Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Thursday.
Montreal Canadiens News
Prospect Florian Xhekaj enjoyed the biggest jump in our annual fan-driven Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings. The versatile forward was ranked 18th last season, but made his way into the top 10 after an excellent rookie season in the AHL that saw him set a franchise record for goals, with 24. [Canadiens Prospect Rankings – Florian Xhekaj The Unicorn]
We’re yet to profile freshly-drafted forward Alexander Zharovsky in our annual rankings, a testament to the hype level surrounding the Russian prospect. Could he end up cracking the top 5? Stay tuned!
Habs prospect Alexander Zharovsky at training camp with HC Salavat pic.twitter.com/d9EWYUb98e
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 7, 2025
Ivan Demidov and Patrik Laine did NOT spend the entire day practicing in Brossard. I mean, they did spend a lot of time on the ice, but they probably took a break at some point. Right?
Right?
Right?
Notre collaborateur @PatouInfo est en direct du Complexe sportif CN de Brossard où encore une fois Patrik Laine et Ivan Demidov sont présents.
On a droit à un match 4 contre 4.
Équipe Blanc: Patrik Laine, Joe Veleno, le fils de Jeff Gorton, un espoir et Jakub Dobes.
Équipe… pic.twitter.com/MtuMkZ9vY6
— Frank Well Le Podcast Hockey (@fwell2) August 8, 2025
Speaking of practice, there’s a reason why Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis tends to gravitate towards players who give an honest effort every night. It’s because he had to pull out all the stops just to survive in the NHL, not to mention thrive.
Here’s how Marty St. Louis used to train during the off-season back in 2011 pic.twitter.com/xBbLWsw9Id
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 5, 2025
ICYMI: Talented forward Joshua Roy takes the No.9 spot in our 2025 Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings. Given that he spent most of the year in Laval, it may seem like he took a step back, but it’s much too early to give up on the 22-year-old winger. [Canadiens Prospect Rankings – The Enigmatic Joshua Roy]
National Hockey Now Network
It does not seem that rival NHL general managers are anxious to part with the young, early 20-something players that Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas wants in exchange for his talented veteran crew. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
The Avalanche are bringing back Joel Kiviranta for the 2025-26 season. The veteran forward signed a one-year contract on Friday, remaining with the club for the third consecutive season. His contract is worth $1.25 million. [Colorado Avalanche]
If you are wondering whether the Detroit Red Wings are still searching for another defenseman, William Wallinder, Axel Sandin Pellikka and William Lagesson would answer that they hope not. [Detroit Red Wings]