Laine entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in December 2023 and has been officially released on Friday which is expected to expedite his trade request from earlier this summer. The 26-year-old former 2nd overall pick has not appeared in more than 56 games since 2019-20 and had only six goals, nine points and 41 SOG in 18 gmaes played in 2023-24.
In a bit of an early blow for Montreal, forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard announced Friday that he had successfully underwent surgery for his leg and is expected to miss at least the first four months of the 2024-25 season. The 25-year-old winger set career highs in games played (45) and assists (8) in 2023-24 but had a down year overall with only 10 total points and a -2 plus/minus.
Nashville locked up one of its RFAs on Monday after it signed Alexandre Carrier to a three-year deal worth $11.25 million ($3.75M AAV). The 27-year-old just completed his sixth season in Nashville and had four goals, 20 points, 44 PIMs and a +7 plus/minus in 73 games played in 2023-24.
After a successful second career season in Montreal, Juraj Slafkovsky has signed an eight-year contract extension worth $60.8 million ($7.6M AAV). The 20-year-old was the 2022 1st overall pick and had 20 goals, 50 points, 55 PIMs, and 152 SOG in 82 games played in 2023-24. The 6'3" forward has 24 goals and 60 points in 121 career games played.
Kapanen is Montreal's 2021 second-round pick (64th overall) and has been signed to a three-year, entry-level contract on Saturday with the Canadiens. The 20-year-old Finish centre spent 2023-24 with KalPa (Liiga) and had 14 goals, and 34 points in 51 games played.
With the Canadiens' season concluded, Roy has been reassigned to the Laval Rocket (AHL). Roy recorded nine points (4G / 5A) in 23 games with the Canadiens this season.
With the Canadiens' season concluded, Struble has been reassigned to the Laval Rocket (AHL). The 22-year-old has enjoyed a strong rookie season this year, with three goals, 10 points, 47 SOG, 57 PIMs and his -3 plus/minus through 56 games played.
With the Canadiens' season concluded, Mailloux will return to the Laval Rocket (AHL) after making his NHL debut on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings. The 21-year-old has played 70 games with the Laval Rocket in his first professional season, scoring 47 points (14G / 33A).
Struble was a healthy scratch for Monday's loss but will draw back into the lineup for the back-to-back on Tuesday as he replaces Jordan Harris. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a strong rookie season this year, with three goals, nine points, 46 SOG, 57 PIMs and his -4 plus/minus through 55 games played.
Primeau will take the crease for the second half of Montreal's back-to-back with Detroit on Tuesday in Montreal. The 24-year-old took a big step forward in 2023-24 with career highs in almost all statistical categories such as .910 SV%, 2.95 GAA, and two shutouts to go along with his 8-9-3 record. He hosts the desperate Detroit Red Wings for game 82, who need another victory on Tuesday to have a shot at making the playoffs.
Mailloux was the 31st overall pick of the Canadiens in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year-old has played 70 games with the Laval Rocket in his first professional season, scoring 47 points (14G / 33A).
Tuch was a second-round pick (No.47 overall) in 2020 and spent four years at Boston University, where he had 10 goals and 20 assists (30 points) in 39 games this season.
Struble recorded an assist and a +1 plus/minus in Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Ottawa Senators but will be a healthy scratch on Monday night. Lane Hutson will draw into the lineup and make his NHL debut.
The Canadiens have lost five of their last six and will turn to Montembeault in the crease on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. Montembeault has allowed three or fewer goals in five of his last six games (3-2-1) and played well in his most recent outing but was unvictorious, allowing three goals on 31 shots (.903 SV%) in a 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Islanders. The Canadiens enter action +180 road underdogs.
Hutson was the 62nd overall pick of the Montreal Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old scored 49 points (15G / 34A) in 2023-24 playing collegiate hockey with Boston University.
Hutson was the 62nd overall pick of the Montreal Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old scored 49 points (15G / 34A) in 2023-24 playing collegiate hockey with Boston University. He is expected to meet Montreal on Sunday.
The Canadiens snapped a three-game losing skid on Tuesday and will return to Montembeault between the pipes on Thursday against the New York Islanders. Montembeault has won two of his last three games, including saving 33 of 36 shots (.917 SV%) in a 9-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers in his most recent outing. The Canadiens enter action as +197 road underdogs.
Xhekaj was the fourth-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year-old has 65 points (34G / 31A) in 63 games with the Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) this season.
The Canadiens have lost three straight and will turn to Montembault for the fourth time in the last six games. Montembault has allowed three or fewer goals in three of his last four but had an abysmal performance in his last outing, allowing four goals on 12 shots (.667 SV%) in a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Canadiens enter action on Tuesday as +119 home underdogs against the Philadelphia Flyers.
