Montreal Canadiens news and notes
- After another appearance on the scoresheet in a standout performance, Alex Galchenyuk was mentioned by Claude Julien, with the coach hinting at an eventual return to centre; a move which had been ruled out and avoided at all costs at the beginning of the year:/
Julien says “Galchenyuk came to play tonight” and…”we’ve got him on the wing but it doesn’t mean we’ll never see him at centre again if we have the need.”
— Dan Robertson (@DRTSN690) December 28, 2017
- Although he is on the market, Elliotte Freidman believes acquiring Kris Letang doesn’t make much financial sense for the Canadiens with their current defence corps. [31 Thoughts]
- “When you’re learning from the best you take that, and do your best with it here.” Victor Mete mentioned to our Scott Matla how playing with Shea Weber set him up for success at the World Juniors. We also spoke to opposing goaltenders Colton Point and David Hrenak about their performances in yesterday’s game between Canada and Slovakia. [EOTP]
- Noah Juulsen may not need much seasoning in the AHL to be ready for the big leagues. [TSN690]/
Around the league and elsewhere
- What the go-ahead to build a new arena means for the New York Islanders. [Lighthouse Hockey]
- Mikhail Sergachev has had a great season, but he still faces an uphill battle in the Calder Trophy race. [Raw Charge]
- Johnny Bower has passed on, but his legacy will remain for generations. [InGoal Magazine]
- He was spoken of fondly by all who knew him. [The Athletic Toronto]
- Tyson Barrie will miss four-to-six weeks after having surgery on his hand. [TSN]
- Mike Weber retired from the game of hockey yesterday in an emotional farewell after a journey that ended sooner than he had hoped. [Twitter]
- He spoke with our Patrik Bexell afterward:/
- Patrik has been busy lately, also speaking with Frölunda’s Victor Olofsson about a good season in the SHL. [Die By The Blade]
- The Ottawa Senators signed undrafted free agent Aaron Luchuk to a contract. [Silver Seven]
- Zac Rinaldo has been suspended for six games:/
Arizona’s Zac Rinaldo suspended six games for a punch to an unsuspecting opponent, Colorado’s Samuel Girard. https://t.co/YVK1Yu32bD
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 28, 2017
