The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens">Montreal Canadiens</a> solidified a core piece of their blue line on Friday, announcing a five-year, $30 million contract extension for veteran defenseman Mike Matheson. The deal, which spans from the 2026-27 through the 2030-31 seasons, carries a $6 million average annual value and reinforces the organization’s long-term commitment to one of its most relied-upon skaters.



Matheson, 31, has been a stabilizing presence on the back end and currently leads the team in plus-minus differential (+13) while logging a team-high 24:50 of ice time per game. 



His workload places him inside the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>’s top 10 this season, underscoring the heavy minutes he absorbs in all situations. Through 22 games, he has contributed 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists), continuing to deliver strong two-way production.



Since arriving in Montreal prior to the 2022-23 campaign, the Pointe-Claire native has reached a new level in his career. Matheson posted multiple personal bests during a standout 2023-24 season, including 51 assists, 62 points, five power-play goals and 28 power-play points, while matching his career high of 11 goals. His average ice time of 25:06 over that span ranks seventh leaguewide, highlighting his status as one of the NHL’s true workhorse defensemen.







<h2>Matheson’s evolution</h2>



Currently in his fourth season with the Canadiens, Matheson has become a central figure in the team’s defensive structure. His ability to transition the puck, quarterback the power play and handle top-pair matchups has made him indispensable in Montreal’s rebuilding phase.


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General manager Kent Hughes emphasized that the extension reflects both performance and leadership value within the locker room. Matheson’s professionalism and consistency have earned him a prominent role as the organization builds toward long-term competitiveness.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6929d24ae2d53b59fb2f0397" data-title="Who wins this contract extension for the Canadiens?" data-options="4"></div>


Acquired from the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> on July 16, 2022, Matheson has steadily risen to become one of the Canadiens’ most trusted players. His new five-year deal reinforces his place in the franchise’s future and further stabilizes a blue line that continues evolving under the club’s current vision.

Canadiens lock in Mike Matheson with major extension as team momentum builds

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NHL News: Canadiens make major contract extension decision on defenseman Mike Matheson - Bolavip US

Canadiens make major contract extension decision on defenseman Matheson

NHL News: Canadiens make major contract extension decision on defenseman Mike Matheson

miniaturas

One man’s trash can indeed become another man’s treasure. With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/auston-matthews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auston Matthews</a> returning to the lineup, the Toronto Maple Leafs deemed it best to place Sammy Blais on waivers. In doing so, they may have handed a gift to their biggest rivals in the NHL. An overlooked and frustrated forward has now landed straight into the lap of the Montreal Canadiens.



Insider Elliotte Friedman was the first to report the news of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montreal</a> claiming Sammy Blais off waivers in the 2025-26 NHL season. Now, the Stanley Cup-winning forward will be joining his fourth team in the league. 



Selected with a sixth round pick in the 2014 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> entry Draft, Blais was a part of the St. Louis Blues’ Stanley Cup-winning roster in the 2018-19 season. Blais appeared in 15 postseason games, registering three points (1G, 2A). His numbers are far from mind-blowing, but his name is still etched in immortality on Lord Stanley.



<h2>Back with the Canadiens</h2>



Blais signed with the Canadiens as an unrestricted free agent over the summer, but he never even made his season debut in Montreal before being placed on waivers. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1082" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251127_BUS_534943_sammy-blais-1_1bbabe4d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1082" alt="" class="wp-image-535021"></figure><figcaption>Sammy Blais hoists the Stanley Cup </figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maple Leafs</a> scooped him up on October 6th—and now the story has come full circle. Though the Canadiens and Maple Leafs feature one of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/top-greatest-rivalries-in-nhl-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biggest rivalries in the NHL</a>, it looks as if they are now playing a game of hot potato with Blais, shuffling him from one address to another.


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<h2>Headed to the AHL</h2>



Immediately after announcing the latest roster move, the Canadiens confirmed Blais will be reporting to the AHL affiliate, Laval Rocket. It goes to show how Blais is widely regarded around the league: as a minor-league caliber talent. 



