Marc Dumont
Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Friday.
Montreal Canadiens News
Montreal is in a very healthy situation when it comes to their playoff hopes. The remaining games on the schedule will present a challenge, but it’s worth noting they have an easier strength of schedule than most teams in the Eastern Conference. [Updated Canadiens Playoff Situation, Remaining Games]
The Habs signed prospect Owen Protz to an entry-level contract. The defensive defenceman was selected 102nd overall in 2024, and though there are no guarantees in sports, he does project as a potential fit on a third pairing should maximize his potential. Protz is currently playing for the Brantford Bulldogs, producing five goals and 18 assists in 64 games this year. Once the CHL playoffs are over, the 6’2″ blueliner is expected to sign a professional tryout with the Laval Rocket.
Les Canadiens s'entendent sur les termes d’un contrat d’entrée de trois saisons (2026-2027 à 2028-2029) avec le défenseur Owen Protz.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 27, 2026
Communiqué ↓ #GoHabsGohttps://t.co/mZl4w8hrAI
As a reminder, Protz absolutely loves getting involved in violent hockey-related plays. Entertainment is on the menu whenever he’s on the ice.
The Habs have signed defenseman Owen Protz to a three-year, entry-level contract.
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) March 27, 2026
pic.twitter.com/on8ey3wubk
Top prospect Michael Hage did not dress for the University of Michigan as they faced Bentley in the NCAA playoffs. Even though he missed an important game, the injury is not considered serious.
Lines for Michigan vs Bentley. Michael Hage will apparently not play today – listed as non-dresser. Believe he injured his right leg falling down while taking a slapshot against OSU. Spence top line LW (very deserved IMO), Muscutt 3C, Hady 7D. pic.twitter.com/GyKrf02F4O
— Matthew Auchincloss (@matthew_auch) March 27, 2026
Alexander Zharovsky refuses to stop producing in the KHL. The talented winger had an assist in Salavat’s 4-3 win over Avtomobilist in the KHL playoffs.
Luke Mittelstadt scored his first professional goal on Friday night, though the Laval Rocket ended up dropping a 3-2 shootout decision to the Bridgeport Islanders.
Ramassez la rondelle!
— x – Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) March 27, 2026
Get that puck! https://t.co/jEhWLgah5F pic.twitter.com/j8uHCxyOwu
Sportsnaut Network
The Avalanche welcomed back Logan O’Connor and Ross Colton to the lineup ahead of their 6-2 triumph over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday. This came two days after captain Gabe Landeskog returned and scored in Sunday’s victory in Washington. But with the positive news came another injury. Center Nic Roy was a late scratch on Tuesday and did not play. The team announced that an upper-body injury had sidelined him. [Colorado Avalanche]
There were many sights for sore eyes as all the Carolina Hurricanes packed into Lenovo Center, regardless of injury, for their annual picture day. However, it was the hopeful development at practice that caught the most attention Friday. Shayne Gostisbehere had returned for a full practice, skipping non-contact gear and going straight to the standard. Back to business, he claimed his usual spot alongside Alexander Nikishin and ran drills in his typical role on the power play. [Carolina Hurricanes]
Atlanta and Houston are believed to be the NHL’s top-2 expansion destinations. Atlanta has landed two NHL teams, but they never lasted. The Flames were in Atlanta from 1972 to 1980 before moving to Calgary. Then, the Thrashers came to town from 1999 to 2011 before becoming the Winnipeg Jets. [NHL]
