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Habs Daily: Trade Talk, Fowler’s Impressive Results, Laval
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- Habs Daily: Trade Talk, Fowler’s Impressive Results, Laval
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Here are the M ontreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Friday.
Montreal Canadiens News
With the NHL Trade Deadline a week away, we will soon delve into the many rumours surrounding the Canadiens, but for now, we can discuss one of the most recent talking points. Elliotte Friedman linked the Habs to Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen , however, it's important to note that he did not suggest it was a concrete report. Friedman made it clear that a player like Ristolainen could interest the Habs, but that's about it.
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"The Canadiens, I do think they've looked at some of these D," said Friedman in his latest edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast . "Guys like Ristolainen, or, guys like that."
He's a big, right-handed defenceman, the type of player that would interest most NHL teams, however, he also carries a $5.1 million cap hit that runs until 2026-27. Given his recent downtick in underlying numbers, not to mention the fact that he's on the wrong side of 30, I have a hard time believing the Habs are interested in paying a high price for a player of his ilk.
With only two players left to reveal in our annual top 20 Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings, we've reached one of the most important young players in the system: netminder Jacob Fowler. All things considered, he's shown he can be a dominant presence in every league, from the USHL to the NHL, but we should guard against thrusting him into the NHL spotlight too early. He still needs to absorb as much experience as possible in the AHL before the pressure of becoming Montreal's starter comes into play. [Canadiens Top 20 Prospects – No. 2 Stoic Fowler ]
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Craig Button suggested the Canadiens should trade for Sergei Bobrovsky , a goaltender who comes with a $10 million cap hit, and currently has the exact same save percentage as Samuel Montembeault (.874). With all due respect to Craig, that's a questionable suggestion that would not improve the team, while forcing them to move assets to absorb his expensive contract. It's a lateral move, at best.
The Laval Rocket are finding ways to win despite missing half their roster. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but they were without Adam Engstrom , Jacob Fowler, Florian Xhekaj, and Laurent Dauphin , among others, when they faced the Rochester Americans. Laval emerged victorious, winning 9-3, with Tobie Bisson (3), Joshua Roy (14), Vincent Arseneau (5), Samuel Blais (5,6), Alex Belzile (25), Filip Mesar (7), Owen Beck (7), and Will Dineen finding the back of the net for the Rocket.
Shockingly, or not, Michael Hage improved his season tally on Friday night. The dynamic prospect now has 13 goals and 33 assists in just 34 games. For reference Hage produced 13 goals and 21 assists in 33 games during his rookie season with the University of Michigan.
ICYMI:Kicking things off in the top 3 of our Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings is supremely talented winger Alexander Zharovsky, who is enjoying a fantastic rookie season in the KHL. He's a dynamic presence in the offensive zone, and the mere fact that he's producing in a professional hockey league at such a young age is worthy of praise. [Canadiens Top 20 Prospects – No. 3 Brilliant Alexander Zharovsky ]
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Is general manager Tom Fitzgerald still considering a Steven Stamkos , New Jersey Devils trade? Earlier in 2025-26, it was reported that the Devils were considering the two-time Stanley Cup Champion as a trade target amid struggles in Nashville . However, the Predators have turned things around, largely due to Stamkos' emergence after early-season struggles. [ New Jersey Devils ]
Brett Kulak was a perfect fit. In his first game with the Avalanche , a day after getting traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins , Kulak quietly had a solid defensive night for the Avs. More importantly, he seemed to play well with Sam Malinski on the third pair, while also getting looks with others, including Josh Manson . [ Colorado Avalanche ]
Before he even had a chance to skate with the Pittsburgh Penguins in training camp, winger Justin Brazeau got used to hearing from coach Dan Muse. It wasn't all that much, just a chat between a player looking to make a leap in his career and a rookie NHL head coach. [ San Jose Sharks ]
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