When the Buds placed Blais on waivers, they hoped for him to clear it and consequently be allowed to be sent down to the AHL. One way or the other, the 29-year-old winger is in the minors. 



<h3>Potential revenge game for Blais</h3>



However, the Habs may call him up at some stage of the 2025-26 NHL season. If they do so before December 6, Blais could be up for a revenge game when the Canadiens visit Matthews and the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6928b73ee2d53b59fb2f0377" data-title="Should Montreal give Blais a chance in the NHL?" data-options="3"></div>

Montreal Canadiens claim Stanley Cup champ, former Toronto Maple Leafs veteran off waivers

NHL News: After Maple Leafs cut ties, Canadiens confirm return of former Auston Matthews teammate, Stanley Cup champion - Bolavip US

After Leafs cut ties, Habs confirm return of former Matthews teammate

NHL News: After Maple Leafs cut ties, Canadiens confirm return of former Auston Matthews teammate, Stanley Cup champion

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs’</a> struggles continued at the Bell Centre as the team fell 5-2 to the Montreal Canadiens, ending the Habs’ five-game losing streak. Injuries once again dictated the flow of the game, leaving Toronto shorthanded and unable to sustain pressure through the second period.



Key players remained sidelined, with captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/auston-matthews">Auston Matthews</a> missing his fifth straight game and forward Matthew Knies out for a third consecutive contest. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz, dealing with an upper-body injury from November 11 against the Boston Bruins, also remained unavailable, further straining the lineup.



Amid the team’s difficulties, former Maple Leafs defenseman Jay Rosehill voiced frustration on social media about the current state of the franchise. “This is just ugly. I can’t find a single positive or redeeming thing about the team right now. They have to get healthy. Even then, I still wonder,” Rosehill wrote.



<h2>Can Toronto find stability amid injuries and inconsistency?</h2>



Coach Craig Berube acknowledged the challenges during postgame comments, citing a lack of urgency as a key factor in Toronto’s struggles. “We go out there and we don’t play with any urgency or any confidence in a second period, because we get down a couple goals… This is a veteran hockey team. It’s inexcusable,” Berube said, according to TSN.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="503" height="197" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251123_BUS_532385_maple-leafs-1_fa84595e.webp&amp;width=503&amp;height=197" alt="" class="wp-image-532390"></figure></figure>



Forward William Nylander reflected on the team’s second-period lapses: “We came out dominating them. And then they make a nice play and score, and I feel like we get pushed back on our heels a little bit versus just keeping on the gas.” Toronto’s inability to maintain momentum across periods has emerged as a persistent issue this season.


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The Maple Leafs will aim to regain health and consistency as they prepare for upcoming matchups, hoping to recover lost ground in the Atlantic Division.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="69235e9c2d286e1484d5eb70" data-title="Will the Toronto Maple Leafs recover after their loss to Montreal?" data-options="3"></div>

Ex-Maple Leafs defenseman makes honest take on team' performance vs Canadiens amid injuries

Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin makes NHL history with hat trick vs Canadiens and joins elite club

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NHL News: Former Maple Leafs defenseman makes honest take on team's performance vs Canadiens amid injury-stricken season - Bolavip US

Former Maple Leafs defenseman makes honest take on team's performance vs Canadiens amid injury-stricken season

NHL News: Former Maple Leafs defenseman makes honest take on team’s performance vs Canadiens amid injury-stricken season

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alex-ovechkin">Alex Ovechkin</a> has made a career out of defying expectations, and on Thursday night, he added another remarkable chapter to his historic résumé. Even at 40 years old, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-capitals">Washington Capitals</a> icon continues to score at a pace that places him besides himself among the greatest offensive forces the NHL has ever seen.



Against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens">Montreal Canadiens</a>, Ovechkin delivered a vintage performance, completing a hat trick with the kind of poise, precision, and instinct that have defined two decades of dominance. Age may have slowed his ice time, but it hasn’t touched his scoring touch.



