Canadiens Facing Tough Roster Decisions as Laine, Dach Near Return
The Montreal Canadiens are staring down a roster crunch - and not the kind you can skate around. With both Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach nearing activation, the team will need to make some difficult calls on who stays and who sits. It’s a good problem to have, sure, but it’s a problem nonetheless.
Laine brings a dynamic scoring touch that Montreal’s lineup has been missing, while Dach’s return adds versatility and much-needed depth down the middle. But getting them both back into the lineup means someone has to come out. And as much as it might sting, Brendan Gallagher’s name is starting to surface in those conversations.
Gallagher has been a heart-and-soul guy for the Canadiens for over a decade - the kind of player who leaves it all on the ice every night. But with a younger, faster core emerging and the team focused on the long game, it might be time to reassess his role. It’s not about what he’s done in the past - it’s about where this team is headed.
Four Years In, Kent Hughes’ Blueprint Is Taking Shape
Sunday marked four years since Kent Hughes took over as general manager in Montreal, and it’s safe to say the franchise looks a lot different than it did back then. Hughes hasn’t just stockpiled young talent - he’s locked down key pieces to long-term deals, giving the Canadiens a stable foundation to build on.
That kind of foresight matters in today’s NHL. It’s not just about acquiring talent; it’s about keeping it.
And Hughes seems to understand that better than most. With a core that’s starting to take shape, the next few seasons could be pivotal as Montreal transitions from rebuilding to contending.
Remembering Phil Goyette
The Canadiens community is mourning the loss of Phil Goyette, who passed away Saturday at the age of 92. Goyette spent seven of his 16 NHL seasons in Montreal and was part of four Stanley Cup-winning teams with the Habs. He was a classic example of the kind of player who helped define the Canadiens’ dynasty years - steady, smart, and always ready when the moment called.
Around the League: Andersson Heads to Vegas, Toews Returns to Chicago
Elsewhere in the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights made a splash by acquiring Rasmus Andersson from Calgary. The deal sent Zach Whitecloud, two draft picks, and a prospect the other way. It wasn’t the move many expected - Boston had been rumored as a frontrunner - but Vegas clearly saw something they liked and pulled the trigger.
Flames GM Craig Conroy noted that Andersson’s unwillingness to sign an extension as part of the deal scared off some teams, which ultimately limited Calgary’s return. It’s a reminder of how much leverage players can have in today’s trade market, especially when contract talks get involved.
Meanwhile, the New York Rangers have publicly acknowledged that a new chapter is beginning, signaling the end of an era for the franchise. That kind of declaration could trigger a domino effect across the league, especially among non-playoff teams looking to offload veterans before the market gets flooded.
In Chicago, it’s an emotional night as Jonathan Toews returns to face the Blackhawks. After everything he’s meant to that franchise - three Cups, countless memories - this one’s going to hit different.
And in San Jose, veteran defenseman Nick Leddy has been placed on waivers, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was honored ahead of his 1,000th NHL game - a milestone that speaks to his consistency and quiet excellence over the years.
What’s Next
For the Canadiens, the focus now shifts to how they reintegrate Laine and Dach without disrupting the chemistry they’ve been building. It’s a delicate balance - one that’ll test Hughes and the coaching staff. But if the past four years have shown us anything, it’s that this team is committed to building the right way, even when the decisions aren’t easy.