Marc Dumont
Updated:
Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed on Thursday.
Montreal Canadiens News
- Even though the Habs are trailing the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Final, it’s fair to suggest the youngest team in the league is in the process of gaining important experience. It took the Hurricanes several years to make it to this point, a lesson worth remembering. [Canadiens Learning Crucial Lessons In Eastern Conference Final]
- There was some very sad news to report on Thursday. Former Hab Claude Lemieux passed away at the age of 60. Lemieux was a four-time Stanley Cup winner, and was the player who carried the torch into the Bell Centre ahead of Game 3 just a few days ago. [Former Hab Lemieux Passes Away Days After Carrying Torch]
- Several of Lemieux’s former teammates, include Chris Nilan, expressed their sadness at his passing.
You never know when you’re going to see someone for the last time Rest in Peace MonAmi pic.twitter.com/9CzVliMQU4
— Chris Nilan (@KnucklesNilan30) May 28, 2026
- Fresh off a season that saw him score 16 goals and 26 assists in 59 games, Canadiens prospect Alexander Zharovsky was named the Rookie of the Year in the KHL. This is the second consecutive season in which a Habs prospect has taken home the illustrious award (Ivan Demidov, 2025).
Alexander Zharovsky is 2026 KHL Rookie of the Year! The 19-year-old was team's 3rd goals/points leader (16 G, 42 PTS, 59 GP).#KHLAwards pic.twitter.com/3QXt9VuV1R
— KHL (@khl_eng) May 28, 2026
- Zharovsky was voted as the No.3 prospect in the system by Canadiens fans earlier in the season. [Canadiens Top 20 Prospects: No.3 – Brilliant Alexander Zharovsky]
- Don’t be shocked if Jakub Dobes takes matters into his own hands on Friday!
This will be Dobes in Game 5 when the Habs refuse to shoot: pic.twitter.com/NoYKlEy7AC
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) May 28, 2026
- Speaking of Montreal’s rookie netminder, all things considered, he’s enjoying quite the impressive run, and that goes beyond his playoff excellence.
In November, Jakub Dobes broke down in tears after a loss to the Devils.
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 28, 2026
Now, starring for the Canadiens in the playoffs, it's clear the goalie has come a long way. (@EricEngels) https://t.co/Lyq85vYFg6
- ICYMI: If the Habs want to add more physicality, chaos, and shot production to the mix, they need to look no further than Brendan Gallagher and Arber Xhekaj. Even when used sparingly, both Xhekaj and Gallagher bring important elements to table, in situations that are clearly weaknesses for the organization. [Two Canadiens Players Who Could Help Them Beat The Hurricanes]
Sportsnaut Network
- Check out the view from the other side of the rink, and don’t forget to visit our sister site. [Carolina Hurricanes]
- It’s going to take a lot from Sunny Mehta to make it happen, but a huge New Jersey Devils trade for the second overall pick at the 2026 NHL Draft can certainly change everything. [New Jersey Devils]
- Matthew Tkachuk was vying to become the first American member of the coveted Triple Gold Club at the IIHF World Championship, but that will have to wait another year after Team USA lost 4-0 to Canada in the quarterfinals on Thursday. [Florida Panthers]
- The San Jose Sharks have added a defenceman. Phillip Sinn, a 6-foot-2 left-handed German blueliner, has signed a two-year entry-level contract. [San Jose Sharks]
