Canadiens Connection

• Check out news Headlines posts every week day at AllHabs.net. 
• Roster news - Joel Armia and Cole Caufield returned to the lineup this week. Christian Dvorak practiced with the team but has not yet played. Sam Montembeault was announced as the Molson Cup for January. Dominique Ducharme was fired this week. Assistant coaches remain. Martin St. Louis was announced as interim head coach.
• Habs prospect report - Logan Mailloux is out with a lower-body injury. Sean Farrell and Frederik Dichow performing well at the Winter Olympics. Be sure to read the content at AHL.report and check out The Press Zone - Montreal.
• Hockey news and notes - Francois Legault announced that the Bell Centre will be permitted to return to 50% fan capacity on February 21st. They can go to 100% capacity on March 14th.

• The Montreal Canadiens stunned the hockey world by hiring a new head coach who has no coaching experience. While Martin St. Louis had a Hall of Fame hockey career, he is joining the team with an empty coaching resume on an interim basis. It was a completely 'out in left field' hire.
• Rick and Michael examine St Louis' credentials, his approach to the role and what can be expected in the months ahead.

• Canadiens upcoming events.
• Canadiens Connection Question of the Week.
• Listener's texts and emails.

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with Amy Johnson (@FlyersRule) and Chris G (@ChrisHabs360). This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight. Additional segments by Michael Spinella (@TheSpinella).

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

• Search for "Canadiens Connection" from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! Use our single link below on any device to locate subscription links to major podcast apps.
• Subscribe to Canadiens Connection

Share the Canadiens Connection on social media. And we would be grateful for your 5-star rating for the podcast!

• Check out news Headlines posts every week day at AllHabs.net. 
• Roster news - Canadiens assigned Lukas Vejdemo and Sami Niku to the Laval Rocket. Niku will report to Laval after the All-Star break. Brendan Gallagher and Paul Byron (season debut) returned to the lineup. Canadiens have placed Michael McNiven on injured reserve. Annual Canadiens pro scouts meetings concluded on Sunday after a few days of discussions.
• Habs prospect report - Laval picked up five points in their past three games. Be sure to read the content at AHL.report and check out The Press Zone - Montreal.
• Quotes of the week - Carey Price and Brendan Gallagher.
• Hockey news and notes - All-Star Nick Suzuki participated in the "Save Streak" and "Fountain Face-Off" skills events. Gary Bettman said that the 2022 NHL Entry Draft may be moved from Montreal if government restrictions aren't lifted. 

• GM Kent Hughes is formulating a plan with VP Hockey Ops Jeff Gorton to return the Canadiens to glory. Will it be a tear down like the Arizona Coyotes, will they follow the path of the New York Rangers or will it be something completely different?
• Chris and Rick examine what fans can expect in the weeks ahead prior to the trade deadline.

• Canadiens upcoming events.
• Draft Kings Daily Fantasy picks: Michael Spinella with guest Sam Gerber.
• Listener's texts and emails.

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with Amy Johnson (@FlyersRule) and Chris G (@ChrisHabs360). This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight. Additional segments by Michael Spinella (@TheSpinella).

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Search for "Canadiens Connection" from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! Use our single link below on any device to locate subscription links to major podcast apps.

• Subscribe to Canadiens Connection

Share the Canadiens Connection on social media. And we would be grateful for your 5-star rating for the podcast!

• Check out news Headlines posts every week day at AllHabs.net. 
• Roster news - Jonathan Drouin has a wrist injury and is out indefinitely. Christian Dvorak has an upper-body injury (not concussion.) He has been placed on IR and will be out at least until after the All-Star break. Joel Edmundson has a lower-back injury. He's progressing slowly and is out indefinitely. Mathieu Perreault has a lower-body injury and will be out for three to four weeks. Joel Armia and Cole Caufield exited COVID protocol and have returned to Montreal. Brendan Gallagher and Paul Byron are practicing in non-contact jerseys. Sami Niku cleared waivers and was assigned to the taxi squad. Corey Schueneman was assigned to Laval.
• Habs prospect report - Joel Teasdale played the first game of his season. Be sure to read the content at AHL.report and check out The Press Zone - Montreal.
• Quotes of the week - Lukas Vejdemo and Rem Pitlick.
• Hockey news and notes - Elliotte Friedman reported that St.Louis, Florida and Calgary have had trade discussions with the Canadiens about Ben Chiarot.

