What's particularly interesting is that Tuch got a one-way AHL deal. Usually it's ATO/PTO deals at this time of year. I assume that lets them pay him more, offsetting some of the foregone money by not signing an ELC that starts this season.
If it's a deal starting this season, it's possible they wait until after 5 PM, thus not counting on the books until Tuesday. That's the only logic I can see with waiting.
That's from yesterday, citing the Friedman report that said it was trending toward him signing.
Yes, Laval can finish ahead of Belleville with two regulation wins next week. However, that alone doesn't clinch them as I think Utica can still catch Laval.
Andersson and Heineman score in the 3rd as Laval takes it 5-1.
https://theahl.com/stats/game-summary/1026269
Laval is now two points behind Belleville. The Sens have a game in hand still but Laval has the tiebreaker.
If he signs, don't be surprised if it's an NHL deal for this season. That's the only carrot left the Habs have to offer to dissuade him from going to free agency in August.
When I first saw the replay just after the goal, I thought there was a chance they could win if they challenged. Then I saw a few more replays after the challenge and it looked like a bit more of a reach.