Sunday Habs Headlines: Claude Julien wanted Chris Neil on this year’s team
In today’s link, a former Senator was courted by the coach, a Les Canadiennes star sets a milestone, Bettman runs damage control, and more.
Montreal Canadiens news and notes
- Claude Julien campaigned to bring Chris Neil onto the team during the summer, but after he was only offered a PTO, the former Senator declined to don the Canadiens jersey. [La Presse | Google Translate]
- Jonathan Drouin wasn’t made available to media after last night’s game. [Stu Cowan]
- Yesterday, we discussed how to properly evaluate Drouin in his debut season with the Canadiens as he transitions to centre. [EOTP]
- We also investigated the impact Nikita Scherbak was able to have in the AHL before his call-up and subsequent injury, and how his return should help spark the Laval Rocket. [EOTP]
- Ann-Sophie Bettez reached a milestone in last night’s win by Les Canadiennes over the Markham Thunder:/
🔥 With 10 goals in 12 games, Ann-Sophie Bettez is the first player in CWHL history with 10 + goals in six consecutive seasons! 🔥
— Les Canadiennes (@LesCanadiennes) December 17, 2017
📷 Céline Gélinas, CWHL pic.twitter.com/LUp0RpzRcI
Around the league and elsewhere
- With the Ottawa Senators situation laid bare by the team owner on Friday, Quebec City may have an opportunity to acquire an NHL franchise after all. [Athletique]
- Gary Bettman addressed Eugene Melnyk’s rant, saying that the Ottawa Senators will not be changing cities. [TSN]
- The New Jersey Devils seem to be turning a corner, and that’s thanks in large part to increased scoring at five-on-five. [All About the Jersey]
- Mario Lemieux impressive display of scoring five goals in five different situations was voted as the best moment of the NHL’s first 100 years. [NHL.com]/