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What if you held a fantasy draft made up only of Montreal Canadiens greats and pitted them in a virtual mini-tournament?...
21/04/2020

What if you held a fantasy draft made up only of Montreal Canadiens greats and pitted them in a virtual mini-tournament? How would the teams look?

The Athletic Montreal drafted 4 teams of Canadiens legends. Take a look:

We drafted four teams of players who played at least 100 games for the Canadiens since 1943-44. How did we do?

Can Tomas Tatar and the line-without-a-name find long-term harmony in Montreal?
15/04/2020

Can Tomas Tatar and the line-without-a-name find long-term harmony in Montreal?

The Gallagher-Danault-Tatar line deserves a nickname because they are collectively great and better than the sum of their parts.

Heads up, Habs fans! It's time for all of you to let us know what you think about your team. Introducing the Canadiens f...
09/04/2020

Heads up, Habs fans! It's time for all of you to let us know what you think about your team.

Introducing the Canadiens fan survey:

We want to know what you think about your own team / Nous voulons savoir ce que vous pensez de votre propre équipe.

Live NOW! Canadiens forward Jake Evans is ready to answer all your questions.Here's the link to participate:
09/04/2020

Live NOW! Canadiens forward Jake Evans is ready to answer all your questions.

Here's the link to participate:

As the 207th overall pick in the 2014 entry draft, the odds were stacked against Jake Evans.

Heads up fans! Canadiens forward Jake Evans will join subscribers Thursday at noon ET for a live Q&A.Get those questio...
08/04/2020

Heads up fans!

Canadiens forward Jake Evans will join subscribers Thursday at noon ET for a live Q&A.

Get those questions ready!

As the 207th overall pick in the 2014 entry draft, the odds were stacked against Jake Evans.

Jake Evans’ progression is a model for other Canadiens prospects to follow.We caught up with the Laval Rocket's leading ...
08/04/2020

Jake Evans’ progression is a model for other Canadiens prospects to follow.

We caught up with the Laval Rocket's leading scorer to discuss his path to the NHL, why Joël Bouchard is so hard on him, Claude Julien's approach to coaching younger players, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Ryan Poehling's time in the AHL, and, much more.

Check it out:

Forward Jake Evans made his Canadiens debut and a few weeks later, the NHL season was put on hold along with his momentum.

One-hit wonders: Kjell Dahlin made history in Montreal and quickly vanished. Here's his story:
08/04/2020

One-hit wonders: Kjell Dahlin made history in Montreal and quickly vanished. Here's his story:

You want talk about a flash in the pan? The biggest one-hit wonder in Canadiens' history? Look no further than Kjell Dahlin.

The NHL stoppage is likely to flatten the salary cap, which could be very advantageous for the Canadiens:
07/04/2020

The NHL stoppage is likely to flatten the salary cap, which could be very advantageous for the Canadiens:

The Canadiens would have flexibility under a flat salary cap that other teams simply won’t have.

You heard from his coach. You heard from the Canadiens. Now you can hear it from the man himself, Cole Caufield. On the ...
06/04/2020

You heard from his coach. You heard from the Canadiens. Now you can hear it from the man himself, Cole Caufield.

On the decision to have him return to Wisconsin, how it played out in a less than ideal way and how Caufield eventually came to embrace it:

Caufield is happy he will be playing for the Canadiens one day, even though he has to wait at least another year for that to happen.

Most athletes face adversity, but few have dealt with as much pain as Canadiens prospect Michael McNiven.This is his sto...
02/04/2020

Most athletes face adversity, but few have dealt with as much pain as Canadiens prospect Michael McNiven.

This is his story, a story of perseverance:

The hockey world uses the term 'adversity' rather loosely, but few players understand the true meaning of adversity better than McNiven.

Live Q&A! Join The Athletic Montreal today from noon-1:30 p.m. ET.You have questions, they have answers. Here's the link...
01/04/2020

Live Q&A! Join The Athletic Montreal today from noon-1:30 p.m. ET.

