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Tuesday Habs Headlines: Patrik Laine hoping to score 40 or 50 goals in Montreal

In today’s links, stories from Patrik Laine’s arrival in Montreal, Juraj Slafkovský not playing for Slovakia in Olympic qualifiers, Alexander Ovechkin could break Gretzky’s record this season, and Barry Trotz not willing to oblige Yaroslav Askarov in his trade request.

Sep 30, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Patrik Laine (29) takes a shot on goal and scores during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

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]

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