Canadiens News and Notes: Trade Rumours, Reinbacher and Demidov 

NHL sources have told Marco D’Amico of RG.org that Evans’ name is out there and that several teams (more than half a dozen) are interested. The key for Montreal seems to be the return they’d receive with an NHL source stating that “I can confirm that they’re listening on a lot of players. Whether that’s full-out sell mode is to be determined. I still think Kent [Hughes] and Jeff [Canadiens executive vice President Jeff Gorton] would love to acquire roster players or players on the verge of making the roster as opposed to picks, but that all depends on what Habs player we’re talking about.” 

With the reported value of a second-round pick being mentioned, if Hughes wants to net a young, soon-to-be NHL-ready centre, he may need to add something to the deal to make it happen. In the meantime, Hughes has internal options to close out this season such as Owen Beck. While no American Hockey League call-up would be able to play to Evans’ level this season, they may not be far behind. 

Owen Beck Will be a Top-Six Talent

Speaking of Owen Beck, the Canadiens have called him up.

He has 13 goals and 19 assists in 47 American Hockey League (AHL) games this season. The expectation, for now, is that he fills in for any one of the several Canadiens forwards who have been taking therapy days or missing practice for family reasons. However, that is the immediate picture. Looking ahead, things may be vastly different as the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate head coach Pascal Vincent painted a picture of Beck’s future in a recent French-language interview on TVA Sports. He sees Beck as a future top-six centre. 

“I think the potential is there. He can play centre; he can play on the wing. He is strong physically and he wants to learn and wants to be challenged.”

-Pascal Vincent 

This type of potential and high opinions of Beck also make it possible for Hughes to entertain trading Evans at the trade deadline. While the young Beck may not be able to step into the role that Evans has with the Canadiens at this time, it is clear that they don’t see him as being too far away from that ability. 

David Reinbacher Returns 

David Reinbacher returned to the AHL Laval Rocket lineup recently and began to show why he was seen as a future minute-munching NHL defender. For someone who missed five months, he looked very solid defensively, and it left an impression on his AHL coach. 

“In general, defensemen reach their ceiling at 26-27-28 years old. He has good feet and his hockey sense is really really good[..] His offence won’t get created the same way like Hutson or Mailloux. It will be different. It will be a mix of all of that. I don’t know his ceiling but after two games, I’m really impressed.”

– Pascal Vincent (TVA Sports) 

As Vincent mentions, he will never be a flashy, offensive defender like his teammates, but more of a steady defender who relies on his high hockey IQ to make choices that lead to him creating high percentage plays and as a defensive stabilizer. If the Rocket can make a long run in the playoffs (Laval is firmly in a playoff position) it would give the young Austrian an opportunity to play a significant number of games, more than he had competed in last season an far more meaningful as well. This could mean that what was thought to be a potential lost season for his development may have been saved, placing him back on track. 

Demidov is NHL Ready

Alexei Zhamnov, head coach of the Kontinental Hockey League’s (KHL) Spartak Moscow who coached Demidov at the KHL All-Star Game, said in an interview with Daria Tuboltseva of RG.org that he believes the young forward is ready to make the jump to the NHL next season. 

“I think Demidov will be NHL-ready next year. He’s one of the most gifted young players I’ve seen. Plenty of guys have talent, but his career trajectory will depend on how he handles the challenges ahead. I got to spend time with him at the All-Star Game—he’s smart, down-to-earth, and carries himself well. That’s important. I only have positive things to say about him, and I hope he thrives in North America.”

-Alexei Zhamnov  

Demidov has been setting KHL rookie scoring records this season, and at 19 goals and 47 points in 57 games, he sits in the top 20 in league scoring, and is the only teenager in the top 50. 

Demidov’s addition to the Canadiens’ deep prospect pool adds significant hope for the team’s future and hopes to become a Stanley Cup contender. His arrival as soon as next season would provide the team’s offense a massive boost, and would likely place them legitimately in the playoff mix next season. 

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