Hello hockey fans, welcome to episode 180 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast, this weeks topics include-

#1. Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen and Alex Newhook look great.

#2. Oliver Kapanen has already replaced Kirby Dachs.

#3. The Injuries continue for Kirby Dach.

#4. Is the 2025/206 season it for Kirby Dach with the Canadiens?

#5. Patrik Laine has even looked go on the 4th line.

#6. Patrik Laine is way over paid

#7. It’s no surprise if Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine are both traded at the 2025/2026 trade deadline.

#8. Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine are taken up roster spots that other prospects deserve.

 #9. Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach are not worth 12 million plus of team payroll.

#10. Just imagine Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky on the2nd line with Ivan Demidov in the 2026/2027 season.

#11. Is Jayden Struble better than Kaiden Guhle?

#12. Kaiden Guhle’s injuries continue!

#13. It may be best for both if Kaiden Guhle is traded.

#14. Adam Engstrom is a key prospect.

#15. Adam Engstrom is knocking on the door hard.

#16. Adam Engstrom looks like a definite part of the long-term top 6 on the Montreal Canadiens defense.

#17. Mike Matheson and Noah Dobson look every bit, a solid defensive pairing.

#18. Keep Mike Matheson. Montreal Needs him and he’s perfect for Noah Dobson.

#19. Hat’s off to Kent Hughes acquisition of Noah Dobson, as it looks like Noah Dobson, not David Reinbacker or Logan Mailloux is the top right-handed defenseman.

#20. It now seems far more likely that David Reinbacker will be a trade chip. His continuous injuries raise far too many questions just like Kaiden Guhle’s do.

#21. Kaiden Guhle had a relatively injury free junior career and has so far had an injury filled NHL career?

#22. Jayden Struble has injury issues and concerns while playing at Northeastern University, yet has no injuries in the AHL or the NHL?

#23. The dark horse right defensive top prospect is Bryce Pickens, who I think is Lane Hutson’s defensive partner, maybe as early as game 1 of the 2026/2027 season.

#24. Owen Protz was a steel in the 4th round of the 2024 NHL entry draft and will also be part of the top 6 in Montreal for a long time.

#25. There is no goaltending controversy. Stop trying to create or cause chaos!

#26. Samual Montembeau knows his game is not where he wants it.

#27. Samual Montembeau is a solid NHL goaltender

#28. Jakub Dobes is playing Light out Hockey.

#29. Jakub Dobes was a steel of a selection in the 5th round of the 2020 NHL entry draft with the 136th pick overall.

#30. But if there was a trade of either Montembeau or Dobes. I hope they keep Dobes now, just like I wanted Montreal keep Jaroslav Halak over Carey Price.