With the feat, Ovechkin became the oldest player ever to record a hat trick against the Canadiens, a milestone that underscores both his longevity and sustained impact.



<h2>How Ovechkin sparked Washington’s momentum</h2>



The performance also extended his current hot streak. Entering Thursday, Ovechkin had scored a goal in three straight games; his hat trick against Montreal stretched that run to four, fueling a Capitals team that has now won three consecutive contests.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">905, 906, 907 FOR OVI!!!!!!! 🎩🎩🎩 <a href="https://t.co/D6CGPbTNhw">pic.twitter.com/D6CGPbTNhw</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1991700589164589140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Efficiency defined his night. Ovechkin recorded only three shots on goal — and every single one found the back of the net. For a player whose prime featured high-volume shooting nights, this precision reflects a late-career evolution rooted in experience and positioning.


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<h2>Ovechkin’s production</h2>



Through 21 games this season, Ovechkin has totaled 10 goals and 10 assists, maintaining a near point-per-game pace that keeps his legendary numbers climbing. With Thursday’s performance, he now stands at 907 career goals, further extending the NHL’s all-time record.



He has also accumulated 736 assists for 1,643 points across 1,512 games, reinforcing the consistency and durability that have defined his career. Few players in the league’s history have sustained elite scoring output for as long as Ovechkin has.



<h2>What lies ahead for the Capitals’ captain</h2>



If his recent stretch is any indication, Ovechkin remains a driving force behind Washington’s push up the standings. As long as he stays healthy and continues producing at this pace, the story of Ovechkin’s historic career is far from finished — and NHL history will continue to shift each time he steps on the ice.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="692087612d286e1484d5eb57" data-title="How long do you think Alex Ovechkin can continue producing at this level?" data-options="3"></div>

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Capitals' Alex Ovechkin makes NHL history with hat trick vs Canadiens and joins elite club - Bolavip US

Capitals' Ovechkin makes NHL history with hat trick vs Canadiens and joins elite club

Lane Hutson and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montreal Canadiens</a> simply can’t snap their losing hex in the 2025-26 NHL season. Despite a late push in the third period to take the game to overtime, the Habs lost in a shootout to the Columbus Blue Jackets. After the game, the Calder Trophy winner admitted the Canadiens should be listening more to the fans at the Bell Centre.



Just because the majority of people say something doesn’t mean that’s the truth or what should be done. However, sometimes, when 19,000 fans scream at the top of their lungs, “Shoot!”, it might be a wise decision to take a shot on goal. Hutson and the Canadiens just can’t buy a win as of late in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>. Perhaps acting on their fans’ demands can change the tide for the Habs as they ride a tough losing slump.



On that note, Hutson admitted the Canadiens may start taking the fans’ input into consideration. Following the 4-3 shootout defeat against the Blue Jackets in The Discovery City, the Habs return home to the City of Festivals, where the air is far from filled with jubilation.



“Not really [we don’t really hear when fans scream ‘Shoot!’]. But I guess sometimes we should listen a little bit,” Lane Hutson admitted postgame, via The Montreal Gazette. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251118_BUS_529511_lane-hutson_87468b31.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Lane Hutson breaks silence on Olympics controversy" class="wp-image-492337" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Lane Hutson at UBS Arena on March 20, 2025 in Elmont, New York. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Not for a lack of trying on the Canadiens’ part</h2>



Whenever a team in the NHL is struggling to win games, the first thought is that it’s having trouble generating offense and getting pucks in the net. For Montreal, that’s not necessarily the case. 


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Through 19 games, the Habs have registered a higher goal average (3.32 goals per game) than they did during their magical 2024-25 campaign (2.96 goals) . If anything, the Canadiens are playing worse defensively. Last season, Montreal conceded an average of 3.2 goals per outing. This campaign, the number is barely up to 3.4 goals against per game.



