Montreal Canadiens: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

The hostile takeover bid that could be filed against Arber Xhekaj

The Canadiens currently have seven restricted free agents who remain unsigned. All seven of these players have received a qualifying offer from Kent Hughes and his staff, but they have not signed it—at least not as of this writing… Of this small group, only Kirby Dach has requested that his case be reviewed by an independent arbitrator.

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The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Why Returning To Michigan Is A Smart Decision For Michael Hage

Playing another season for the University of Michigan Wolverines is still and will remain the right decision for Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage. During the Montreal Canadiens’ development camp last week, Michael Hage re-affirmed his decision to return to Michigan for a third season of NCAA hockey.

Montreal Canadiens News / The Hockey Writers / July 7

Canadiens’ Prospects Most Likely to Make the NHL Roster

The Montreal Canadiens made the most of their draft capital during the rebuild. Some of those selections have already become key pieces of the roster, others are nearing the NHL, and a few later-round picks could still exceed expectations.

Samuel Montembeault News / The Hockey Writers / July 7

Samuel Montembeault Should Be on the Canadiens Roster to Start the Season

With Jacob Fowler emerging as one of the organization’s top prospects and Jakub Dobes looking like he is ready to be the number one goaltender, moving Samuel Montembeault seems like the logical next step.

Gavin Mckenna News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'First-overall NHL Draft picks' quiz

In the history of the NHL Draft, 64 players have been selected No. 1 overall. How many of the can you name in eight minutes?

The 'Conn Smythe Trophy winners' quiz

The 'Single-playoff goal leaders' quiz

The 'NHL saves leaders since 1995-96' quiz

Kirby Dach News / Dose.ca / July 7

Kirby Dach: The countdown has begun

Four years ago, when Kirby Dach was acquired by Kent Hughes, the player was offered a four-year contract. The thinking was this: his contract wouldn't take him all the way to unrestricted free agency (he is currently a restricted free agent), but would bring him one season closer to unrestricted free agency.

NHL News / Yardbarker

The 25 greatest rookie seasons in NHL history

There have been successful rookie seasons in NHL history, and there have been superior efforts worth celebrating time and time again. Here's our list of the 25 notable seasons from those with official rookie status, as deemed by the NHL, in reverse chronological order.

Kirby Dach News / NHL Trade Talk / July 6

Why Montreal’s Qualifying Offer to Kirby Dach Was So Unusual

Kirby Dach has filed for salary arbitration against the Montreal Canadiens — but the more interesting story might be why, and what might have happened just before that.

Zachary Bolduc News / Dose.ca / July 6

Zachary Bolduc: The Habs are hoping he can take his game to the next level

It's been a year now since Zachary Bolduc was traded to the Canadiens. In his first season with the team, the Quebec native scored 12 goals and 30 points in 78 games before adding three goals and seven points in 19 playoff games.

Montreal Canadiens News / Dose.ca / July 6

Oliver Kapanen Offered to Other Teams: Elliotte Friedman Wouldn’t Be Surprised

Oliver Kapanen had a pretty remarkable rookie season. The young center scored 22 goals playing alongside Ivan Demidov at center… but he completely ran out of steam toward the end of the season.

Montreal Canadiens News / Dose.ca / July 6

RUMOR: The Canadiens are set to sign a KHL defenseman

There's an interesting rumor circulating on social media right now. According to player agent Jeremy Garrett of 2112 Hockey Agency—who has sources in Russia—the Canadiens are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Reilly Walsh on contract terms for next season.

Joe Veleno News / Dose.ca / July 6

Joe Veleno practiced in Brossard this morning… wearing the Montreal Canadiens’ uniform

This morning, a few Canadiens players practiced in Brossard. Who was there? Our colleague Patrick Guillet, who was on site, spotted players like Ivan Demidov, Alexander Zharovsky, and Owen Beck on the ice at the CN Complex.

Montreal Canadiens News / Dose.ca / July 6

Does Ivan Demidov have any regrets? 'I don’t think so.'

Kent Hughes needs to give himself the means to make moves. And to receive, you have to give. Of course, players like Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky are, by necessity, names that come up often in discussions on this topic.

Kirby Dach News / Dose.ca / July 6

Who does Kirby Dach think he is?

No fewer than 15 players have requested that an independent arbitrator determine their next annual salary in the NHL. The Robertson brothers, Jet Greaves, Peyton Krebs, Akira Schmid, Trevor Zegras, among others… And Kirby Dach!

