The Canadians' best prospect pool, the draft lottery

Here's Montreal Canadiens news, highlights and what you missed over the weekend.

Montreal Canadiens News

• According to a recent analysis, the Montreal Canadiens have one of the most promising groups in the NHL, led by phenom Lane Hutson and fifth overall pick David Reinbacher. There is still room for improvement when it comes to the overall quality of the prospects, but their depth should provide them with plenty of options moving forward. (The Montreal Canadiens Prospect Pool is among the best in the NHL)

• While the NHL rewards bad luck with high draft picks, it has established a rule not to award the first overall pick to a club within a certain time frame. Fortunately, this rule was put in place after the Habs drafted Juraj Slafkowski for the first time in 2022. (The NHL draft lottery rule works to the advantage of the Montreal Canadiens)

• Nick Suzuki's decision to take a break after another very busy season continues to draw criticism from old timers on social media. Let us remind you that while his decision is completely justified, it is not up to the general public to dictate how a player spends his free time. (Suzuki's decision not to play in the world is justified)

• Prospect Oliver Kapanen will represent Finland at the 2024 World Cup.

Habs prospect Oliver Kapanen has officially been named to Team Finland 🇫🇮 for ​​the upcoming World Cup 😎 pic.twitter.com/QSewjZmh6i

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) May 5, 2024

• Top target for the 2024 NHL draft, Tej Iginla, enjoyed a terrific under-18 tournament, scoring the golden goal in Canada's victory.

Want to feel old? Here is Tij Iginla posing with his father after winning the gold #U18MensWorlds today's tournament is…🤯🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/HmQ9Ma4ggg

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 5, 2024

• This isn't Montreal Canadiens news, but Saturday was one of Canada's most reliable and exciting holidays; Toronto Maple Leaf Removal Day. The team of “Big Smoke” was once again unable to rise to the top of the season. Florida Panthers quarterback Matthew Tkachuk knew it was coming.

“If it's not too bad, I think we all knew this series was going to be Boston.”

If Matthew Tkachuk were a betting man…he'd bet on the Bruins 😅 pic.twitter.com/5LX09BRuIE

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 5, 2024

National Hockey Now network

• The Florida Panthers haven't beaten the Boston Bruins since being eliminated in the first round in Game 7 last year. Boston is unbeaten in four games against the Panthers this season, including two in overtime, including a month ago at the Garden. (Florida Panthers)
• The Dallas Stars outlasted the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 7 on Sunday night, scoring early in the third period to break a deadlock and win 2-1, meaning they will face the Colorado Avalanche when the second round begins. (Colorado Avalanche)
• The Boston Bruins have more to say, and coach Jim Montgomery said it last night after his team beat the Toronto Maple Leafs. “Number one: block out the noise.” Shu said the Bruins are a shocker. According to Shue, the Bruins will be the only major professional sports franchise to take consecutive 3-1 series leads. (Boston Bruins)