Habs Headlines: Taking care of the final business

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

ICYMI: The Canadiens have re-signed Arber Xhekaj to a one year contract with an AAV of $1.5 million. [Montreal Canadiens | Sportsnet]
They also extended Alex Newhook until the end of the 2030-31 season, with an AAV of $5.55 million. [Montreal Canadiens | Sportsnet]
The Habs also invited 57 players to attend this year’s condensed training camp. [Montreal Canadiens | Montreal Gazette]
Five stories to follow at camp. [La Presse]
The Habs’ actions speak to elevated expectations, even if management won’t utter the words. [The Athletic]
‘We’re growing as a team,’ says Josh Anderson. [Montreal Gazette]
Why Martin St-Louis deserved his contract extension. [La Presse]
The curtain falls on Habs rookie camp. [Radio-Canada]
Montreal has always been a special place for new Canadiens associate coach Derek Lalonde. [Montreal Gazette]
In a surprising show of good faith, Montreal Canadiens fans removed their long-standing burning effigy of NHL forward Chris Kreider after it was announced that he would be joining the team on a one-year contract. [The Beaverton]

Ryan Leonard has agreed to an eight-year, $84-million extension with the Washington Capitals. [Sportsnet]
Drake Batherson’s similar extension signals the dawn of a new Ottawa Senators era. [Sportsnet]
‘Going to be different’: NHLers talk about new training camp realities. [Sportsnet]
21 rookies who could crack an NHL roster. [Sportsnet]
Eight goalies who could break out this year. [The Athletic]
ESPN caught up with over two dozen NHL superstars to get their takes on vital and trivial issues. [ESPN]
The biggest burning question for every NHL team heading into training camp. [The Athletic]
The challenges facing Joe Sakic as he returns to helm the Colorado Avalanche. [La Presse]
The Detroit Red Wings name Shawn Horcoff interim GM. [TSN]
Connor Hellebuyck is not expected to report to Winnipeg Jets training camp. [Daily Faceoff]
“To Chicago,” by new Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard. [Players’ Tribune]
A six-team Quebec U Sports league will start in the fall of 2027. [La Presse]