• For years, the identity of the Montreal Canadiens has been elite goaltending. With Carey Price having not yet played a game this season, Montreal is sporting the worst goals against in the league. Goaltending, organizational wide, is in shambles.
• Chris and Rick examine the current state of Canadiens goaltending and what is on the horizon.

• Canadiens upcoming events.
• Canadiens Connection Question of the Week.
• Listener's texts and emails.

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with Amy Johnson (@FlyersRule) and Chris G (@ChrisHabs360). This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight. Additional segments by Michael Spinella (@TheSpinella).

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

• Search for "Canadiens Connection" from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:
• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

Share the Canadiens Connection on social media. And we would be grateful for your 5-star rating for the podcast!

• Check out news Headlines posts every week day at AllHabs.net. 
• Roster news - Recovered from their injuries, Josh Anderson and Tyler Toffoli returned to the lineup. Carey Price has restarted rehab on his knee and is making slow progress. Alex Belzile and Rafael Harvey-Pinard were removed from the Canadiens COVID list and sent to Laval. Jesse Ylonen was sent to Laval from the taxi squad. Joel Teasdale was activated from IR and sent to Laval. Jake Allen will miss eight weeks after being injured during the first period of the game in Boston. He has returned to Montreal for further evaluation. Jonathan Drouin received a five minute major, a game misconduct and was fined $5,000 for repeated cross-checks to the back of Tyler Seguin's head/neck. A new schedule was released this week for 12 Canadiens games, nine home games and three road games.
• Habs prospect report - Habs prospect Frederik Dichow will represent Denmark at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Former Canadiens Jacob de la Rose, Max Friberg and Christian Folin will represent Team Sweden. Be sure to read the content at AHL.report and check out The Press Zone - Montreal.
• Hockey news and notes - NHL, NHLPA updated their COVID protocols.

• Kent Hughes was announced as the 18th general manager in franchise history.
• Amy and Rick discuss the issue from all perspectives.

• Canadiens upcoming events.
• Canadiens Connection Question of the Week.
• Listener's texts and emails.

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with Amy Johnson (@FlyersRule) and Chris G (@ChrisHabs360). This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight. Additional segments by Michael Spinella (@TheSpinella).

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

• Search for "Canadiens Connection" from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:
• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

Share the Canadiens Connection on social media. And we would be grateful for your 5-star rating for the podcast!

• Check out news Headlines posts every week day at AllHabs.net. 
• Roster news - Jake Allen will miss at least one week after being injured during the first period of the game in Boston. He has returned to Montreal for further evaluation. Cayden Primeau has been recalled from the taxi squad on an emergency basis. Rem Pitlick was picked up on waivers and made his Habs debut against Chicago. Chris Wideman was suspended for one game for head-butting Bruins forward Erik Haula. Chicago’s Calvin de Haan has been fined $2,500, for a dangerous trip on Montreal’s Cole Caufield. Paul Byron should be cleared by Saturday and will join the team on the road.
• Habs prospect report - Habs prospect Sean Farrell will represent Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Be sure to read the content at AHL.report and check out The Press Zone - Montreal.
• Quotes of the week - Chris Wideman, Alexander Romanov and Dominique Ducharme.
• Hockey news and notes - Nick Suzuki has been named the Canadiens representative for the 2022 NHL All-Star game in Las Vegas. Angela Price, Julie Petry and Liz Ann Ouellet reveal details of their families' lives in individual posts. NHL met with the Government of Quebec regarding the return of the Nordiques.

• It is being reported that round one interviews have been completed and 3-4 candidates have been invited to participate in a second interview including Mathieu Darche, Danny Briere and Kent Hughes, who was not included in the first round.
• In addition, it is expected that failed candidates from round one will be considered for other positions in the organization.
• Chris and Rick discuss the top candidates.

• Canadiens upcoming events.
• Canadiens Connection Question of the Week.
• Listener's texts and emails.

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with Amy Johnson (@FlyersRule) and Chris G (@ChrisHabs360). This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight. Additional segments by Michael Spinella (@TheSpinella).

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

• Search for "Canadiens Connection" from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:
• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

Share the Canadiens Connection on social media. And we would be grateful for your 5-star rating for the podcast!

