Montreal Canadiens news and notes
- Claude Julien has been impressed with Charles Hudon’s play at training camp:/
“Charles Hudon has been showing a lot of confidence since the start of camp. I like what I’m seeing.” – Claude Julien #GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) September 16, 2017
- Shea Weber has similar sentiments regarding Victor Mete, whom he’s lined up alongside in the first two days of training camp. [Canadiens.com]
- Mete may well have the most complementary skill set to Weber’s of all defencemen at camp. Eric Engels argues that’s not necessarily a good thing for the team. [Sportsnet]
- Artturi Lehkonen’s place on the opening night roster is secure, but he’s still prepared to battle hard against those who would like to claim his spot. [Canadiens.com]
- Andrew Shaw struggled to train this summer, dealing with post-concussion syndrome. He was only cleared by team doctors last week to be able to participate in training camp. [Le Journal de Montreal]
- Ales Hemsky knows his best offensive days are behind him. But he’s happy to trade them for a more balanced, defensively responsible game. [The Athletic]
- There are several enticing potential duos in the NHL after the off-season transactions. A former Hab and two current ones make the list of the top-five new forward partnerships. [Sportsnet]
- Jacob de la Rose is feeling much more confident in his game after breaking out offensively in the AHL at the end of last season. [Le Journal de Montreal]
- Many have been concerned about how the Canadiens will get by without the game Andrei Markov brought over his career. Listen to what the current blue-line contingent has to say. [Sportsnet]
- Mme. Élise Béliveau spoke at the opening of Place Jean Béliveau in Quebec City yesterday. [TVA Sports]/
Around the league and elsewhere
- At several points rumoured to be courted by the Canadiens, Stephane Da Costa’s hopes of returning to the NHL have been derailed by a medical issue. [L’Équipe]
- Jared Cowen didn’t mince words when speaking about the buyout drama he dealt with as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but is hoping to put that behind him with a spot on the Colorado Avalanche. [Sportsnet]
- Bill Daly speaks about the NHL’s efforts to grow the game in China. [Sportsnet]
- Ryan Reaves has made a career on his fighting ability. Evgeni Malkin sees a different path for his new teammate:/
Malkin said he doesn’t need Reaves to protect him: “I can protect myself.” He thinks Reaves will contribute offensively. #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) September 16, 2017
