Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed on Friday.
The Canadiens must avoid heading into the 2026-27 season with a three-headed monster in the crease. Okay, sensationalism aside, there's very little value to keeping three goalies in the mix, but it will be relatively difficult to find an acceptable trade partner if the goal is to move veteran netminder Samuel Montembeault. [Canadiens Goaltending: Solving The Montembeault Dilemma]
Even though top prospect Michael Hage faced a lot of pressure to forgo the remainder of his NCAA eligibility, and join the professional ranks, the 20-year-old forward made the difficult decision to remain with the University of Michigan. Some expressed frustration, wanting to see him in a Canadiens uniform sooner than later, but it may end up being the very best decision for both Hage and the organization. [Canadiens Prospect Hage Embraces Greater Expectations]
Few things are more magical than parent enjoying the company of a newborn.
Here's your daily dose of Lane Hutson highlights, featuring his very first game in the NHL.
Speaking of Hutson, he was busy at work on Friday, in his natural habitat.
ICYMI: Gleb Pugachyov is one of the most interesting prospects in the system, owing to his impressive frame, offensive prowess, and top-notch skating. He's a long-term project for the Canadiens, but if all goes well, he should eventually make his way to the NHL and play a crucial role for the team that drafted him 26th overall in 2026. [Canadiens Top 20 Prospects: Gleb Pugachyov Personifies Power, Potential ]
New Jersey Devils prospect Samu Salminen is not returning to college hockey, New Jersey Hockey Now has learned. Salminen's agent, Markus Lehto, confirmed that the Devils prospect will not head back to the University of Denver for a fifth year after wrapping up his fourth NCAA season. [New Jersey Devils]
The Boston Bruins have been without a captain since the trade that sent Brad Marchand to Florida on March 7, 2025. As they enter the 2026-27 season, it still seems up in the air whether they will name one. [Boston Bruins]
The last year or so have been a whirlwind for Red Wings 2025 second round pick Eddie Genborg. The now 19-year-old forward was drafted by the Red Wings before playing his first full SHL season at just 18-years-old, putting up 9 goals and 16 assists across 43 games. [Detroit Red Wings]
Canadiens Prospect Hage Set To Embrace Great Expectations
Canadiens Goaltending: Solving The Montembeault Dilemma
Habs Daily: Goaltending, Pugachyov's Exciting Potential, Management