<h2>Time to face the music for Hutson and the Habs</h2>



Thus, the answers Hutson and the Habs are searching for are not in the raw numbers. Though it’s hard to believe in today’s NHL, where everything comes down to analytics and data, maybe the Canadiens are simply catching the short end of the stick routinely. It may be a matter of the puck bouncing their way once in order to end the hex. 



Until then, the youngest roster in the league must learn to make its peace with frustration and learn to handle it. If not, then the Habs might truly be doomed. As deflating as losing four games in a row is, Montreal could do a lot worse than sitting near the top of the Atlantic Division with 23 points (10-6-3).


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="691cd82f2d286e1484d5eb02" data-title="Will Montreal make the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs?" data-options="2"></div>

NHL News: Lane Hutson drops honest message for Canadiens on listening to fans in Montreal

NHL News: Lane Hutson drops honest message for Canadiens on listening to fans in Montreal - Bolavip US

Hutson drops honest message for Canadiens on listening to fans

After a magical start to the 2025-26 NHL season, the Montreal Canadiens are suddenly walking a tightrope. With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrik-laine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrik Laine</a> out long-term, the Habs have now confirmed that Kirby Dach will be sidelined as well.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montreal</a> came into the NHL campaign with sky-high expectations. After the massive strides taken last season, the Canadiens knew they could make a lot of noise riding on the shoulders of one of the youngest and most electric rosters in the league.



However, adversity is hitting the City of Saints in waves now. On top of Laine’s absence—following surgery to repair a core muscle injury—the Canadiens are missing Alex Newhook (surgery on ankle) and Kaiden Guhle (surgery on partially torn adductor). It doesn’t end there, as Montreal confirmed Dach is out—at least—until late December.



As the Canadiens announced through its social media, Kirby Dach will be out for 4-6 weeks with a fractured foot. The 24-year-old center sustained the season-endangering injury during the Habs’ 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251116_BUS_528100_kirby-dach-3_f5ee4c92.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-528235"></figure><figcaption>Kirby Dach in action during a game</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Dach’s stats in the 2025-26 NHL season</h2>



Through 15 games in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> campaign, Dach had recorded 7 points—thanks to his five goals and two assists. In his career, the former third-overall pick in 2019 (drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks) amasses 48 goals, 80 assists, and 128 points in 248 appearances.


 

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<h2>Bad juju</h2>



According to Elite Prospects, the Canadiens boast the youngest squad in the NHL with an average age of 25.08. Though being young is synonymous with boldness and a fast-paced playstyle, it also comes with inexperience. In times of adversity, the team’s callowness comes to light. 



As the injury bug wreaks havoc through the lineup, the nascent roster struggles to find answers. That’s been exemplified by Montreal’s three-game losing streak, during which they’ve been outscored 15–3. Moreover, the Habs have dropped five of their last six outings, and what once looked like a throne atop the Atlantic Division is quickly starting to resemble a rocking chair in Quebec’s Metropolis.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="691a246d2d286e1484d5eacb" data-title="Who will win the Atlantic Division?" data-options="8"></div>

Montreal Canadiens announce terrible news after latest injury update on Kirby Dach

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NHL News: In addition to Patrik Laine’s absence, Canadiens confirm yet another long-term injury to key forward - Bolavip US

In addition to Laine’s absence, Canadiens confirm yet another long-term injury to key forward

NHL News: In addition to Patrik Laine’s absence, Canadiens confirm yet another long-term injury to key forward

With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrik-laine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrik Laine</a> out for months in the 2025-26 NHL season, the Montreal Canadiens are exploring all options to aid the sensible absence. On that note, a report around the league hints the Buffalo Sabres might have the answer to the Habs’ problems among their ranks.



Laine underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury in late October, which will sideline him at least until the start of the new year in the NHL. With one of the team’s main goal scorers out of the picture for a long stretch, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadiens</a> are leaving no stone unturned. 



