Highlights and quotes from the Montreal Canadiens' late-season availability

Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Traditionally for every team except one, the season ends with the players emptying the locker room before going their separate ways for the summer.

The players held staff meetings and then met with the media to discuss their offseason prospects. Some players go into detail about their plans to play in the upcoming IIHF World Championship. The tournament will be held in the Czech Republic and will likely have more talent than ever before as the players look to qualify for the 2026 Olympics, where NHL players will compete for the first time since 2014.

Kaiden Goulet said he will play for Canada until he recovers in time for the May 10-24 tournament.

Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton and General Manager Kent Hughes also met with the media.

The biggest news is that head coach Martin St-Louis is under contract for the next three seasons. Hughes said the team plans to exercise the option in the contract.

Kent Hughes says the Canadiens have exercised the option on Martin St. Louis' contract and extended it to two years. That means he's here for the next three.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) April 17, 2024

Kent Hughes says Nick Suzuki is learning to be a better captain every day and sees similarities with former client Patrice Bergeron.

“ Je l'ai vu avec Patrice Bergeron and Boston. Il a continué d'apprendre comment être le meilleur capitaine possible. Je vois beaucoup de similités dans les deux personnalités (with Suzuki). »

– Kent Hughes

— Hockey 360 (@hockey360) April 17, 2024

“The Stanley Cup?” – Where does Kent Hughes see the team next season?

“I want the players to have the goal of making the playoffs every season. I expect that every team in the East has such a goal.”

The goal in exit meetings is to tell each player how they can improve the team.

— Jared Book (@jaredbook) April 17, 2024

Hughes said he will try to improve the current roster but won't make too many sacrifices in the future.

Kent Hughes ne ferme pas la porte à conclure une transaction pour amelioration son équipe “mais pas à tout prix”. Le dg du CH ne veut pas nuire au long terme. @RDSca

— Andre-Anne Barbeau (@AABarbeau) April 17, 2024

“This is a team that has shown us a lot and we will see if there is anything we can do to take it forward.” – Added Jeff Gorton when it's the right time to step on the gas pedal during a rebuild.

— Jared Book (@jaredbook) April 17, 2024

#Habs Jeff Gorton says the thing he's most proud of during his time in Montreal is bringing in Kent Hughes and Martin St. Louis.

— Priyanta Emrit (@HabsInHighHeels) April 17, 2024

This article will be updated throughout the day.

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