You have questions, they have answers. Here's the link to participate:

Did the Penguins turn the corner against the Flyers? When will Justin Schultz return? Will Jim...

Montreal has been assured of hosting a full NHL draft within the next couple of years but in the meantime league executi...
26/03/2020

Montreal has been assured of hosting a full NHL draft within the next couple of years but in the meantime league executive, Steve Mayer, says there are three options for this year's draft.

The latest from Pierre LeBrun:

Despite the setup for this year's draft still undermined, the NHL has assured Montreal that they will get to host a full draft soon.

What the Canadiens’ layoffs mean for their employees:
25/03/2020

What the Canadiens’ layoffs mean for their employees:

The layoffs are not only due to empty hockey arenas; they are due to empty arenas, period.

Why Jonathan Drouin’s decision to reinvent himself should inspire Max Domi:
23/03/2020

Why Jonathan Drouin’s decision to reinvent himself should inspire Max Domi:

Jonathan Drouin realized something in his game needed to change, so he asked coach Dominique Ducharme for help and it seemed to work.

How the NHL stoppage could impact the Canadiens’ draft preparation:
20/03/2020

How the NHL stoppage could impact the Canadiens’ draft preparation:

Could the Canadiens reverse course and prioritize quality over quantity at this year's draft due to unforeseen circumstances?

How Cole Caufield ultimately accepted the path the Canadiens determined for him:
18/03/2020

How Cole Caufield ultimately accepted the path the Canadiens determined for him:

How Caufield learned of the Canadiens’ intentions probably left something to be desired.

The Canadiens are one of the teams that would love to sign KHL star Konstantin Okulov, whom they have been pursuing for ...
17/03/2020

The Canadiens are one of the teams that would love to sign KHL star Konstantin Okulov, whom they have been pursuing for the better part of two years.

But who is he? What kind of player is he?

We have the answers:

The Canadiens’ pro scouts had a reason aside from Alexander Romanov to be keeping an eye on CSKA this season. His name is Konstantin Okulov.

The Laval Rocket get a big win, but the win for Noah Juulsen was so much bigger:
12/03/2020

The Laval Rocket get a big win, but the win for Noah Juulsen was so much bigger:

After a predictably rusty start, Juulsen played a crucial role in the Rocket's big 3-0 win over the Senators.

Rocket Rundown: With disgruntled vets out of the picture, the Rocket have surged as they try to make the playoffs:
09/03/2020

Rocket Rundown: With disgruntled vets out of the picture, the Rocket have surged as they try to make the playoffs:

Since making their recent trades the Laval Rocket have won six of their last seven games and have outscored their opponents 27-12.

Henri Richard’s unique greatness should inspire the team he loved so deeply:
07/03/2020

Henri Richard’s unique greatness should inspire the team he loved so deeply:

Henri Richard’s legend was tied to team success and, most importantly, his integral role in making those teams winning teams.

Marc Bergevin could have sacrificed his coach to create a smokescreen for the roster he provided him with. In choosing t...
04/03/2020

Marc Bergevin could have sacrificed his coach to create a smokescreen for the roster he provided him with. In choosing to confirm Claude Julien's return, it's clear he's sticking with the plan, for better or for worse.

Julien would have been an easy victim if Bergevin wanted to find a scapegoat for this Canadiens season.

The Rocket’s leaders are in Montreal but have one eye on the AHL playoff push:
03/03/2020

The Rocket’s leaders are in Montreal but have one eye on the AHL playoff push:

They are depth players in Montreal, but vitally important to the Rocket’s success.

After playing musical chairs with the goaltenders in Laval, it looks like the Rocket finally have it figured out.
03/03/2020

After playing musical chairs with the goaltenders in Laval, it looks like the Rocket finally have it figured out.

After months of musical chairs, Jöel Bouchard and the Rocket finally have the ideal goaltending duo in Cayden Primean and Michael McNiven.

