Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Friday.
montreal canadiens news
With the NHL trade deadline a week away, we'll be taking a look at many of the rumors regarding the Canadiens soon, but for now, we can discuss one of the most recent talking points. Elliotte Friedman linked the Habs to Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, however, it is important to note that he did not suggest this was a solid report. Friedman made it clear that a player like Ristolainen could be of interest to the Habs, but that's about it.
"Canadians, I think they've seen some of these D's," Friedman said on his latest edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast. "People like Ristolainen, or, people like him."
He is a big, right-handed defenseman, the type of player that will interest most NHL teams, however, he also has a $5.1 million cap hit that runs through 2026-27. Given his recent decline in underlying numbers, not to mention the fact that he's on the wrong side of 30, I have a hard time believing the Habs are interested in paying a high price for a player like him.
Friedman on 32TP: "Canadiens: I think they've seen some of these guys like D, Ristolainen.."
- NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) 27 February 2026
With only two players left to appear in our annual Top 20 Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings, we've reached one of the most important young players in the system: netminder Jacob Fowler. All things considered, he has shown that he can be a dominant presence in every league from the USHL to the NHL, but we should be wary of thrusting him into the NHL spotlight too quickly. He still needs to absorb as much experience as possible in the AHL before the pressure of becoming Montreal's starter comes. [Canadiens Top 20 Prospects – No. 2 Stoic Fowler]
Craig Button suggested the Canadiens should trade for Sergei Bobrovsky, a goaltender who comes with a $10 million cap hit, and currently has the same save percentage as Samuel Montembeault (.874). With all due respect to Craig, this is a questionable suggestion that will not improve the team while forcing them to move assets to absorb his expensive contract. At best, this is a lateral move.
"If I were Montreal I would consider acquiring Bobrovsky. Montembeault lost him again last night," Craig Button now @sports1440
-Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) 27 February 2026
The Laval Rocket are finding ways to win despite missing half their roster. OK, that's an exaggeration, but when they faced the Rochester Americans they were without Adam Engstrom, Jacob Fowler, Florian Czekaj and Laurent Dauphin, among others. Toby Bisson (3), Joshua Roy (14), Vincent Arseneau (5), Samuel Blais (5,6), Alex Belzile (25), Philippe Messer (7), Owen Beck (7), and Will Dineen found the back of the net for the Rockets as Laval emerged victorious 9–3.
This Samuel is patient 🚨
Blazer takes its time 🚨LOW 4 - 3 ROC pic.twitter.com/4MJmI36zlD
- Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) 28 February 2026
Shocking or not, Michael Hayes improved his season numbers on Friday night. The dynamic prospect now has 13 goals and 33 assists in just 34 games. For context, Hayes scored 13 goals and 21 assists in 33 games during his rookie season with the University of Michigan.
Habs give Michigan chances to score with help from Michael Hayes
- /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 28 February 2026
ICYMI: Rounding out the top 3 of our Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings is talented winger Alexander Zarovsky, who is enjoying a great rookie season in the KHL. He is a dynamic presence in the offensive zone, and the fact that he is performing in a professional hockey league at such a young age is worthy of praise. [Canadiens Top 20 Prospects – No. 3 Brilliant Alexander Zharovsky]
Sportsknot Network
Is general manager Tom Fitzgerald still considering a Steven Stamkos, New Jersey Devils trade? Earlier in 2025–26, it was reported that the Devils were considering the two-time Stanley Cup champion as a trade target amid the struggles in Nashville. However, due to the emergence of Stamkos after early season struggles, the Predators have turned things around. [New Jersey Devils]
Brett Kulak was a perfect fit. In his first game with the Avalanche, a day after being traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Kulak quietly had a solid defensive night for the Avs. More importantly, he looked to play well with Sam Malinsky on the third pairing, while also linking up with Josh Manson, among others. [Colorado Avalanche]
Before he got the chance to skate with the Pittsburgh Penguins in training camp, winger Justin Brazeau was used to hearing from coach Dan Muse. It wasn't all that much, just a conversation between a player looking to make a jump in his career and a rookie NHL head coach. [San Jose Sharks]
