Montreal Canadiens news and notes
- The youth movement has begun to take over on defence, as Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson are Montreal’s most-used blue-liners at five-on-five. [La Presse]
- The team’s general defensive issues aren’t applying to Guhle, who is quickly becoming its top defenceman. [Journal de Montreal]
- Guhle has been impressed with Hutson’s defensive talents. [The Athletic]
- Hutson answers fan questions. [Canadiens.com]
- David Savard is trying to further improve his defensive game, and states once again his desire to stay with Montreal beyond this season. [La Presse]
- Brendan Gallagher is adapting his game with the help of Martin St-Louis. [Journal de Montreal]
- Gallagher, Jake Evans, and Josh Anderson have been Montreal’s top trio so far. [RDS]
- Juraj Slafkovský still goes first overall in a 2022 re-draft, and is the only player currently in the elite tier. [The Athletic]
- If Team Canada’s selection crew looks into advanced stats, Samuel Montembeault should be on the 4 Nations roster. [The Athletic]
- Emil Heineman is proving he belongs in Montreal. [Montreal Gazette]
- Kirby Dach took a therapy day on Wednesday. [RDS]
- Michel Therrien says the letdown versus Pittsburgh was to be expected after an emotional game in Ottawa, but there will be no excuses for a poor opening tonight. [Journal de Montreal]
- The Calgary Flames’ hot start is good news for their pick that Montreal holds. [La Presse]
- Photos from the Canadiens’ 43rd blood drive. [Canadiens.com]
Around the league and elsewhere
- Sidney Crosby scored NHL point #1600 last night. [NHL.com]
- Evgeni Malkin netted his 500th goal in the same game. [NHL.com]
- The Penguins reassigned Rutger McGroarty to the AHL. [TSN]
- Is the league returning to a phase of rich contracts for elite goalies? [The Athletic]
- Riley Sheahan has called it a career after 12 NHL seasons. [NHL.com]
- After a near-death experience eight years ago, Justin Kirkland first had to focus on getting his life back together before resuming his hockey career. [Sportsnet]