Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed on Wednesday.
Montreal Canadiens News
Stu Cowan believes the fact that both Arber Xhekaj and Zachary Bolduc are yet to re-signed means there’s a chance they’ll be moved in a sign and trade deal. And while I certainly respect Stu, I doubt the Canadiens are aiming to move two of their more physical players, especially since they’re not set to break the bank with their new deals. [Gazette]
The Habs are yet to sign Arber Xhekaj, and while the narratives surrounding the 25-year-old defenceman are well established, the truth about his value is somewhere in the middle, as per tradition. If the Canadiens offer Xhekaj a little more consistency in a few key areas, he’d be on the right track to improve both his play, and his impact with the Habs. [Xhekaj Value To Canadiens Amid Contract Negotiations]
ICYMI Speaking of restricted free agents, when it comes to Bolduc, the Habs are still debating between a bridge deal or a long-term contract. Considering his age, potential, and work ethic, there’s a solid argument to be made that a long-term deal is the best path forward. [Canadiens Analysis: Evaluating Bolduc Value, Potential Cap Hit]
Here’s your daily dose of Lane Hutson highlights:
lane hutson days till the season opener pic.twitter.com/uqDS0ygsSC
— thee offseason hottie🏒 (@its_thee_hottie) August 12, 2026
Gleb is a man of the (little) people pic.twitter.com/KFIMutlaAK
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 12, 2026
Sportsnaut Network
In a recent story for Sportsnet, David Morassutti highlighted 12 under-the-radar acquisitions who could surprise with their new clubs next season. The list began with Mavrik Bourque, a young forward who is likely to have a bigger opportunity and more ice time with the Nashville Predators than he received in Dallas. But the list wasn’t limited to younger players. One of the names included was Jaden Schwartz, Colorado’s most notable forward addition in unrestricted free agency. [Colorado Avalanche]
For the first time since the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ back-to-back championships in 2016 and 17, followed by the Washington Capitals’ first triumph in 2018, the Stanley Cup champion resides in the Metropolitan Division. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
Jacob Markstrom, Radko Gudas, and Alexander Petrovic are all returning for their second stint with the Florida Panthers this coming season. All hope to disprove author Thomas Wolfe’s famous quote: “You can’t go home again.” It is not unusual for players to return to the teams for whom they played earlier in their careers. [Florida Panthers]
Marc has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for Journal Metro, The Athletic, The … More about Marc Dumont