Montreal Canadiens: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Coachella Valley Firebirds Re-Sign Mitchell Stephens to a 2-Year Contract

On Wednesday, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Seattle Kraken’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, announced they have re-signed forward Mitchell Stephens to a two-year contract.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Not only was Samuel Montembeault not traded, but the Habs sent him to play with the young players

As we know, Samuel Montembeault's future is pretty uncertain. The goaltender has been benched this season, and many people expected him to be traded this summer.

Ivan Demidov News / The Lead / July 8

Ivan Demidov’s Extension Reflects Canadiens’ Winning Culture

On July 1, the first day of NHL free agency, Ivan Demidov signed his first extension with the Montreal Canadiens. The Russian youngster signed an eight-year, $73 million contract.

Brendan Gallagher News / Dose.ca / July 8

PHOTOS: Brendan Gallagher skates in Brossard… wearing a Canucks jersey

During the summer, we know that a lot of guys skate in Brossard. The Habs players, in particular, are used to doing so. And that makes sense, since they train there during the season.

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

Alexander Zharovsky News / Dose.ca / July 8

Gleb Pugachyov and Alexander Zharovsky at the upcoming CMJ: It’s a possibility

For several years now, Russian athletes have been barred from participating in international competitions because of the war in Ukraine. That's true in hockey, soccer, basketball—you name it. But now, things could change, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to ease its restrictions on Russian athletes.

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.

Brendan Gallagher News / The Hockey Writers / July 8

Likeliest Canadiens to Replace Gallagher as Alternate Captain

There’s a flip side to every coin. While trading Brendan Gallagher freed up a roster spot for the Montreal Canadiens and took (50% of) a bad contract off the books, the Habs lost their longest-tenured player, a consummate professional and workhorse, a beloved fan favourite as a result and an invaluable leader in the locker room and on the ice.

Montreal Canadiens News / The Sick Podcast / July 8

The Canadiens Face a Crossroads

By JD Lagrange – When the Canadiens’ magical playoff run came to an abrupt end, it also did something equally valuable. It stripped away any illusions about where this team truly stands.

Alexander Zharovsky News / Dose.ca / July 7

Zharovsky Nearly Traded at the Deadline: His Agent Doesn’t Deny It

At the last trade deadline, the Canadiens didn't make a move. Kent Hughes was unable to complete a trade… but the GM made it clear that he had been working on a deal for quite some time, though it ultimately fell through.

Reilly Walsh News / The Sick Podcast / July 7

Canadiens Reportedly Add Right-handed Defenseman From The KHL

The Montreal Canadiens have reportedly signed right-handed defenseman Reilly Walsh to a 2-way deal, according to TVA Sports. The original report actually came from player agent Jeremy Garrett on Twitter/X, who claimed that Walsh terminated his one-year contract in the KHL with Barys Astana to join the Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens News / Dose.ca / July 7

The CH is the third-best team in the NHL, according to Bleacher Report

The Canadiens just had an excellent season. Martin St-Louis's team finished the season with a 48-24-10 record, good for 106 points, sixth place in the overall standings, and a playoff run that took them all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Montreal Canadiens News / Dose.ca / July 7

Death of Marc Messier: The Canadiens and the NHL Pay Tribute to Him

This morning, we learned that actor Marc Messier had passed away. The actor, whom we knew well from both the stage and television, died after a brief illness.

Montreal Canadiens News / NHL on ClutchPoints / July 7

The RFA forward Canadiens could dangle to upgrade roster

Rumors are running rampant in the NHL right now with free agency underway and teams around the league making trades and deals. The Montreal Canadiens are seemingly one team to keep an eye on, as it appears the club has an opportunity to use one of their restricted free agent forwards as possible trade bait.

Michael Hage News / Dose.ca / July 7

'Maybe Michael Hage isn’t mentally ready to play for the CH'

Michael Hage's situation has been drawing attention for the past few weeks. The CH prospect has decided to return to the NCAA next year… but there's a growing sense that this decision isn't necessarily set in stone.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The '2026 American League All-Stars' quiz

The '2026 National League All-Stars' quiz

The 'Most MLB All-Star Games' quiz

The 'Wimbledon men's champions' quiz

Arber Xhekaj News / Dose.ca / July 7

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.