Saturday Habs Headlines: Nicklas Backstrom, Ryan O’Reilly, and other potential options to fill the Canadiens’ top-line centre role
In today’s links, looking at the players who could become the Habs’ #1 centre, Joël Bouchard comments on the speculation of him joining the Canadiens organization, William Bitten’s stellar game, and more.
Montreal Canadiens news and notes
- With the Canadiens in search of a centre, could a trade for Ryan O’Reilly, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, or even Nicklas Backstrom be options? [Sportsnet]
- William Bitten got back on the scoresheet for the Hamilton Bulldogs last night:/
William Bitten recorded two points tonight, breaking a long pointless streak. He stopped an entry attempt on the penalty kill and sneaked behind the D for a breakaway goal, and added a powerplay assist later on. pic.twitter.com/hkXvszIBM6
— David St-Louis (@RinksideView) April 21, 2018
- His strong play was rewarded after the game:/
All smiles from tonight’s @dlibinsurance Premium Player, @WillBitten14! 😁 pic.twitter.com/OKFos9J3yI
— Xyz - Hamilton Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) April 21, 2018
- Top prospect Joe Veleno regards Jonathan Drouin as his idol. [Radio-Canada]
- Joël Bouchard hears the talk about him being a candidate for a job with the Canadiens organization, but for now he’s perfectly content to run things for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. [La Presse]/
Around the league and elsewhere
- Patrice Bergeron could be back in the lineup in tonight’s game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. [NHL.com]
- Bill Peters has resigned as the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes. [Canes Country]
- The Lady Byng Trophy finalists have been announced, with Ryan O’Reilly, Aleksander Barkov, and William Karlsson exhibiting the most gentlemanly conduct in 2017-18. [NHL.com]
- Andre Burakovsky will miss the remainder of the Capitals-Blue Jackets series after a minor surgical procedure. [TSN]
- After some cryptic comments earlier in the year, Drew Doughty says he’d like to have his contract exteded with the Los Angeles Kings. [Kings.com]/