Friday Habs Headlines: Paul Byron ready to return
In today’s links, Paul Byron returns to practice, Victor Mete departs for the Rocket, a revitalized fourth line, and Tom Wilson doesn’t want to be the most hated man in hockey.
Montreal Canadiens news and notes
- Paul Byron’s return and Victor Mete’s departure summed up an interesting day at Canadiens practice. [Montreal Canadiens]
- Byron is hoping for a Saturday return. [La Presse]
- Mete understands the move, although it’s hard to take right now. [RDS]
- Jesperi Kotkaniemi leads a promising 2018 draft class for the Canadiens. [Sportsnet]
- What is the best place for David Schlemko? [La Presse]
- Kenny Agostino and Michael Chaput have sparked new life into the fourth line. [Montreal Gazette]
- Canadiens draft pick Simon Bourque (2015, #177th) has committed to the Concordia Stingers mens hockey program. [Stingers.ca]
- The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra will present an adaptation of Roch Carrier’s The Hockey Sweater this winter season. [HPO] /
Around the league and elsewhere
- Tom Wilson doesn’t want to be the most hated man in hockey. [The Washington Post]
- Will Canadian youth hockey get rid of the traditional names for age categories? [CBC]
- An FHL team will hold pre-game shootouts, with the winner automatically securing the extra point if the game ends in a tie after 3-on-3 OT. [ProHockeyTalk]
- The Toronto Maple Leafs are considering all options with the deadline approaching for William Nylander to play this season. [TSN]
- Hockey is a second language for the European players of the AHL. [The AHL]
- Venture capitalist Graeme Roustan has cut ties with the CWHL, citing a lack of faith in the new leadership. [Toronto Star]
- Unsurprisingly, Ken Hitchcock’s biggest change since taking the helm of the Edmonton Oilers is to play Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl more. [ProHockeyTalk]
- Thomas Larkin has been charged with assault by Swedish authorities for a blindside hit on Daniel Paille during a game last year. [TSN]
- Ryan Munce has spoken out as well about the abuse he suffered as a member of the 2002-03 Sarnia Sting. [CBC Sports]
- The New York Islanders are entering uncharted waters with a three-woman announcing crew. [ESPN]
- “A coach is a coach”, says Chantal Vallée, the first woman to be coach and general manager of a men’s professional sports team. [The Guardian]
- No matter what happens in free agency, fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets should enjoy Sergei Bobrovsky while they can. [The Cannon]/