Montreal Canadiens news and notes
- The Canadiens thanked Jordan Harris for his work on and off the ice in Montreal:
- The cost of trading Harris and taking on a big contract was worth it for what Patrik Laine could bring to the organization. [La Presse]
- Laine is still a special player and the window hasn’t closed on him becoming a superstar. [EP Rinkside]
- He doesn’t see himself as a 30-goal scorer, but someone who can net 40 or 50. [Journal de Montreal]
- Ultimately, his desire to help the Habs win and lead the younger players were what convinced Kent Hughes to make the deal. [RDS]
- Some key things to know about Laine, including his initial desire to be a goalie. [Journal de Montreal]
- Laine missed being in a city where hockey was the number-one passion. [Canadiens.com]
- Following surgery to repair a broken collarbone, Laine is cleared and feeling good as he prepares to resume his hockey career. [Sportsnet]
- See his full press conference from yesterday:
- How the Jaroslav Halak trade led to Laine’s acquisition. [Journal de Montreal]
- Why the Laine trade made sense for both sides. [The Athletic]
- Juraj Slafkovský will not play for Slovakia as the nation attempts to quality for the 2026 Winter Olympics. [Radio-Canada]
- Amanda Kessel, the final pick for PWHL Montreal in this year’s draft, has taken the position of Manager of Minor League Operations within the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. [TSN]
Around the league and elsewhere
- In addition to Kessel’s appointment, Jason Spezza has been named general manager of the Penguins’ AHL team in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. [TSN]
- The Edmonton Oilers’ decisions on whether to match the St. Louis Blues’ offer sheets to Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway are due this morning. [TSN]
- Washington Capitals management believes Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record is in jeopardy this season. [NHL.com]
- Taylor Hall wants to be a difference-maker for the Chicago Blackhawks. [TSN]
- Despite reports of a trade request from Jaroslav Askarov, Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz expects the prospect to be at training camp. [TSN]
- The Ottawa Senators are banking on Linus Ullmark solving some of their defensive issues. [NHL.com]