Here's an in-depth look at what the Laval Rocket can expect from their new addition, Jesse Ylönen:
02/03/2020

Here's an in-depth look at what the Laval Rocket can expect from their new addition, Jesse Ylönen:

If Ylönen never becomes an NHLer, it won’t be because he lacks skill – he has top-six talent along with impact-level transition skill.

Video Review: Charlie Lindgren shakes off the rust in his well-deserved win over the Hurricanes:
01/03/2020

Video Review: Charlie Lindgren shakes off the rust in his well-deserved win over the Hurricanes:

There's definitely something to be said about the value of trusting your goaltenders.

The night hope died, and the Canadiens’ core sent their coach over the edge:
28/02/2020

The night hope died, and the Canadiens’ core sent their coach over the edge:

If Marc Bergevin believes in this core and Claude Julien doesn't, then something will have to give at some point.

After spending years focusing on acquiring "character", the Canadiens have shown little to no "character" this year.That...
28/02/2020

After spending years focusing on acquiring "character", the Canadiens have shown little to no "character" this year.

That's the issue when you obsess over intangibles, you lose sight of real issues. Pressing issues.

Fans have every right to be frustrated after yet another demoralizing loss:

Price started the game well, as did the rest of the team, but, shockingly, Montreal blew a late lead on its way to a demoralizing 5-2 loss.

How the deadline impacted the two most pivotal UFAs Marc Bergevin must re-sign:
26/02/2020

How the deadline impacted the two most pivotal UFAs Marc Bergevin must re-sign:

When Bergevin spent so much time talking about his core Monday, he didn’t single out Gallagher and Danault by name. He didn't have to.

After a disastrous spell at Monaco, the Arsenal legend is learning how to lead a new generation of footballers.The re-ed...
25/02/2020

After a disastrous spell at Monaco, the Arsenal legend is learning how to lead a new generation of footballers.

The re-education of Thierry Henry:

After a disastrous spell at Monaco, the Arsenal legend is learning how to lead a new generation of footballers

The Canadiens traded Nate Thompson, but he left behind a gift for the team. He helped show Jake Evans what he needs to d...
24/02/2020

The Canadiens traded Nate Thompson, but he left behind a gift for the team. He helped show Jake Evans what he needs to do to have a long NHL career like his.

A few hours after the trade, the Canadiens called Evans up from Laval. To replace Thompson.

Evans cherished his exposure to Thompson, not only in training camp, but during his brief, 11-day stint with the Canadiens.

Instant analysis on the trade that sent Nate Thompson to the Philadelphia Flyers:
24/02/2020

Instant analysis on the trade that sent Nate Thompson to the Philadelphia Flyers:

After sending Ilya Kovalchuk to the Washington Capitals for a third-round pick Sunday evening, the...

Ilya Kovalchuk proved everyone wrong with the Canadiens, including the Canadiens themselves. So the Canadiens rewarded h...
24/02/2020

Ilya Kovalchuk proved everyone wrong with the Canadiens, including the Canadiens themselves. So the Canadiens rewarded him by making this trade when they did, and by making it with the team they made it with. It was the ultimate sign of respect.

There was nothing forcing Marc Bergevin to trade Kovalchuk when he did, but doing so showed the respect Kovalchuk earned with the Canadiens.

In terms of asset management, the Canadiens were always going to win any Kovalchuk trade.But they'll certainly miss his ...
24/02/2020

In terms of asset management, the Canadiens were always going to win any Kovalchuk trade.

But they'll certainly miss his confidence and talent, as will the fans.
Here's the instant analysis of the deal that sent the Russian winger to the Washington Capitals, including a breakdown of his play with the Canadiens:

The Canadiens got an early start to the trade deadline, sending Ilya Kovalchuk to the Washington Capitals for a third-round pick.

Video Review: With pride on the line, the Canadiens dominate the Senators, and put Brady Tkachuk in his place in the pro...
23/02/2020

Video Review: With pride on the line, the Canadiens dominate the Senators, and put Brady Tkachuk in his place in the process.