• Check out news Headlines posts every week day at AllHabs.net. 
• Roster news - After pausing all activities from January 2nd through January 8th, the Canadiens returned to practice on Sunday. The Canadiens had placed 24 players on COVID protocol, but eight players from the list returned Sunday. Additional players exited the protocol on Tuesday. Forwards Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak and Mike Hoffman have all been cleared to play and could see action in Boston. Josh Anderson and Tyler Toffoli skated with the team in non-contact jerseys. Dominique Ducharme said that Paul Byron is closest to returning to the line-up. Brendan Gallagher may join the team later on the road trip. Carey Price will not join the team on the road trip.
• Habs prospect report - Be sure to read the content at AHL.report and check out The Press Zone - Montreal.
• Quotes of the week - Jake Allen and Nick Suzuki.
• Hockey news and notes - 2022 NHL All-Star Fan Vote ended Saturday with rosters of the teams being revealed on Thursday. Who will be the Canadiens representative? It is being reported that the Canadiens are currently completing round 1 interviews of their GM search. Marc Bergevin was named senior adviser to Los Angeles Kings general manager Rob Blake on Sunday.

• Michael sat down with fellow Rocket Sports contributor Brian Clarke to talk about interacting with fans who like to participate in fantasy sports (football and hockey) and to provide some fantasy hockey advice.

• Canadiens upcoming events.
• Canadiens Connection Question of the Week.
• Listener's texts and emails.

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with Amy Johnson (@FlyersRule) and Chris G (@ChrisHabs360). This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight. Additional segments by Michael Spinella (@TheSpinella).

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

• Search for "Canadiens Connection" from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:
• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

Share the Canadiens Connection on social media. And we would be grateful for your 5-star rating for the podcast!

• Check out news Headlines posts every week day at AllHabs.net. 
• Roster news - The Canadiens have 24 players and two coaches on the NHL's COVID protocol list. Cam Hillis, Michael Pezzetta, Alex Belzile and Kale Clague are the most recent additions. Assistant coach Trevor Letowski and goaltending coach Eric Raymond are currently in the COVID-19 protocol as well. Cam Hillis made his NHL debut last Saturday in Florida vs Panthers. The NHL postponed the Canadiens' home game on January 15 against the Devils due to attendance restrictions bringing the number of January Habs home games postponed to six. The Canadiens and Rocket extended the pause of all activities through January 8th inclusively. Bob Edmundson, Joel's father, lost his battle with lung cancer on Friday. He was 61 years old.
• Habs prospect report - Hamilton Bulldogs acquired Habs prospect Arber Xhekaj from the Kitchener Rangers in exchange for Navrin Mutter and draft selections. London Knights defenceman Logan Mailloux played his first game on Friday after serving a 26-game suspension by the OHL. Be sure to read the content at AHL.report and check out The Press Zone - Montreal.
• Quotes of the week - The Canadiens appointed RDS sports reporter Chantal Machabee as Vice President, Communications.
• Hockey news and notes - The NHL and 20 of its teams (including the Montreal Canadiens) are suing 5 insurance companies for losses of $1 billion during the pandemic due to loss of revenue. 

• One of the first challenges for the GM will be to accumulate assets, draft picks and prospects, by moving players from the organization. Who are the players who should be untouchable? Michael and Rick will discuss.

• Canadiens upcoming events.
• Canadiens Connection Question of the Week.
• Listener's texts and emails.

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with Amy Johnson (@FlyersRule) and Chris G (@ChrisHabs360). This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

• Search for "Canadiens Connection" from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:
• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

Share the Canadiens Connection on social media. And we would be grateful for your 5-star rating for the podcast!

• Check out news Headlines posts every week day at AllHabs.net. 
• Roster news - The Canadiens have 13 players and one coach on the NHL's COVID protocol list. Louie Belpedio and Gianni Fairbrother are the most recent additions. Artturi Lehkonen has recovered but is not yet ready to play. Rafael Harvey-Pinard, Corey Schueneman and Brandon Baddock each made their NHL debuts this week. The NHL announced that five Montreal Canadiens' home games in the month of January have been postponed. The Canadiens added players to their taxi squad after the NHL and NHLPA agreed to temporary changes to the CBA.
• Habs prospect report - The 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship was cancelled due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19. (More on WJC in segment 3.) The Ontario Hockey League reinstated London Knights defenceman Logan Mailloux after serving a 26-game suspension. Be sure to read the content at AHL.report and check out The Press Zone - Montreal.
• Hockey news and notes - The NHL Winter Classic between the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild may be the coldest outdoor game in NHL history.

• The Montreal Canadiens leaked a list of candidates who will be interviewed next week by the selection committee for the position of general manager. They include: Patrick Roy, Danny Briere, Mathieu Darche, Marc Denis, Kent Hughes, Stephane Quintal, Daniele Sauvageau and Emilie Castonguay. Two other candidates may be added to the list.