Tage Thompson has been on the radar of virtually every franchise in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>. Despite the perennial organization crisis affecting the Sabres, Thompson has been a standout in Buffalo for a long time, being among the league’s top goal scorers. Now, the Canadiens are reportedly trying their luck with the Arizona-native.



As reported by insider Marco D’Amico, the Canadiens are among the teams to check in with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-sabres" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sabres</a> about Tage Thompson. “The answer: Not available at this time,” D’Amico stated on X, though. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251112_BUS_525441_tage-thompson_24719974.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-525497"></figure><figcaption>Tage Thompson during warmups</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Thompson’s numbers</h2>



Coming off his second 40-plus goal season in the NHL, Thompson has drawn eyes all around the league. The Sabres remain stuck on their own twisted version of The Groundhog’s Day, and the impatience is growing uncontrollable in Buffalo. At some point, living in the City of Good Neighbors is not enough to dismiss the embarrassing showings night in and night out.


 

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So far in his career, Thompson registers 182 goals and 155 assists (337 points) through 463 appearances. Moreover, the former first-round selection (drafted by the St. Louis Blues) in 2016 has three 30-plus goal seasons, including a career best 94-point season, highlighted by his 47-goal production. 



<h2>Wanting out</h2>



Though Thompson hasn’t publicly asked for a trade out of Buffalo, it’s easy to imagine he might be open to a fresh start. After turning 28 in October, the 6’6” centerman may sense the clock starting to tick. Being on his 9th NHL season, Thompson has yet to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and he could be just what a team like Montreal need to truly be a championship contender. 



However, the contract situation can’t be ignored. Thompson entered the third season of the seven-year, $50 million extension he signed with the Sabres on August 2022. Montreal currently has $6.68 million available in cap space. In order to accomodate, Thompson’s $7.14M cap hit, the Habs would have to let go of some pieces—or the Sabres must retain a part of Thompson’s salary.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">TAGE THOMPSON SCORES THE GOLDEN GOAL AND IS THE HERO FOR TEAM USA!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/usahockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usahockey</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BuffaloSabres</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MensWorlds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MensWorlds</a> <a href="https://t.co/HdMaQstvGt">pic.twitter.com/HdMaQstvGt</a>— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLMedia/status/1926750419264446687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



It’s still early in the NHL season, so there’s no need for the Canadiens to rush into a move. Montreal has weathered the storm just fine so far, sitting atop the Atlantic Division. However, when the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin to loom on the horizon, the Habs could resume their pursuit of Thompson—most likely around the trade deadline. They won’t be alone, though. If Buffalo fails to right the ship, expect Thompson to be one of the hottest names in the league come March.

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Canadiens reportedly eye star stuck on divisional opponent as Laine’s replacement

NHL News: Canadiens reportedly eye star stuck on divisional opponent as Patrik Laine’s replacement

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The Montreal Canadiens confirmed that forward <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrik-laine">Patrik Laine</a> underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury, a procedure that will keep him sidelined for an estimated three to four months. The operation, performed by Dr. Mark Zoland at Lennox Hill Hospital in New York, comes as a major setback early in the 2025–26 NHL season.



Laine had initially been listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury, prompting speculation about a knee problem. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens">Canadiens</a> GM Kent Hughes revealed the situation was “something completely new,” signaling that the injury was more severe than originally expected.



“Forward Patrik Laine underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury. The procedure was performed by Dr. Mark Zoland at Lennox Hill Hospital in New York. Laine’s recovery period is estimated to be three to four months,” the Canadiens shared on X. 



This official statement confirms Laine will miss a significant portion of the season, leaving a noticeable hole in the Canadiens’ top-six forward group. The team is likely to rely on younger players and depth forwards to maintain offensive production during his absence.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251025_BUS_515169_G4Hi9WcWgAAuvDL-819x1024_89758a6c.webp&amp;width=819&amp;height=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-515173" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Implications for Canadiens</h2>



Laine’s $8.7M AAV contract is set to expire at the end of the season, adding pressure for both his recovery and future negotiations. The Canadiens will need to adjust their strategy and give more ice time to secondary scorers while monitoring Laine’s rehabilitation closely.


