The Montreal Canadiens have a couple of Cristiano Ronaldo enthusiasts in their midst. Ivan Demidov and Jakub Dobes took a break from the NHL draft frenzy to catch some World Cup action in Miami, Florida. Known for his admiration of Ronaldo, Demidov, along with Dobes, sported the iconic number 7 jerseys as they watched the Portuguese legend in action.
While the excitement was palpable, the match itself-Portugal versus Colombia-didn't quite deliver the expected fireworks. Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes, but the game ended in a goalless draw, with Colombia dominating possession and peppering the goal with 26 shots compared to Portugal's 13. The standout performer for Portugal was their goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, who made six crucial saves to secure a clean sheet.
Looking ahead, Demidov and Dobes might want to consider heading to Toronto on July 2nd. Portugal is set to face Croatia in a high-stakes round of 32 match, where the intensity is sure to ramp up in this win-or-go-home scenario.
As the draft dust settles, all eyes are on Demidov's contract situation. Canadiens' GM Kent Hughes has expressed a clear intent to lock in the young talent with a long-term deal.
It's a strategic move to secure a team-friendly contract before the free agency frenzy begins, even if this year's pool lacks marquee names. Demidov has voiced his desire for a long-term commitment, echoing sentiments shared with his roommate Lane Hutson about the promising future the Canadiens are building-a future potentially filled with Stanley Cup triumphs.
Will Demidov follow the example set by teammates like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, who have opted for contracts that offer Hughes some cap flexibility? Only time will tell, but the Canadiens' faithful are hopeful that a deal will be inked soon.
In Other News...
Canadiens Just Sent A Massive Message About Michael Hage
Michael Hage keeps surfacing in the Canadiens bigger-picture conversations because Montreals interest in him has never been just about one prospect season. Darren Dreger reported on TSN 690 that around the NHL trade deadline, Kent Hughes was not willing to move the young center in a deal for Robert Thomas, a stance that fit the broader way Montreal has handled its top young talent as the rebuild moves forward.
Hages decision to return for a third NCAA season adds another layer to the debate, especially with Montreals run to the conference final changing the backdrop since those deadline talks. The result is a prospect profile that has only gotten more interesting from the Canadiens point of view, and it leaves the open question of whether his value is rising fast enough that Montreal will keep treating him as a core piece rather than a possible chip. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Just Made A Roster Call Fans Will Debate Into July
The Canadiens spent the day sorting through a familiar June task, issuing qualifying offers to a batch of restricted free agents as they begin shaping next seasons roster. Brett Berard, Zachary Bolduc, Kirby Dach, Jared Davidson, Sean Farrell, Hunter McKown, Maksymilian Szuber and Arber Xhekaj all got their offers, a sign Montreal still sees enough value in keeping those rights in house while the front office keeps its options open.
One name stood out for what was missing. Joe Veleno, who played 61 regular-season games and nine playoff games for Montreal this season, did not receive a qualifying offer and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. For a team trying to balance depth, flexibility and future upside, it is the sort of decision that can look minor on paper and still spark a pretty lively debate among fans all the way into July. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Linked To The Kind Of Center Move That Changes Everything
The Canadiens search for a true second-line center has been one of the more persistent threads around the team, and it is exactly the kind of need that makes outside ideas get attention in a hurry. David Ettedgui, who works as both a player agent and analyst, floated a speculative trade concept that would send a high-end left-shot center to Montreal, with Vancouver retaining salary to help make the contract fit.
It is important to separate the idea from any real momentum, because there is no indication Montreal is actively pursuing a deal. Still, proposals like this tend to stick around because they speak directly to the Canadiens roster issue and to the kind of swing-for-the-fences move that can alter a teams ceiling if the right opportunity ever presents itself. [Read more 🡒]