Montreal Canadiens news and notes
- Shane Wright sees Juraj Slafkovský’s success as a source of inspiration. “He’s where I want to be.” [TVA Sports]
- Adding an effective player to the Canadiens roster isn’t just about finding the most skilled options, but ones who can thrive in such an environment. [Radio-Canada]
- But skill certainly helps, and the Habs have a much better system in place to bring that out of each player, with Alex Newhook being he latest example. [RDS]
- One noticeable difference this season is that injury timelines have been accurate, as the new staff appears to have a better grasp of the severity of players’ ailments. [The Athletic]
- Brendan Gallagher getting demoted to the fourth line for the game versus Washington? “It’s not a good feeling,” he admits. [Montreal Gazette]
- Kirby Dach has upgraded to skating in his full gear. [Journal de Montreal]
Around the league and elsewhere
- With 50 goals in 54 games, Auston Matthews is the fastest American to that milestone in a season. [NHL.com]
- The Toronto Maple Leafs assigned Joseph Woll to the AHL on a conditioning loan, just in time for a two-game set with the Laval Rocket. [TSN]
- Kyle Dubas will look to move Jake Guentzel, currently on LTIR, at the deadline. [NHL.com]
- And possibly other moves for a team in need of a “shake-up.” [Sportsnet]
- Jonny Brodzinski has consolidated the best season of his NHL career with a two-year contract extension from the New York Rangers. [ESPN]
- The Calgary Flames appear to he headed toward a rebuild. [La Presse]
- Jonathan Huberdeau’s family is trying to help him regain confidence in his play. [Sportsnet]
- Ryan Lomberg was fined for elbowing Jakob Chychrun. [TSN]
- The outdoor Stadium Series games were popular ones for ABC this year. [NHL.com]
