Montreal Canadiens news and notes
- The Canadiens use live player-tracking data for their practices to ensure players are working hard, but not too hard. [La Presse]
- He may be watching replays on the tablet during the games, but between the matches Nick Suzuki is diving deep into the analytics side of the game, learning how to become a more dangerous playmaker. [The Athletic]
- The Canadiens are trying to create options B and C for their power play to create more opportunities for option A: Cole Caufield. [Sportsnet]
- Jake Evans is trying to make the most of his time in a more offensive role. [TVA Sports]
- “That’s the biggest growth that I’ve had is that goals go in, whether I like it or not, whether I think they’re good goals or bad goals,” explains Cayden Primeau about gaining some comfort playing NHL games. [Montreal Gazette]
- Lane Hutson has been named an alternate captain of Team USA’s World Juniors team, with Rutger McGroarty serving as captain. [NHL.com]
- The Canadiens will loan Nicolas Beaudin to Canada to play in the Spengler Cup. [RDS]
Around the league and elsewhere
- A rebuild is a franchise’s best bet to win a Stanley Cup, but, as we’re seeing with several Atlantic Division teams, it doesn’t guarantee a competitive roster. [La Presse]
- Are the Winnipeg Jets a real contender? [Sportsnet]
- When the NHL’s roster freeze lifts after Christmas, these are the players who are most likely to be the subject of trade talks. [The Athletic]
- The New Jersey Devils will have the equivalent of Dougie Hamilton’s $9-million AAV to play with at he deadline as he’s expected to be out until the playoffs. [TSN]
- Bally Sports, dealing with bankruptcy, will pay for the remainder of its regional schedules for the 11 NHL clubs it holds the rights to. [Daily Faceoff]
- The Detroit Red Wings placed goaltender Ville Husso on Injured Reserve. [TSN]
- Devon Toews called out some of his teammates, without naming names, for their play in recent games. [TSN]
- Jaromir Jagr had an assist in the first game of his 36th professional season. [NHL.com]