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NHL News: Canadiens confirm major setback for Patrik Laine, provide important injury update - Bolavip US

Canadiens confirm major setback for Laine, provide important injury update

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Martin St. Louis is never one to sugarcoat his thoughts after any game in the NHL. Following the Montreal Canadiens’ triumph over the Buffalo Sabres, the head coach in Quebec’s Metropolis delivered a sincere statement to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrik-laine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrik Laine</a> and the rest of the locker room.



Montreal has been one of the hottest teams to start the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season. After losing in opening night to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Habs got back on track with five wins in the next six games. 



After a misstep against the New York Rangers at home, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montreal</a> redeemed itself defeating the Buffalo Sabres by a score of 4-2. However, for Coach St. Louis, the means are as important as the end result. On that note, he delivered a blunt reminder for the Canadiens, who might be on track to have Laine back on the ice.



“Our first 25 minutes, we were really, really good,” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis commented, via NHL.com. “And then we lost a little bit of momentum after they scored. We get stubborn in the neutral zone when we don’t have a numerical advantage. We get away from what makes us successful, what made us successful in the first period in playing a deep game, whether we possess across the line or we chip pucks in.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251021_BUS_513123_martin-st-louis-1024x576_ca3790f1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Martin St. Louis looking at the fans" class="wp-image-506060" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Martin St. Louis at Bell Centre on October 9, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Shake-up</h2>



As the four-game homestand came to an end with Montreal boasting a 3-1-0 record to show for, the Habs will now pack their bags for their first long road trip of the NHL campaign. Up next, the Canadiens will head west to take on the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Seattle Kraken.


 

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On that note, St. Louis and his staff in Montreal are making sure the Habs are all set for takeoff, and that means making adjustments to the lineup. Joshua Roy and Marc Del Gaizo have been recalled from AHL affiliate Laval Rocket, while Owen Beck was sent down to the minors.



<h2>Hinting</h2>



With Laine missing the action in the Canadiens’ last two outings, the latest moves might suggest the Finnish winger is back healthy. At least, that’s how fans and sources around the organization like to see the ongoing situation.



“The fact that the Canadiens have only 12 healthy forwards by swapping Beck and Roy, it should mean that Kirby Dach and/or Patrik Laine are ready to return,” as reported by habseyesontheprize.com.

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens">Montreal Canadiens</a> are navigating a challenging start to the season after confirming injuries to key players ahead of their game against the New York Rangers. Managerial adjustments and roster changes will be required as the team faces a critical stretch of early-season contests.



Defenseman Kaiden Guhle and forwards Kirby Dach and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrik-laine">Patrik Laine</a> will all miss tonight’s matchup, with varying recovery timelines impacting lineup planning. The team has moved quickly to fill the gaps, ensuring there is depth to absorb the absences.



“Defenseman Kaiden Guhle (lower body, 4 to 6 weeks) and forwards Kirby Dach (lower body, day-to-day) and Patrik Laine (lower body, day-to-day) will not play tonight. Forward Owen Beck has been recalled from the Laval Rocket (emergency recall).” via Canadiens on “X”,



<h2>How will the Canadiens adjust without their key forwards?</h2>



Guhle’s absence is expected to last 4 to 6 weeks, removing a significant presence from the defensive corps. Dach and Laine remain day-to-day, leaving uncertainty in the forward rotation. Montreal will likely lean on younger talent to maintain scoring and defensive stability.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="517" height="305" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251018_BUS_511264_canadiens-1_51afe06a.webp&amp;width=517&amp;height=305" alt="" class="wp-image-511271" sizes="(max-width: 517px) 100vw, 517px"></figure></figure>



To bolster the lineup, the Canadiens have recalled Owen Beck from the Laval Rocket on an emergency basis. The 19-year-old forward is anticipated to slot into a bottom-six role, potentially contributing limited minutes while adjusting to NHL competition.


