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Draft Lottery Odds, Slafkowski, Hutson

Posted on by Neons

MONTREAL — There's always something going on when it comes to Montreal Canadiens hockey, but it's not always possible to stay up-to-date with every latest story. On Sunday, we repeat the most interesting and relevant things NHL News you missed all week so you can stay in the Canadiens loop.

Monday

  • The season is over and it's almost time to focus on the prize at the end of restoring the rainbow. The Montreal Canadiens will have some interesting options in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, including Berkley Catton, Zane Parekh and Tij Iginla.(Targets for the Canadiens 2024 NHL Draft are starting to emerge)
  • Speaking of Iginla, the top 2024 prospect is having impressive success in the WHL playoffs. The 17-year-old had eight goals and three assists in six games against the Wenatchee Wild.
  • Head coach Martin St. Louis received some bad news as the team prepares to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. Kaiden Goulet and Arber Hekay were both unavailable due to upper-body injuries, leaving St. Louis without its top two defensemen. (Canadiens Game 76: Blueline Injuries Lead to Emergency Recall)

Tuesday

  • There are only a handful of games left in the regular season, which makes every result count. That also means it's time for another edition of the Montreal Canadiens Tank Watch. Overall, the Hubs are in good shape, but there are a few factors at play. (Canadiens Tank Watch: The draft lottery odds are becoming clear)
  • It has been a very exciting season for the up-and-coming Florian Hekai. He went from being drafted to one of the most productive prospects in the entire system. Moreover, it was not luck or coincidence. Hekaid tripled his output and also improved the quality of his plays. Given that his junior team was just eliminated from the OHL playoffs, Hekaid could play a few games with the Laval Rockets while also maintaining his amateur status to ensure he is eligible to play in the CHL. (Habs contract options for prospect Florian Hekaid)
  • One thing we often take for granted is the opportunity to spend time with our families. This is not true for many hockey players, which means that the time they spend together is special.
  • Speaking of prospects, Vincenz Rohrer had a very interesting season in NL (Switzerland). He quickly established himself as a third-string player capable of creating a reasonable amount of offense while creating chaos in the offensive zone. Remember, Rohrer is only 19 years old, which is not an easy age to play in a professional hockey league. His team, the Zurich Lions, will now play in the final. They are likely to face Lausanne as they currently hold a 3-1 lead over Friborg in the other NL semi-final.

Wednesday

  • The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed prospect Florian Hekai to an entry-level contract beginning next season. Xhekaj then signed a professional tryout with the team's AHL affiliate Laval Rocket. That means he is eligible to play for the Rockets if they qualify for the playoffs. (Florian Hekaj turned down the chance to sign his entry-level contract)
  • For much of this season, watching the Montreal Canadiens has focused on the top three of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkowski, or veterans who could be traded for futures as the Habs continue to rebuild. Any remaining attention was taken by a young defensive core or the emergence of Joshua Roy, so Alex Newhook didn't get as much attention as he should have. (How high can Alex Newhook fly with the Montreal Canadiens?)
  • Slafkowski caught the eye with his impressive performance in his first three-goal game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The hat-trick was a warning that the best was yet to come for the league's youngest player. (WATCH: Canada's Slafkowski scores first hat-trick)

  • It wasn't all good news on Tuesday, as the Habs announced that Arber Hekaid will be out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury that will require surgery. (Canadians)

Thursday

  • While fans expected the Montreal Canadiens to miss the playoffs, there was still some hope when it came to personal growth throughout the lineup. Young players such as Juraj Slafkowski and Kaiden Prayau have faced this task head on. (Here are three of the most improved Montreal Canadiens this season)
  • Of course, not every player could live up to expectations. With only a handful of games left in the season, time is running out for several players who have struggled through seasons. It's too late to save their season, but finishing the season on the right foot is the first step towards redemption. (Top 3 Canadian players with something to prove in recent games)
  • The second round of the OHL playoffs begins tonight. Philip Mesar and the Kitchener Rangers will face the London Knights, while Owen Beck and the Saginaw Spirit will host the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Both players had a great first round, with Beck scoring seven points in four games for the Spirit's Owen Sound offense, while Mesar had 10 points in six games against the Erie Otters. (CHL schedule)

friday

  • It was a good news/bad news for Hutson as his Boston University Terriers lost 2-1 to Sam Harris and the Denver Pioneers. On the bright side, this means Hutson is ready to sign an entry-level contract with the Canadiens. (Top Canadiens prospect Lane Hutson can now sign a contract)
  • Hutson was asked about his contract after the disappointing loss, but he was slow to discuss the situation, given that he lost one of the most important games of his career.
  • Prospect Luke Tuch scored Boston University's lone goal, a spectacular shorthanded effort. He could also sign with the Canadiens, but it remains to be seen whether he will sign with the Laval Rockets or the Habs. There's no doubt that his physical brand is a perfect match for a hockey racquet.
  • Although the Terriers did not advance to the National Championship, the Boston College Eagles defeated Michigan 4-0. The lopsided win was due in large part to the stoic performance of Canadiens prospect Jacob Fowler. Michigan beat Boston College 32-22, but they couldn't get past Fowler, who was on his way to establishing a reputation as a big-play player. Fowler was the USHL's Clarke Cup MVP last season.
  • There was also some hockey played in the league known as the NHL as the Habs took on the rising New York Islanders. Cole Caulfield scored his 25th goal of the season, but the Isles extended their winning streak to six games with a 3-2 overtime victory. (Canadiens improve the chances of the Islanders losing the lottery)

saturday

  • It's official, top prospect Lane Hutson has signed an entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens. Hutson was kicked out of the Frozen Four during the Boston University Terriers' recent 2-1 loss to the Denver Pioneers. His contract begins this season, serving as a reward for signing an early deal with the team that drafted him. (Top Canadiens prospect Lane Hutson has signed an entry-level contract)
  • Hutson is expected to join the team in Detroit, making his NHL debut against the Red Wings as they face the Canadiens in back-to-back games to finish the 2023-24 season. Head coach Martin St. Louis is likely to bring Hutson into the lineup as the 20-year-old has had a breakout year. Once Hutson gets comfortable, he will have a chance to be a game-changer for the Habs. Hutson's presence on the powerplay could benefit Juraj Slafkovksi in particular. (Canadiens prospect Hutson's impact on the team and Slafkowski)
  • With just three games remaining, the team's draft lottery chances are still undecided. Saturday's game between the Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators will go a long way in deciding where the two teams will draft in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. (Canadiens Tank Watch: Lottery odds decided on recent games)
  • Both Hutson and fellow Canadian Jacob Fowler were named to the NCAA All-American All-Star team.
  • The Michigan native will wear #48, at least for now.
  • The NHL is preparing to confirm that Montreal will be one of two upcoming host cities 4 Nations Faceoff tournament.

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