Winnipeg has locked up their backup goaltender on Monday after signing Kaapo Kahkonen to a one-year deal worth $1 million. The 27-year-old Finnish netminder spent 2023-24 split between San Jose and New Jersey and had a 7-24-3 record to go with his .898 SV%, and 3.64 GAA.
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.
Dobson did not play the last three games of the season for the Islanders but was at practice on Friday, an encouraging sign that he should be ready for game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 24-year-old Dobson had a tremendous season for the Islanders, scoring 70 points (10G / 60A) in 79 games.
Dobson did not play the last three games of the season for the Islanders but was at practice on Friday, an encouraging sign that he could be ready for game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 24-year-old Dobson had a tremendous season for the Islanders, scoring 70 points (10G / 60A) in 79 games.
With the conclusion of the season for the Blues, Bolduc has been reassigned to the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL). The 21-year-old Bolduc split time between the Blues and Thunderbirds this season, scoring nine points (5G / 4A) in 25 games at the NHL level.
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.
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.
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.
