Montreal Canadiens: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Canadiens add KHL defenseman on one-year, two-way contract

The Montreal Canadiens bolstered their organizational blue-line depth Wednesday by signing defenseman Reilly Walsh to a one-year, two-way contract. The agreement carries the NHL minimum salary cap hit of $850,000.

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The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

'I don’t see the Canadiens making a hostile bid'

Yesterday, the Utah Mammoth announced that Barrett Hayton would remain in Salt Lake City for the upcoming season. The Western Conference team matched the Devils' hostile offer.

Derek Lalonde News / Daily Faceoff / July 8

Canadiens hire Derek Lalonde as assistant coach

The Montreal Canadiens will be making an adjustment to their coaching staff, as they’ve hired Derek Lalonde as an assistant coach. Lalonde will be replacing Trevor Letowski on the bench, although Letowski is not being fired in the move, as he is stepping away from the role to have more time with his family.

Toronto Maple Leafs 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

Derek Lalonde News / Pro Hockey Rumors / July 8

Canadiens Hire Derek Lalonde As Assistant Coach

Former Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde has landed on the Montreal Canadiens coaching staff as an assistant, reported by Eric Engels of Sportsnet.

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.

Montreal Canadiens News / NHL Trade Talk / July 8

The Canadiens Just Made an Unexpected Change Behind the Bench

The Montreal Canadiens are adding Derek Lalonde to their coaching staff as an assistant, according to Sportsnet’s Eric Engels.The change comes as one coach has decided to step away for more personal family time and with Lalonde recently available after being let go by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Montreal Canadiens News / Pro Hockey Rumors / July 8

Montreal Canadiens Sign Reilly Walsh

The Montreal Canadiens have poached a depth defenseman from the international free agent market. According to a team announcement, the Canadiens have signed defenseman Reilly Walsh to a one-year, two-way contract.

Reilly Walsh News / Daily Faceoff / July 8

Canadiens sign Reilly Walsh to one-year contract

The Montreal Canadiens are bringing in some experienced depth along the blueline to their organization. On Wednesday, the Canadiens signed defenseman Reilly Walsh to a one-year contract.

Montreal Canadiens News / Professor Press Box / July 8

Canadiens Add Defenceman Reilly Walsh from the KHL

Not every NHL signing is about finding the next star. Sometimes, teams are simply looking for players who give them options. That appears to be what the Montreal Canadiens are doing by adding defenceman Reilly Walsh.

Mitchell Stephens News / The Hockey Writers / July 8

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.

Samuel Montembeault News / Dose.ca / July 8

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.

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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

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.

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.

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.

Montreal Canadiens News / NHL on ClutchPoints / July 7

1 player Canadiens must sign after 1st wave of 2026 NHL Free Agency

The Montreal Canadiens made a blockbuster trade at the 2025 NHL Draft last summer. One calendar year later, the team was much more reserved. The Habs made the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals thanks in part to Noah Dobson and his impact on this team.

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.

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.

Kirby Dach News / The Sick Podcast / July 6

Breaking News: Kirby Dach Files For Arbitration

On Sunday, Montreal Canadiens RFA forward Kirby Dach opted to file for arbitration. Dach is one of 15 players across the NHL and the only member of the Habs organization that filed for arbitration.

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.

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.