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Key Performances from Canadiens' Prospects This Weekend
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- Key Performances from Canadiens' Prospects This Weekend
Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Here are the M ontreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Friday.
Montreal Canadiens News
Nick Suzuki started Friday's game versus Switzerland playing with Nathan MacKinnon and Brandon Hagel , but finished the matchup by playing in a more defensive role with Tom Wilson . Regardless, Canada had a great showing versus the Swiss, earning a well-deserved 5-1 win. [ Highlights: Suzuki Scores In Team Canada Victory Versus Czechia]
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Juraj Slafkovsky enjoyed a solid game versus Italy, helping Slovakia win 3–2 versus the Olympic hosts. Some took exception to the Tweet embedded below, and while I'm not sure the narrative that suggests Slafkovsky only produces in international tournaments is fair, there's some truth to his uptick in play with Slovakia. If we're solely discussing individual high-danger scoring chances, which I think is the case, JFresh is correct. Slafkovsky is driving the play with Slovakia with more frequency than he does with the Habs, which is perfectly fine and logical given the relative strength of the rosters in question.
Two Habs prospects are among the finalists for the Mike Richter Award, given annually to the NCAA's top goaltender. The award has been given to a few Canadiens prospects in the past, including Jacob Fowler and Cayden Primeau . This time around, Alexis Cournoyer (Cornell) and Emmett Croteau (Dartmouth) are in the running.
Another day, another game in which top prospect Michael Hage enjoys a multi-game effort. Hage had three points in Michigan's game versus Penn State, not to mention the game-clinching goal with a fantastic move in the shootout.
Former Hab David Savard absolutely robbed Jake Evans during an informal practice on Friday morning.
Mike Matheson and son took part in the fun skating session as well.
The Laval Rocket continue to win at will. That's a slight exaggeration, but Laval has a firm hold on the top spot of the North Division, easily beating the Hershey Bears 6-1 on Friday.
Sportsnaut Network
Forward Lenni Hämeenaho and defenceman Colton White won't play another game for the Utica Comets during the 2026 Winter Olympic break. A source tells New Jersey Hockey Now the plan is for the two surprise standout recalls to be on the New Jersey Devils ' roster for the final 25-game stretch in the 2025-26 season. [ New Jersey Devils ]
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to do something big to change the trajectory of this team on defence. Whether it comes at the trade deadline or in the offseason, they'll attempt to make some major changes outside the core of Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev . [ Toronto Maple Leafs ]
Washington Capitals netminder Logan Thompson made his Olympic debut for Team Canada. He made quite the impression on an international stage as he stopped 24 of 25 shots in Canada's win. [ Washington Capitals ]
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