Marc Dumont
Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Wednesday.
Montreal Canadiens News
Jacob Fowler was recalled prior to the game versus the Ottawa Senators, which did not give him much time to prepare, but that didn’t stop the rookie netminder from making his mark. He saved 32 of the 34 shots sent his way to secure the win, while Juraj Slafkovsky, Alex Texier, and Ivan Demidov provided the offence. [Canadiens Highlights: Fowler Excels, Young Stars Secure Win]
Top Habs prospect Michael Hage enjoyed another fantastic night in the NCAA for the University of Michigan. The 19-year-old centre registered four points as the Wolverines dominated Notre Dame 6-1, advancing to the Big Ten semifinals in the process. Hage was rightfully voted as the No. 1 ranked Canadiens prospect in our annual fan-driven rankings. [Hage Takes No. 1 Spot In Canadiens Prospect Rankings]
Michigan power-play goal and Wolverines lead 3-0! pic.twitter.com/4NqHmvFolE
— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) March 12, 2026
Even though the NHL Trade Deadline is in the rearview mirror, the rumours linking the Canadiens to various players continue to flow. According to Darren Dreger, Kent Hughes and Company were interested in a potential trade involving Calgary Flames defenceman Zach Whitecloud.
Darren Dreger: Re Canadiens: We know that Kent Hughes was seriously interested in Zach Whitecloud, was there something bigger with the Flames?; that's what we're all kinda clawing for…to find out how close was he and what actually was he targeting – First Up (3/9)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) March 12, 2026
Chris Johnston, on the other hand, thinks the Habs were focused on forwards, but neither Nazem Kadri nor Robert Thomas were strongly considered beyond the typical due diligence. As per usual, we have to take every rumour with a grain of salt, especially since the Canadiens are known to inquire about the potential cost of acquisition of almost every player available for trade.
Chris Johnston: Re Canadiens: I know they were hunting around for some forwards; I don't think they ever got too serious on Robert Thomas and Nazem Kadri, but they talked about those players – Chris Johnston Show (3/9)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) March 11, 2026
By scoring 164 points before turning 22, Slafkovsky set a new franchise record for the Canadiens.
Not bad at all, Juraj!#Slafkovsky pic.twitter.com/08oqou36CA
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) March 12, 2026
Sportsnaut Network
When Shayne Gostisbehere was injured against the Edmonton Oilers, a separate issue arose aside from merely the fact of losing their most offensive defenseman. Once again, they had lost a significant contributor to their power play in the top unit’s quarterback. However, it appeared that this time, the Carolina Hurricanes’ coaching staff tried something new as they added Gostisbehere’s linemate, Alexander Nikishin, to the top power play unit as the quarterback [Carolina Hurricanes]
The Detroit Red Wings lost two points in a span of 90 seconds. En route to that setback, they’ve lost their top two centres. Is it possible that they’ve also lost the plot? No wonder the club is calling for reinforcements. [Detroit Red Wings]
The Florida Panthers are going to use these final 19 games to make sure players working through some things do not get worse. That includes Sam Reinhart. Coach Paul Maurice said Tuesday that Reinhart will not play tonight against the Detroit Red Wings, so the team can stay on top of whatever may be ailing him. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
