The HabsWorld podcast team were happy to start the 2025 new year with episode 117. Host Norm Szcyrek, with cohosts Paul MacLeod, Sean Cayouette and Jonathan Rebelo had a lot to say about the Habs, discuss other hockey news and have some laughs. This podcast was recorded the evening of January 15 2025.

Our roster of topics include:

- Introductions and Habs trivia.

- Discussing the improved play of the team since mid December, including surprise performances from Alexander Carrier, Emil Heineman, Lane Hutson, Josh Anderson, Jacob Dobes, and Patrik Laine

- Talk about a few disappointing players including Jaroslav Slavkovsky, Alex Newhook and Michael Pezzetta.

- Could Dobes become the number one goaltender in Montreal?

- Laine talked to a Finnish newspaper about his desire to stay in Montreal. Discussion of how much his next contract could cost Montreal, or if they should keep him past the 2026 trade deadline.

- Jonathan shares a story of meeting Lane Hutson recently

- Debunking a recent article from The Athletic that downplays Hutson

- Habs brass traveled to Russia to visit Demidov in December and talk to his coach. Was it a good move by the Canadiens?

- Norm shares a theory on Juraj Slavkovsky's inconsistent play so far this season

- Jake Evans had hot streak scoring goals in 5 straight games last month. As the trade deadline approach, should Montreal move Evans, or extend him?

- The mid-season press conference was analyzed

- Emil Heineman was struck by a car as a pedestrian. Some details of the event was talked about, and who could be called up from Laval to replace him

- Marc Bureau hired full time consultant to help Montreal forwards with their faceoffs

- Habs draft pick Michael Hage is the leading scorer among freshmen players in the NCAA

- David Reinbacher recently started skating as part of his rehabilitiation

- The Habs being "in the mix" was debated