The Canadiens didn't just show pride, they shoved it down the Senators' throats.

Ilya Kovalchuk might be preparing to play his final game in a Canadiens uniform or preparing to call Montreal home. Only...
22/02/2020

Ilya Kovalchuk might be preparing to play his final game in a Canadiens uniform or preparing to call Montreal home. Only he knows. He’s not saying. But the Canadiens are happy he’s still around.

How much does Kovalchuk want to win? That, more than anything else, will dictate how long he stays in Montreal.

Karl Alzner is beloved by his teammates and coaches. We say this a lot about athletes, but very few players epitomize cl...
22/02/2020

Karl Alzner is beloved by his teammates and coaches.

We say this a lot about athletes, but very few players epitomize class and professionalism the way he does.

Here's what his team had to say after they found out he got the call. Spoiler: they're ecstatic.

If captain Xavier Ouellet has been the foundation of the defence, Alzner has served as the roof, keeping his young defensive partners safe.

Rocket Rundown: The failed Varone-Barber experiment comes to an unceremonious end in Laval with a trade that sent both p...
20/02/2020

Rocket Rundown: The failed Varone-Barber experiment comes to an unceremonious end in Laval with a trade that sent both players to the Pittsburgh Penguins:

With unhappy veterans Phil Varone and Riley Barber traded, it's now up to coach Joël Bouchard to get his team to perform.

The good news is Suzuki was great (until he wasn't). The bad news is losing to Detroit four times this season is easily ...
19/02/2020

The good news is Suzuki was great (until he wasn't).

The bad news is losing to Detroit four times this season is easily the most embarrassing thing to happen to the Canadiens, which is saying a lot given it's been an embarrassing season.

Inexcusable:

If the Red Wings truly are the lowliest team in the league, what does that make the Canadiens?

Marco Scandella is on his way to St.Louis in exchange for a second-round pick and a conditional fourth-round pick.Here's...
18/02/2020

Marco Scandella is on his way to St.Louis in exchange for a second-round pick and a conditional fourth-round pick.

Here's the instant reaction from our writers an analysts:

If the NHL is short on sellers and Marc Bergevin is sitting on the fence about selling, it is time to jump off that fence.

Here's the latest from Mitch Melnick: The darkness falls early in Montreal and remains in place at the Department of Pla...
17/02/2020

Here's the latest from Mitch Melnick: The darkness falls early in Montreal and remains in place at the Department of Player Safety.

To dismiss what took place during and after Saturday night's game turns a blind eye to a serious issue the league can’t afford to ignore.

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Videos

Cam Hillis highlight
Cam Hillis highlight

Canadiens third-round pick Cam Hillis loves to pressure defence, create turnovers and use his excellent playmaking to set up goals:

Jacob Olofsson highlight
Jacob Olofsson highlight

Jacob Olofsson is a two-way player who played in a men's league this season. He's responsible defensively and can set up teammates quite well on the attack. (via David St-Louis)

Jesse Ylonen highlight
Jesse Ylonen highlight

Jesse Ylonen is one of the draft's best passers. He handles the puck quite well and patiently looks for his teammates to feed them the puck. (via David St. Louis)

Jesse Ylonen speed
Jesse Ylonen speed

Canadiens de Montréal second-round pick Jesse Ylonen is one of the fastest skaters in the draft.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi highlight
Jesperi Kotkaniemi highlight

Jesperi Kotkaniemi is an emerging sniper, with a powerful shot and an ability to change angles and maneuver into scoring areas:

Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Jesperi Kotkaniemi is a highly skilled centre. Playmaking may be his best strength. An example, showcasing his ability to find teammates across the ice and in dangerous areas:

Filip Zadina goal
Filip Zadina goal

A great example of how a top prospect for the upcoming NHL draft, Filip Zadina, scores goals: Cut to the middle of the ice and shoot. This one goes right over the goaltender's shoulder and just under the crossbar.

#Habs prospect Victor Mete may be small, but he's mighty.

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