• WJC: Michael Spinella and Mike Raschle discuss prospects from the 2022 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
• Canadiens upcoming events.
• Canadiens Connection Question of the Week.
• Listener's texts and emails.

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with Amy Johnson (@FlyersRule) and Chris G (@ChrisHabs360). This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

• Search for "Canadiens Connection" from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:
• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

Share the Canadiens Connection on social media. And we would be grateful for your 5-star rating for the podcast!

• Check out news Headlines posts every week day at AllHabs.net. 
• Roster news - Mike Hoffman, Artturi Lehkonen, and Laurent Dauphin have been added to the Canadiens COVID-19 list. They are following league protocols and are being monitored closely by team doctors. The team welcomed back Brendan Gallagher (COVID-19), Sami Niku (COVID-19) and Paul Byron (hip surgery) to practice on Sunday. The Canadiens recalled forwards Alex Belzile, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, and Lukas Vejdemo from the Rocket before practice. On Monday the NHL announced that the Montreal Canadiens have paused all team activities, including games and practices, through December 26th. Canadiens are said to be reworking January schedule to play the majority of their games on the road to reduce lost revenue.
• Habs prospect report - Montreal Canadiens prospect Kaiden Guhle was named captain of Team Canada for the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship. Jan Mysak was named captain for Team Czechia. Oliver Kapanen will play for Team Finland. Be sure to read the content at AHL.report and check out The Press Zone - Montreal.
• Quote of the week - Brendan Gallagher.
• Hockey news and notes - The NHL and NHLPA have agreed to suspend operations from Dec. 22-25. NHL has postponed 32 games this week bringing the total to 50 games postponed this season. Players will report back to their teams on Boxing Day. The NHL and NHLPA have agreed to not send players to the 2022 Olympic Games due to COVID-19 concerns. Hockey Canada announced it would not participate in this month's Spengler Cup. 

• The Montreal Canadiens have completed 38 percent of their season, and with the COVID pause, we decided to get out the report cards and give each player a grade. Michael Spinella joins in for the holiday time assessment.

• Canadiens upcoming events.
• Canadiens Connection Question of the Week.
• Listener's texts and emails.

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with Amy Johnson (@FlyersRule) and Chris G (@ChrisHabs360). This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

• Search for "Canadiens Connection" from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:
• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

Share the Canadiens Connection on social media. And we would be grateful for your 5-star rating for the podcast!

• Check out news Headlines posts every week day at AllHabs.net. 
• Roster news - Brendan Gallagher and Sami Niku are out of COVID protocol. Ducharme said that they may be available for the game against the Islanders on Monday. Jeff Petry returned to the lineup after missing four games. Jake Evans also returned to game play. Chris Wideman returned home to be with his wife for the birth of their child. Medical update regarding Josh Anderson: he will miss eight weeks from December 2nd when he sustained an upper-body injury. Jesse Ylonen scored his first career NHL goal against Pittsburgh. Carey Price and Paul Byron skated together. Defenceman Mattias Norlinder was loaned to Frolunda HC of SHL for the remainder of the season. Canadiens recalled Cayden Primeau from the Laval Rocket to play one game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He was returned to Laval after the game. Canadiens practice on Saturday was cancelled.
• Habs prospect report - Updates on the Laval Rocket. Canadiens prospect Kaiden Guhle will represent Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship. Joshua Roy was a final cut. Be sure to read the content at AHL.report and check out The Press Zone - Montreal.
• Quotes of the week - Dominique Ducharme, Jeff Petry.
• Hockey news and notes - NHL announced that Panthers, Avalanche and Flames have been shut down until after the Christmas break due to COVID-19 concerns. Fans were not permitted to attend the Canadiens home game on Thursday vs Flyers. Canadiens game on Saturday vs the Bruins was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. 

• This week Dominique Ducharme said that soon the Canadiens would welcome back injured players and the competition for spots would be positive for the team.
• Ducharme: "Eventually, we will have 13, 14, maybe even 15 forwards (to choose from.) Who will deserve to play? I think it will be a much better situation for us then."
• Most Habs fans would like to see the young prospects in the lineup. Ducharme has clearly showed a preference for NHL journeymen. Who should play and who should go?

• Canadiens upcoming events.
• New voices: Michael Spinella chats with RSM contributor Maria Bouabdo
• Canadiens Connection Question of the Week.
• Listener's texts and emails.

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with Amy Johnson (@FlyersRule) and Chris G (@ChrisHabs360). This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

• Search for "Canadiens Connection" from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:
• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

Share the Canadiens Connection on social media. And we would be grateful for your 5-star rating for the podcast!