Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed on Monday.
Montreal Canadiens News
- The Canadiens had more players available at practice, though they’re still without Ivan Demidov. With all due respect to Kirby Dach, he’ll have to start producing if he’s to justify his role in the lineup.
The Habs lines at practice today: Caufield – Suzuki – Slafkovsky Kreider- Newhook – Anderson Bolduc – Danault – Texier Dach – Evans – Kapanen/Beck Hutson – Dobson Guhle – Carrier Xhekaj – Reinbacher/Engstrom Dobes Fowler Thoughts? 🤔 https://t.co/1uQEaiRIyI
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 19, 2026
- Head coach Martin St-Louis is yet to reveal which goaltender will receive the start on Tuesday night versus the San Jose Sharks.
#Habs Martin St-Louis did not disclose which goalie will get the start tomorrow vs. San Jose
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) October 19, 2026
- The Canadiens were sporting brand new practice gear on Monday, with the teams split between red and white jerseys. At first glance, it looked like the Boston University Terriers were in town.
#Habs head coach Martin St. Louis has discussion with players at #Habs practice in Brossard. https://t.co/qLkL5SrS5U
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) October 19, 2026
- Chris Kreider, who has participated in three outdoor games, does not seem to be a big fan of the event. Truth be told, it’s more of a spectacle than a sports event, as the ice is always terrible, and most fans have a terrible view of the action.
When asked about this weekend’s #HeritageClassic game #Habs Chris Kreider did not sound like a big fan of #NHL outdoor games: "it’s only enjoyable if you win. It’s a dog & pony show then if you lose, it’s kinda like more of a letdown, so 2 pts & important to win a hockey game"
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) October 19, 2026
- It’s worth noting that the Kaiden Guhle – Alexandre Carrier pairing did quite well on Saturday versus the Buffalo Sabres. The second pairing is usually tasked with the most difficult coverage, making it a very encouraging result.
NHL Game Score Impact Card for Montréal Canadiens on 2026-10-17: https://t.co/tZ15NAfQOz
— HockeyStatCards (@hockeystatcards) October 18, 2026
- ICYMI: While the Canadiens tend to generate plenty of offence, they’re not yet a strong defensive team. But now that Martin St-Louis has placed Lane Hutson on the top pairing and Adam Engstrom on the third, the defensive results have been much more encouraging. Granted, it’s a limited sample size, but it’s a great step in the right direction. [Habs Stats: The Good, The Bad, And The Early-Season Ugly]
Sportsnaut Network
- The New York Rangers ever-changing fourth-line appears headed for another shakeup. The Rangers signed veteran Luke Glendening to a PTO on Monday, with an eye on getting him to join the fourth-line mix. [New York Rangers]
- The New Jersey Devils lost 4-2 to the Washington Capitals and still did the one thing they have done every night this season. They outshot the other team. [New Jersey Devils]
- The Winnipeg Jets have been one of the NHL’s biggest surprise teams in 2026/27, with a 4-2-2 record through their first eight games having them right in the hunt for a Stanley Cup Playoffs spot in the Central Division. [Winnipeg Jets]
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