Marc Dumont
Updated:
Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed on Thursday.
Montreal Canadiens News
- When the #GoHabsGo traded for defenceman Noah Dobson, they not only addressed a clear-cut weakness in the lineup, they made an aggressive trade to help the franchise take the next big step in their long-term plans. There’s still room for improvement, but so far, Dobson has been a great addition to the lineup. [Canadiens Player Grades: Dobson Trade Crucial For Rebuild Plans]
- The Habs should have a very busy summer, as they attempt to address the various needs throughout the lineup, including a No. 2 centre. We discussed important dates to keep in mind, and how they will impact the Canadiens. [Canadiens Summer Shopping List, Important Summer Dates]
- Pierre LeBrun discussed the Brendan Gallagher dossier, albeit briefly, and didn’t really provide much of an update. That being said, spending all day on the radio is bound to result in some segments that are far from groundbreaking There’s only so much information to go around, and there are plenty of outlets thirsty for radio hits. LeBrun did mention that he believes a sweetener is the sticking point, for what it’s worth. [Gallagher Trade Talk: Potential Trade Partner For The Canadiens]
Pierre LeBrun: Re Brendan Gallagher/Canucks: The two teams have talked for sure…it's not done yet I think for a reason; what is that sweetener? – Oilers Now (6/17)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 18, 2026
- Head coach Martin St-Louis celebrated his 51st birthday on Thursday, fresh off the best playoff result of his relatively short career as a bench boss. That being said, it’s sometimes difficult to believe that St-Louis is one of the longest tenured coaches in the league. Only Jon Cooper, Jared Bednar, and Rob Brind’amour have been with their respective franchises for longer.
Bonne fête, Martin! 🥳
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) June 18, 2026
Happy birthday, Coach!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/zp84fD48b5
- ICYMI: It was a very encouraging season for 22-year-old Juraj Slafkovsky. He set career bests in goals, assists, and points, while also gaining confidence when he was tasked with driving the charge on the second line. [Canadiens Player Grades: Slafkovsky Took Next Step In Evolution]
Sportsnaut Network
- The New Jersey Devils announced that Assistant Coach Jeremy Colliton will be leaving the organization to pursue other business opportunities. Colliton, a former head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, was with the Devils for all of 2024-25 and 2025-26. [New Jersey Devils]
- The news broke Thursday just after noon Eastern. After an investigation into his termination from the Columbus Blue Jackets after just a few months in 2023, the NHL would not restrict the Edmonton Oilers from hiring embattled coach Mike Babcock to fill their currently vacant head coach position. [Edmonton Oilers]
- The Washington Capitals and head coach Spencer Carbery have agreed to terms on a multi-year extension. Carbery’s contract was set to expire at the end of next year. [Washington Capitals]
