dlbalr

Today is the deadline to file for salary arbitration and the Habs have two players eligible - Struble and Dobes. The full list hasn't been announced yet (the deadline is at the top of the hour) but it sounds like Struble on the list of those who have filed.

Laval signs winger Xavier Simoneau, defencemen Josh Jacobs and Darick Louis-Jean, and goalie Hunter Jones to AHL deals. One-way for Simoneau/Jacobs, two-way for the other two who are probably ECHL-bound. Jacobs is interesting as that's the last veteran slot unless the plan is to have Arseneau primarily as a reserve/scratch.

They play different positions though. Tuch is a winger, Xhekaj a centre. In a perfect world, they might want a jumbo fourth line with some skill and some PK acumen so they're not necessarily in competition for a spot; they can both be in the plans.

Prominent player, no arbitration rights so the only leverage is to delay. Contracts for players like him usually get settled in mid September when training camp approaches.

I didn't have much interest in him. He's an even-strength-only player and there isn't a spot for someone like that unless that player is bringing an element the rest of the lineup doesn't have. Beauvillier doesn't have that.

Make it 19 as Mark Estapa has signed a one-year, two-way AHL deal. https://www.rocketlaval.com/en/press-release/mark-estapa-contract-2025-26/ In reality, several of these forwards are clearly ECHL-bound - Estapa, Mianscum, Goriunov, probably Dunlap and maybe Dineen. Frankly, they need another impactful forward or two as this group has taken a pretty hard hit in terms of departures with not a lot done to offset them beyond bringing back Belzile.

It was that plus that he felt he was better than Saku at the same stage of their careers. https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/aatos_koivu_i_think_im_a_better_player_than_my_father_saku_was_at_the_same_age/s1_17387_40893408

It's probably going to be Price plus pick/prospect for future considerations. You could maybe make a case to San Jose to take Grundstrom ($1.8M salary) if the Sharks think he could get pushed out of a roster spot and be stuck paying $1.8M for a minor leaguer. With the bulk of Price's salary covered by insurance, the Habs could spin that as a way for the Sharks to save money.

From McKeen's Best Value Picks: Carlos Händel, D — Montreal Canadiens, 177th overall McKeen's Hockey Final Ranking: 67th Overall Händel is a very interesting case study. At his best, the young German defender is a highly dynamic offensive threat who can make highlight-reel plays with the puck. The problem is that those kinds of outbursts don’t happen consistently, while his defending without the puck needs some serious work. Luckily for him, however, the Canadiens seem like the perfect organization for appreciating his upside and getting the most out of his development, which they will be able to pursue steadily and carefully.

That puts a small dent in my hopes that they'd be the team to take Price's contract. Not that they can't do it still but it won't be a necessity now for them to reach the floor.

With Winnipeg signing Nyquist, I wonder if they think they might be out. I'd add Washington to the mix for Ehlers as well.

I don't know off-hand who their other goalie is but generally, teams don't like to waste an import slot on a backup goalie.

Arseni Radkov was drafted by Blainville-Boisbriand in the QMJHL. He's committed to go to college but for 2026-27 so he could play a season in junior first.

As it stands now, probably. But he'd still work as an NHL recall when injuries strike. Or, if they wind up dealing someone like Struble over the summer, Del Gaizo would make sense as a 7th D.

That's not half bad, actually. I thought he'd get 4-plus with term; two years isn't unmanageable if he reverts back to being his usual self.