MONTREAL \u2014 There is never a dull moment when it comes to all things Montreal Canadiens, but there aren\u2019t enough hours in the week to keep up with all the news.<\/p>\n
On Sundays, we will recap the most exciting and relevant NHL<\/a> news stories that you may have missed throughout the week so that you can stay in the loop.<\/p>\n Monday<\/p>\n ICYMI: Forward Emil Heineman was given an opportunity to play alongside centre Sean Monahan and forward Jesse Ylonen against the New York Rangers. [Canadiens Game 39: Heineman To Play, Potential New Lines<\/a>] There were plenty of options, but Montembeault\u2019s save in the shootout versus Mika Zibanejad was just about as good as it gets.\u00a0 It was so nice, you\u2019ll want to see it twice. [GOTTA SEE IT: Montembeault Robs Zibanejad In Shootout<\/a>]<\/p>\n Since returning from injury, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj has been playing his regular brand of steadfast hockey in the American Hockey League. However, it\u2019s difficult to envision him being down there for much longer, as he is simply too talented to not be in the NHL. [Defenceman Arber Xhekaj Deserves To Be In The NHL<\/a>]<\/p>\n Tuesday<\/p>\n The Montreal Canadiens have eight healthy defencemen in the NHL, a big change for a team that has suffered more than its fair share of injuries in recent years. They also have eight healthy defencemen, as well as a trio of blueliners in the ECHL who are waiting for an AHL promotion. Given the team has a surplus of defencemen, adding a forward via trade would be a logical decision. [Montreal Canadiens Defensive Situation Ripe For Trade<\/a>] Since returning from injury, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj has been playing his regular brand of steadfast hockey in the American Hockey League. However, it\u2019s difficult to envision him being down there for much longer, as he is simply too talented to not be in the NHL.<\/p>\n Abby Newhook\u2019s brother thinks you should head to a PWHL Montreal game. Tickets are going fast, with the first game at the Centre 21.02 already sold out.<\/p>\n H\u00e2te de voir la PWHL Montr\u00e9al \u00e0 la Place Bell le 16 janvier!<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfd2 https:\/\/t.co\/AHiotImuxr<\/a><\/p>\n Excited to see @PWHL_Montreal<\/a> take over Place Bell on January 16! pic.twitter.com\/Fcp6qJoreH<\/a><\/p>\n — Canadiens Montr\u00e9al (@CanadiensMTL) January 8, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nThe newly formed line scored a goal, but it was the Samuel Montembeault show on Saturday night. The 27-year-old netminder made over 40 saves and had to face more than a dozen high-danger scoring chances. His heroic performance held the fort long enough for the Canadiens to win 4-3 in the shootout.\u00a0 [Montembeault Steals Points Versus Rangers<\/a>]<\/p>\n
\nKent Hughes reportedly shut down an interesting draft-day trade offer from the Philadelphia Flyers. According to the report, the Flyers offered prospect Cutter Gauthier in exchange for the fifth-overall pick, which the Canadiens used to select David Reinbacher. [Canadiens Reportedly Turned Down Cutter Gauthier Trade<\/a>]
\nThe Habs have surpassed expectations this year thanks to Samuel Montembeault\u2019s excellent play, but there are a few good reasons why they still may end up with a top 5 pick at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. [Top 3 Reasons The Canadiens Could Still Improve NHL Draft Odds<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n