Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Tuesday.
Montreal Canadiens News
The Canadiens made a rather interesting decision, assigning netminder Samuel Montembeault to the Laval Rocket of the AHL for a conditioning stint.
According to the CBA, (13.8 Conditioning Loan), “Such Conditioning Loan shall not extend for more than 14 consecutive days.”
In other words, he’ll be back with the Canadiens by December 30, and he will also maintain all the same benefits and salary that he’d otherwise enjoy in the NHL. It should also be noted that Montembeault had to agree to the assignment in the first place.
All things considered, it was the right move for the Habs, Montembeault, and the Laval Rocket, a team that has lost half a dozen talented players to the Canadiens already.
According to head coach Martin St-Louis, Montembeault won’t spend the full two weeks in the AHL. He expects the Canadiens to re-assign him by Sunday.
Les Canadiens ont cédé le gardien Samuel Montembeault au Rocket de Laval à des fins de conditionnement.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 16, 2025
The Canadiens have assigned goaltender Samuel Montembeault to the Laval Rocket on a conditioning assignment. pic.twitter.com/FnhMAAIOrm
A few reports have linked former Hab Philip Danault to the Habs. He was once a very useful player for the Canadiens, but that ship has sailed. That ship has sailed, circumvented the world, and is now ready for some dry-dock action. Unless the Los Angeles Kings want to acquire another aging veteran with a rich contract, there’s not much value to be had in a potential trade. [Canadiens Rumours: Evaluating Danault Trade Interest]
On Saturday, the Habs put together one of their best games of the year. On Tuesday, Dr. Jekyll gave way to Mr. Hyde, with unforced errors by the Canadiens immediately leading to goals against versus the Flyers. Jacob Fowler was among those who made a mistake, but given his lack of experience, there’s no point in crying over spilt milk. [Canadiens Highlights: Lack Of Focus Costs Two Points]
If you’re under the impression that the Habs hit a lot of iron, you’re right. Versus the Flyers, Nick Suzuki hit iron twice, which means the Habs are quickly approaching the 50-post mark.
The Canadiens always get their daily recommended iron intake. pic.twitter.com/Kkkd81dIgc
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) December 17, 2025
Prospect Michael Hage continues to impress at Team Canada practice. Not only is he scoring in the shootout, he was also promoted to the first line on Tuesday, playing the centre role between Gavin McKenna and Brady Martin.
Smooth move by Michael Hage in shootout work @BarDown pic.twitter.com/lMVedr30e9
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) December 16, 2025
Sportsnaut Network
The New Jersey Devils are struggling more now than they have in the last several seasons. That might seem dramatic, but it’s true. And recently losing the Quinn Hughes sweepstakes certainly doesn’t help. It begs the question, is GM Tom Fitzgerald on the hot seat? [New Jersey Devils]
It was only a few weeks ago when things looked like they were going south for the Florida Panthers.
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions were in the midst of their longest home losing streak in five years leading Niko Mikkola to say his Panthers lacked a little bit of confidence right now. But things have quickly turned around. [Florida Panthers]
Chris Kreider left the Madison Square Garden ice high-fiving his teammates after a win Monday night. There was nothing unusual about that — except for the fact that he wasn’t wearing a New York Rangers sweater when he did it. [Forever Blueshirts]