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Laine and Dach’s absences put added responsibility on Montreal’s depth players as they prepare to host the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> at Bell Centre. The team will need resilience and adaptability to navigate this challenging stretch and preserve early-season momentum.


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Canadiens provide crucial injury update on Laine, other key players ahead of game vs NY Rangers

The Montreal Canadiens know what’s expected of them in the 2025-26 NHL season. Eager to build on last campaign’s success, the Habs are facing bigger expectations this time around. Cole Caufield reminded <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrik-laine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrik Laine</a> and company of that after the 5-4 overtime win over the Seattle Kraken.



Canadiens fans were treated to an electric victory in the home opener of the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> campaign. Caufield, Laine, and the Habs overcame a 4-3 deficit in the third period to prevail in sudden-death overtime. Thanks to Caufield’s heroics, Montreal survived at home for its third straight win in the season.



Caufield recorded a brace during the win, as Laine registered his first point of the new season. As the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadiens</a> start the four-game homestand on the right foot, the former first-round selection in 2019 issued an honest statement after the win over the Kraken.



“It wasn’t pretty, but at the end of the day we got the job done, which is huge, and now we’ve got three more in a row here,” Caufield admitted after the game, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">NHL.com</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251015_BUS_509788_patrik-laine-1024x576_bae2cf51.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Patrik Laine in action" class="wp-image-509810" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Patrik Laine at the Bell Centre on October 14, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Here to stay</h2>



The sold-out crowd at Bell Centre made its presence felt all night long. Aside from Caufield’s game-winner in overtime, one of the biggest roars came during Lane Hutson’s introduction to the fans. The reigning Calder Trophy winner made his first appearance for the Habs since signing an eight-year, $70.8 million extension.


 

 

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Fans in the City of Saints witnessed a glimpse of what the next eight years will look like as Hutson stole the show in overtime before setting up Caufield for the decisive tally. For Caufield, watching such plays from his fellow young teammate has become routinary. 



“That’s why he’s Lane. I mean, there’s really no other words,” Caufield told reporters after the game. “His ability to create like nobody else is pretty special, and you’ve always got to be ready when he has the puck.”



<h2>Closing it out</h2>



Up next, the Habs will close out their homestand with key matchups against the Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, and Buffalo Sabres. As the Canadiens aim to make a deep run this season, they can’t afford to stumble during a stretch of home games against teams that missed the playoffs last year.

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NHL News: Cole Caufield drops bold reminder for Patrik Laine, Canadiens after win in home opener - Bolavip US

Caufield drops bold reminder for Laine, Canadiens after win in home opener

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens">Montreal Canadiens</a> are making waves early in the 2025–26 NHL season, and at the center of the buzz is Lane Hutson. The 21-year-old defenseman, fresh off a Calder Trophy-winning rookie campaign, has secured an eight-year, $70.8 million extension, solidifying his place with the Canadiens through the 2033–34 season. With his record-setting 66-point rookie year still fresh in fans’ minds, the spotlight now shifts to how this deal reflects both his talent and character.



Kent Hughes, the Canadiens’ general manager, emphasized that Hutson’s long-term contract wasn’t just about numbers. In a media session following the announcement, Hughes highlighted the young defenseman’s dedication, leadership, and drive to elevate not only his own game but also the team’s culture. Hutson’s ability to blend elite performance with unselfish teamwork has made him a cornerstone of the Canadiens’ rebuild.



Hutson himself echoed that commitment in his first public comments since signing. “Nice to get a good bit of business done. For me, it’s back to work and building my game. I think it’s good for both sides. I’m just happy to be here for a long time,” he said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/lane-hutson-signs-8-year-contract-extension-with-montreal-canadiens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">NHL.com</a>. His focus remains on continuous growth and helping Montreal contend for the Stanley Cup, a vision he believes is within reach.



