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Thursday Habs Headlines: How Ivan Demidov changed the plans last off-season

In today’s links, shifting away from Trevor Zegras, where Montreal’s top line ranks, Slafkovský playing on instinct, but still not happy with his season, Hutson’s bonuses, being cautious with Reinbacher, Dahlin says he didn’t ask out of Buffalo, and Rantanen clears the air on Carolina situation.

Posted on by Justin Blades
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

  • The Canadiens were going to package their late first-round pick and Logan Mailloux to acquire Trevor Zegras at the 2024 NHL Draft, but opted not to after getting an elite talent in Ivan Demidov at fifth overall. [TVA Sports]
  • Where Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovský rank among the NHL’s top lines. [La Presse]
  • Montreal wanting to turn defence into offence is helping Slafkovský and Jayden Struble to play on their instincts and not think too much. [The Athletic]
  • Slafkovský wanted this season to be twice as good as last year’s and he’s upset with himself for not achieving that. [Journal de Montreal]
  • Slafkovský discusses getting used to his sudden fame, and how he often feels more comfortable in public in Montreal than at home in Slovakia. [Journal de Montreal]
  • Lane Hutson has the best five-on-five goal differential among Canadiens defencemen. [TVA Sports]
  • Hutson has already reached his maximum performances bonuses. They will serve as an overage penalty on next season’s salary cap. [TVA Sports]
  • The pros and cons of trading Carey Price’s contract this summer to avoid such an overage penalty for 2026-27. [TVA Sports]
  • Pascal Vincent says this year with the Laval Rocket is one of his top three seasons of his coaching career. [Journal de Montreal]
  • Vincent is being very cautious with David Reinbacher’s return, keeping him out of last night’s game as a precaution. [Radio-Canada]

Around the league and elsewhere

  • Rasmus Dahlin refuted a report he wants out of Buffalo. [NHL.com]
  • Mikko Rantanen said he didn’t rule out a contract extension with the Carolina Hurricanes. [NHL.com]
  • Dougie Hamilton may miss the playoffs for the New Jersey Devils. [Sportsnet]
  • Jonathan Quick signed a one-year extension with the New York Rangers. [TSN]
  • David Carle’s journey to becoming a championship-winning coach and, probably soon, an NHL one. [The Athletic]
  • The Florida Panthers donated a Stanley Cup ring to the Hockey Hall of Fame. [NHL.com]
  • The number of NHL players who don’t wear a visor continues to decrease. [Sportsnet]

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