman has some idea of the cultural challenges facing Alexander Romanov. [Montreal Gazette]
• Brendan Gallagher is not only the heart-and-soul of the Canadiens, he is also the voice—the unofficial spokesman—of the team. [Montreal Gazette]
• Character and self-evaluation are key tools for Nick Suzuki. [Montreal Gazette]
• Are Canadiens fans ready for a full-blown rebuild? [Hockey Inside/Out (Video)]

Around the league and elsewhere

• The NHLPA board has voted in favour of an independent review of Kyle Beach’s situation was handled by the union. [TSN]
• USA Hockey is planning to contact families whose children attended a week-long U-14 hockey camp staffed by Brad Aldrich. [TSN]
• The Jack Eichel saga is over, as the star forward heads for Las Vegas. [Sportsnet]
• Who won the trade? [Sportsnet (Video) | The Athletic]
• Eichel discussed his trade request and his desire for disc replacement surgery. [Sportsnet]
• The Eichel trade ends an “era of drunken optimism, crushing disappointment, and bitter conflict” for the Buffalo Sabres. [The Athletic]
• The Calgary Flames were also rumoured to have made a serious push for the former Sabres captain. [TSN]
• It’s time for the Chicago Blackhawks to free Dylan Strome. [The Athletic]
• The Toronto Maple Leafs might move Travis Dermott or Justin Holl. [The Athletic]
• Who are the best puck moving defencemen in the NHL right now? [Sportsnet]
• Predicting potential forward line combinations for Team Canada at the 2022 Olympics. [CBC]
• Marian Gaborik has officially announced his retirement from the NHL. [The Hockey News]