Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Friday.
(Editor’s note: We will be taking a very short break as the Winter Olympics take over the hockey schedule, with minimal coverage this weekend.)
Montreal Canadiens News
According to Nick Kypreos, there is some interest in acquiring Patrik Laine, who is currently injured. Some have suggested the Canadiens will have to include an asset to move Laine, but it’s important to remember that teams will only be on the hook for roughly 22% of the remaining cap hit once the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline comes into play.
In other words, he will only count as a $1.9 million cap hit by then, which is easily absorbed by most NHL teams. If there’s interest, and teams can’t handle the cap hit, there’s always the option to retain some of his salary.
Given what we know about how Kent Hughes and company operate, I genuinely doubt the Habs would spend a decent asset to move Laine’s contract. Worst case, they can keep him on the books, as his contract expires at the end of the season.
Nick Suzuki points per 82 games 📈📈📈 pic.twitter.com/p07D1nm5rf
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) February 5, 2026
It’s almost time to start discussing the top 20 Montreal Canadiens prospects, as voted on by you, the fans. But first, we must introduce the project, and list the players who just missed the cut. [Top Canadiens Prospects: Project Introduction, Honourable Mentions]
David Reinbacher practiced in a regular jersey on Friday, which means he’s nearing a return to play. He did not take part in Laval’s game against the Cleveland Monsters, but he may be un uniform on Saturday.
David Reinbacher participe à l'entraînement matinal avec le @RocketLaval à la Place Bell ce matin.
— Vincent Demuy (@VDemuy) February 6, 2026
Avec un chandail régulier en plus. Toutefois, on me dit qu'il ne sera pas en uniforme ce soir face à Cleveland.
Ça reste un pas vers l'avant en vue d'un éventuel retour au jeu.
Speaking of the Rocket, they have found their new goaltending coach. Ilya Ejov, a Russo-Canadian, will replace Marco Marciano, having spent the last two seasons as Concordia University’s goalie mentor.
Le Rocket de Laval a annoncé vendredi la nomination de Ilia Ejov à titre d’entraîneur des gardiens de but par intérim jusqu’à la fin de la saison.
— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) February 6, 2026
🔗 https://t.co/G1EBuaFq09
The Laval Rocket announced Friday the appointment of Ilia Ejov as interim goalie coach for the remainder… pic.twitter.com/DhOHsdE4IV
Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki is on his way to Milan, preparing to take part in his first Winter Olympic Games. Team Canada’s opening game of the tournament is set for February 12, versus Switzerland.
Habs captain Nick Suzuki on going to the Olympics with Team Canada 🇨🇦:
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) February 6, 2026
“I’m just excited to get over there (in Milan, Italy 🇮🇹) and see the guys in a few days. Just get going on a dream come true. It’s pretty special.” pic.twitter.com/JzxVIYvTlC
ICYMI: With the Olympic break upon us, it’s the perfect time to evaluate how the season is coming along, within the context of the team’s long-term rebuild plans. There are certainly some weaknesses left to address, but it’s fair to say the Canadiens are enjoying one of the most successful rebuilds in recent NHL history.[Canadiens State Of The Franchise: Strengths And Weaknesses]
Sportsnaut Network
The Pittsburgh Penguins stunk against the Ottawa Senators. We’re talking the annual early spring pungency of dead fish on Lake Erie shores kind of stink, and yet they still had a shot to win in the third period until Claude Giroux nullified Arturs Silovs’s save by sliding through him into the net, taking the puck with him for the winning goal. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
If the Florida Panthers are going to extend their playoff streak to seven seasons — and try to defend the Stanley Cup for a third straight year — they have 25 games left and a lot of ground to make up. [Florida Panthers]
The San Jose Sharks released more images of their plans for a re-imagined SAP Center. The “Teal Reimagination” was hinted at by San Jose Sharks’ president Jonathan Becher last month [San Jose Sharks]