<h2>Does Hutson’s character outweigh the contract cost for the Canadiens?</h2>



Hughes left little doubt that Hutson’s character played as significant a role as his on-ice numbers in the decision. “I kind of cut him off and said, ‘Lane, there wouldn’t be an eight-year deal if we didn’t believe in who you were at your core,’” Hughes explained. Beyond his record-breaking 66-point rookie season, Hutson has become a symbol of the culture Hughes is trying to build in Montreal—one where commitment, teamwork, and accountability define the locker room.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_508854_lane-hutson-canadiens-1024x576_ba51f82a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-508858" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lane Hutson #48 of the Canadiens plays against the Red Wings on October 09, 2025. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



The Canadiens are betting that Hutson’s leadership and consistent performance will accelerate the team’s return to prominence. Hughes added, “The kind of person he is, how committed he is to being his best version of himself, but also being the best version of a teammate. That’s important to us.” With this mindset, Montreal hopes to pair elite skill with a strong team ethos, aiming to turn the club into a perennial contender.


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<h2>Looking ahead</h2>



The Canadiens open their home schedule against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/seattle-kraken">Seattle Kraken</a> on Tuesday after a 2–1–0 start on the road. With Hutson anchored in the blue line for the foreseeable future, the team’s early-season games will test whether this long-term commitment translates into on-ice results and sets the tone for a deeper playoff run.


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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrik-laine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrik Laine</a>, Martin St. Louis, and the Montreal Canadiens started the 2025-26 NHL season on the wrong foot. After falling 5-2 to the Auston Matthews-led Toronto Maple Leafs in the opening game, the Habs are taking a look on the mirror.



Losing on opening night is far from the end of the world for Laine and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadiens</a>. Still, losing to Matthews and the Leafs will never be taken lightly by the Habs. There’s a reason the bad blood between Toronto and Montreal makes for one of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/top-greatest-rivalries-in-nhl-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biggest rivalries in the NHL</a>. Every meeting between the two Original Six franchises is a battle of its own, with neither team looking to walk away defeated.



However, St. Louis knows his team can’t win them all—though wouldn’t that feel nice? After falling to the Buds 5-2 in their visit to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toronto</a>, St. Louis delivered a sincere message for Laine and company, admitting the coaching staff may have cost them the outing.



“I felt we spent a lot of time in the offensive zone tonight,” Martin St. Louis said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">NHL.com</a>. “I think we could have had more of a shooting mentality a little more, but we have been so focused on the defensive side of things throughout camp.“



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251009_BUS_506056_auston-matthews-5-1-1024x576_d3bf8eaa.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Auston Matthews calls out for a pass" class="wp-image-498510" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Auston Matthews at Scotiabank Arena on March 13, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Out-shot</h2>



Though the Canadiens finished the night with 31 shots on goal against Toronto’s 27, St. Louis’ statement might hint at the lack of chances created in the third period. In crunch-time, when the Habs needed to step on the pedal the most. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/auston-matthews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthews</a> and the Leafs managed to neutralize them, limiting their rivals to just 6 SOG in the final frame.


 

 

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“We have started diving in on the offensive side of things, but I think we have to have more of a shooting mentality. But overall I liked what I saw. We had good intentions.”



<h2>No need to say it twice</h2>



For Laine, there’s no need to tell him twice to shoot the puck more. The Finnish sniper can become an ace up the sleeve for the Habs. However, playing on the wing and excelling at slap shots, Laine needs some help for his shooting numbers to go up during his contract year in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>.



During the Maple Leafs game, Laine recorded just one shot on goal. Fans in the City of Saints can expect the Habs to get him more involved moving forward. When he operates from his office, good things tend to happen for Montreal.


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Another concerning stat for St. Louis and the Canadiens lies in the faceoff dot. Montreal didn’t have a single player win over 33% of their offensive-zone draws. By contrast, all Leafs operated at 38% or higher in the circle. Winning possession off the draw might be overlooked, but it also has a major impact on shot totals.

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