Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Wednesday.

Montreal Canadiens News

The Canadiens are reportedly interested in signing Mike Matheson to a contract extension. Only two NHL defencemen have spent more average time on ice than Matheson since 2023–24 (all situations), the driving force behind the current discussion regarding his value. [Exploring Potential Canadiens Contract Extension For Matheson]

The Habs had the day off on Wednesday, in the sense that they weren’t busy practicing, but they did get together for picture day.

There’s an interesting situation arising in Montreal. Despite most players pushing in the same direction, there’s also an important element of internal competition in play, which is crucial for any team looking to become legitimate Stanley Cup contenders.

Ivan Demidov produces based purely on vibes. Oh, and talent, a lot of talent.

ICYMI: You’d be hard-pressed to argue the five-year contract extensions given to Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton were unwarranted. Now that the team has their core players locked in, not to mention the architects of the impressive rebuild, the Canadiens can enjoy a level of stability rarely seen in the NHL. [Hughes & Gorton A Stark Contrast To Former Habs Management]

National Hockey Now Network

Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov will be out for the next five months after having shoulder surgery Paul Maurice told reporters on Wednesday. [Florida Panthers]

The Pittsburgh Penguins played their best game of the season in their 3-0 shutout win in the season opener against the New York Rangers. They followed that up with an entertaining, though perhaps not structured affair against the New York Islanders, who were playing their first game of the season. The last couple of games have not been as successful. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood is progressing towards a return, and all signs point to him being on track to play sometime in October. But Jared Bednar wasn’t able to give a precise return date during his weekly Altitude Radio segment on Wednesday morning. [Colorado Avalanche]

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Marc has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for Journal Metro, The Athletic, The ... More about Marc Dumont