Wednesday Habs Headlines: Dominique Ducharme impressed with Christian Dvorak

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

• Christian Dvorak is impressing Dominique Ducharme with his hockey smarts. [Montreal Gazette]
• Shea Weber may not be taking the ice this season, but he’s very much a part of the lives of his teammates. [TSN]
• Weber’s absence means that Brendan Gallagher will be called upon to provide both leadership and an example. [RDS]
• Although the preseason is young, Kaiden Guhle is already standing out. [Sportsnet]
• Jonathan Drouin is hoping to stay on a line with Dvorak and Josh Anderson. [TSN]
• It’s early yet, but Drouin is thriving in his return to hockey. [The Hockey News]
• Is depth the Canadiens greatest offensive weapon? [RDS]
• Is the fight for the last blueline roster spot between Chris Wideman and Sami Niku? [The Hockey Writers]

Around the league and elsewhere

• Jalen Smereck, target of a racist gesture during a Ukrainian Hockey League game on Sunday, will not play another game [in the league] until Andrey Denyskin is removed. [Sportsnet]
• The NHL is investigating Evander Kane for a possible violation of league COVID protocols. [Sportsnet]
• The New York Islanders have reportedly loaned unvaccinated defenceman Bode Wilde to Västerviks IK of the HockeyAllsvenskan. [Sportsnet]
• The Tampa Bay Lightning and general manager Julien BriseBois have agreed to a contract extension. [TSN]
• Al Montoya is embracing a new role growing hockey in Hispanic communities. [USA Hockey]
• Despite being the host nation, China’s berth in the men’s hockey tournament is in jeopardy. [France 24]