Kent Hughes News / Dose.ca / July 6

If it doesn’t work, here are Kent Hughes’ solutions

Kent Hughes may still make moves in the trade market. But that won't be easy for a general manager who has several issues to address right now. At this point, it's doubtful he'll be able to land a defenseman to pair with Lane Hutson, a physical forward, a third-line center, AND a top-6 winger.

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The 'Most MLB All-Star Games' quiz

The 'Wimbledon men's champions' quiz

The 'NBA Playoff-3's leaders' quiz

The '2018-19 PPG leaders by team' quiz

Montreal Canadiens News / Dose.ca / July 5

Hostile Takeover: Kirby Dach and Arber Xhekaj Could Become Ineligible Today

On Friday afternoon, the Flyers stole the show by making a massive hostile offer to Leo Carlsson. Reports suggest a five-year contract worth $18 million per year, aimed at luring the young center away from Anaheim.

Montreal Canadiens News / Dose.ca / July 5

'There’s a good chance the CH will come back with the same lineup—fingers crossed.'

We were expecting a big move from Kent Hughes this summer. We expected the Canadiens' GM to make a major trade, as he has done every summer since taking the helm with the Montreal Canadiens.

Shane Wright News / The Hockey Writers / July 5

The Right Canadiens Trade Target Is Wright

It was the stare seen all across Montreal back at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The Canadiens were hosting and had the first-overall pick, Shane Wright having been at the top of many draft rankings heading into the event.

NHL News / Dose.ca / July 5

Big contract for Mavrik Bourque: Zachary Bolduc must be happy

Mavrik Bourque was traded to the Nashville Predators in recent days. And it didn't take long before he signed a new contract with the Preds, as he had been looking for a new deal ahead of next season.

Montreal Canadiens News / Professor Press Box / July 5

The Canadiens May Be Winners of the Carlsson Offer Sheet

There's an old saying in investing: sometimes being early looks exactly like being wrong—right up until everyone else catches up. That might be exactly what's happening with the Montreal Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens News / Athlon Sports / July 5

Canadiens' Forward Emerges as Potential Trade Chip Amid Center Pursuit

The Montreal Canadiens have not finished looking for help down the middle entering the fifth day of free agency. Montreal still has more than $14.2 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia, and several restricted free agents yet to sign.

Kirby Dach News / Pro Hockey Rumors / July 4

Canadiens Have Discussed Kirby Dach In Trade Talks

Though the Canadiens are still in the market for a top-six forward, they’ve also discussed the possibility of dealing from their current depth group to make it happen.

Jakub Dobes News / Daily Faceoff / July 3

Is Jakub Dobes’ extension a risk for the Canadiens?

The Montreal Canadiens locked up goaltender Jakub Dobes to a three-year extension with a $5,357,575 million cap hit on Thursday, securing one of their young netminders for a few more years.

NHL News / Yardbarker / July 3

Three captivating NHL unrestricted free agents available on the market

Let's take a look at three intriguing NHL UFA's who are still available on the market and are looking for homes for the 2026-2027 season.

Flyers' offer sheet for Leo Carlsson is one of NHL's boldest moves in years

What should the Capitals expect out of Alex Ovechkin this season?

Best fits from the first day of 2026 NHL free agency

Five best signings from first day of 2026 NHL free agency

Five worst signings from first day of 2026 NHL free agency

Jakub Dobes News / NHL Trade Talk / July 3

Why the Canadiens’ Dobes Deal Is Even Smarter Than It Looks

The Montreal Canadiens continue to hit doubles and triples in contract signings. On the heels of news that Ivan Demidov had signed a new long-term deal, GM Kent Hughes also inked his starting goaltender to a new deal.

Noah Dobson News / The Hockey Writers / July 3

Canadiens’ Noah Dobson’s Contract Is Looking Better Every Day

When the Montreal Canadiens acquired Noah Dobson last summer, they didn’t waste any time making sure the talented defenseman would be part of their long-term plans.

Montreal Canadiens News / Pro Hockey Rumors / July 2

Canadiens sign Jakub Dobes to three-year extension: Instant analysis and reaction

Despite having one of the best goaltending prospects in the game, the Montreal Canadiens will continue to ride the hot hand.

Canadiens sign Ivan Demidov to eight-year contract extension

Five best signings from first day of 2026 NHL free agency

Ivan Demidov News / Daily Faceoff / July 1

Canadiens sign Ivan Demidov to eight-year contract extension

The Montreal Canadiens have reportedly agreed to terms on an eight-year contract extension with forward Ivan Demidov. Demidov’s agent, Dan Milstein, was the first to share the news of the signing on Wednesday morning.