Hutson wants to play in front of “the smartest fans”.

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

• Lane Hutson is looking forward to playing in front of “the smartest fans in the world” in Montreal. (The Montreal Gazette)
• Is Hutson ready to play in the NHL? (Montreal Magazine)
• Jacob Fowler decided at an early age that he wanted to be a goaltender, even though instructional videos provided by USA Hockey were the only coaching available. (Montreal Magazine)
• The Canadiens haven't gotten better and they haven't had one of the top draft picks either, but their young players have made progress, which is more important for a rebuild. (La Presse)
• Juraj Slafkowski's first half of the season was all about getting the details right. The second half was about putting them all together. (Montreal Magazine)
• Slafkowski was helped by a partnership with Nick Suzuki. (Montreal Gazette)
• Trevor Letowski has been impressed with his defensive strides. (Canadiens.com)
• His colleagues admire everything he does. (Le Devoir)
• Alex Newhook believes he can continue to produce his top-six role if the Canadiens keep him there next season. (The Montreal Gazette)
• Revisiting the Canadiens' decision to draft David Reinbacher. (athletic)
• Florian Hekaj joins a Laval Rocket team that needs to win its last four games to make the playoffs, and that could limit his role and minutes. (La Presse)
• With Brandon Gignac injured, rookie Arnaud Durando will be a key player for Laval's playoff run. (RDS)
• According to the annual player poll, the Bell Center has the best ice in the NHL. (NHL.com)
• New Lions de Trois-Rivières owner Jeff Dickerson is seeking a 10-year deal to keep the team in the city. (Radio Canada)

Around the league and elsewhere

• Recent reports suggest that the Arizona Coyotes will be moving to Salt Lake City, Utah. The announcement comes as early as today, making the franchise move as early as the day after the regular season. (Sportsnet)
• The owner of the Houston Rockets is also interested in adding an NHL team. (Sportsnet)
• What would an NHL playoff race look like with the three-point system? (Sportsnet)
• Andrew Kopp noticed a broken bone on a tall stick. (TSN(
• Philadelphia Flyers management source says John Tortorella's job is not in jeopardy. (TSN)
• Pierre LeBrun's perfect schedule includes an early start to the season, less compressed events in the season and no All-Star Game. (athletic)