Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have truly succeeded in building a core of very talented young players who should make the Habs a competitive team for many years to come.<\/p>\n
However, beyond the talent of this core, the organization has managed to assemble a group of players who seem genuinely eager to play in Montreal and, above all, to play together\u2014even if it means leaving money on the table to do so.<\/p>\n
The players spend a lot of time together during the summer, both on and off the ice, and they can often be spotted around town at the various events that mark Montreal summers.<\/p>\n
The most recent example was at the latest edition of the LASSO country music festival, held at Jean-Drapeau Park, where Zachary Bolduc, Jakub Dobes, and Ivan Demidov were spotted.<\/p>\n
The three players appeared in a video from the festival last night, which was shared on platform X.<\/p>\n
Zack, Doby, and Demi @ Lasso #ILoveMyFestivalHabs pic.twitter.com\/Sb3mG3SJbo<\/p>\n
Bolduc, who still hasn't signed a contract for next season, tried his hand at filmmaking by carefully filming Thomas Rhett's performance.<\/p>\n
Then, we catch a quick glimpse of Dobes and Demidov watching the same show together from their side of the crowd.<\/p>\n
It certainly looks like country music is popular among the Habs players. Could this perhaps be the final legacy Carey Price left behind for his former club?<\/p>\n
In fact, it wasn't just the team's players who were at the LASSO festival\u2014Youppi! also joined the fun in his western jacket and hat.<\/p>\n
The famous mascot even joined in on the line dancing!<\/p>\n
Youppi!'s summer continues at LASSO!#GoHabsGo<\/p>\n
\u2014 Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) August 16, 2026<\/p>\n
But seriously, I think it's really nice to see the guys on the team spending so much time together and in Montreal.<\/p>\n
Many hockey players, especially Europeans, tend to return to their home countries to spend most of the summer training on their own or with fellow countrymen.<\/p>\n