標籤: leadership

Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed on Thursday.

montreal canadiens news

• With only one goal in eight playoff games, Canadiens sniper Cole Caufield is clearly not satisfied with his offensive output. The 26-year-old American expects much more from himself in the future. [Canadiens]

• Game 1 of the second-round series vs. the Buffalo Sabers was certainly disappointing in terms of the end result, but there were some positives worth discussing in the loss. For example, Caufield and the first line enjoyed their best underlying numbers in 5v5 of the playoffs. [Top 3 Canadiens Positives From Game One]

• File this under ‘predictable’ if you want, but head coach Martin St-Louis is very pleased with the way Nick Suzuki is leading his troops.

Martin St. Louis on Nick Suzuki’s leadership style: “I don’t think I need to compare Suzy to any other captain. To me, everybody leads in their own way. I just know Suzy leads our team. I’m not worried about what other captains are doing, I’m really happy with how she’s done it.…

– Eric Engels (@EricEngels) 7 May 2026

• ICYMI: Suzuki was named a finalist for the Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the forward judged to make the greatest defensive impact. They are considered favorites for the trophy, but more importantly, we have this latest proof that Suzuki has done a great job leading his team by example, both on and off the ice. [Nick Suzuki Selke Bid – Model Of Consistency And Leadership]

• Sabers head coach Lindy Ruff has nothing but respect for Suzuki, even though he doesn’t know the Canadiens captain on a personal level.

Sabers coach Lindy Ruff on Nick Suzuki: pic.twitter.com/W6lLb3nPQo

– Eric Engels (@EricEngels) 7 May 2026

• Another day, another example of Lane Hutson jumping on the ice head first because he’s clearly addicted to all things hockey and probably hates spending any time of his day away from the rink. Classic.

The day after the tough game, Lane Hutson was the first player to take the ice in practice. pic.twitter.com/nEwFnvQs3P

– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) 7 May 2026

Sportsknot Network

• There is no doubt that the New Jersey Devils should aggressively pursue a top-six winger by dangling the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The NHL’s salary cap will increase by $8.5 million to $104 million this summer. This will open up a lot of room for the 32 NHL GMs to maneuver and make deals. [New Jersey Devils]

• The Washington Capitals had a busy Thursday morning with a few acquisitions. The team signed Theodore Niederbach and Petr Sikora to deals. [Washington Capitals]

• The Anaheim Ducks needed a better effort in Game 2 to get back into their Western Conference second round series against the Vegas Golden Knights. mission accomplished. [Anaheim Ducks]

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

When the Montreal Canadiens chose to finally turn a page by committing to a rebuild several years ago, a greatly underappreciated aspect of the multi-year plan was finding the right leader to guide the team through the most complex project in the modern sports landscape.

Ultimately, many franchises have decided to break down the studs to rebuild, but some have managed to stick to the plan given all the vagaries involved in roster construction.

That’s why September 12, 2022 can be considered one of the most important days in Canadiens franchise history. No, they did not capture their 25th Stanley Cup, nor did they defeat their rivals in the playoff round, or in any other traditional competition, which would be considered a significant step forward.

Rather, incoming general manager Kent Hughes named Nick Suzuki as team captain, making him the youngest Habs player to wear the ‘C’ on his chest.

Nick Suzuki Brass Tacks

The NHL on Wednesday named Suzuki as a finalist for the Selke Trophy, given annually to the forward who displays the most skill in the defensive component of the game.

He joins fellow finalists Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Brock Nelson (Colorado Avalanche), a situation that would guarantee a first-time winner.

In the past, Sasha Barkov (2021, 2024, 2025) and Patrice Bergeron (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022, 2023) have monopolized the trophy, but the latter has retired, and the former missed the entirety of the 2025–26 season, leaving room for a new best defensive forward in the NHL. The door opened.

Suzuki is considered the favorite to take home the trophy, and not just because he reached the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. He managed to score 29 assists and 72 assists in 82 games, making it the fifth consecutive season in which he managed to improve his production.

You could argue it’s Suzuki’s The way to work: Continuous improvement across the board. In addition to improving his scoring each year, Suzuki has strengthened his defensive game, and was the centerpiece of one of the most impressive lines in the NHL in 2025-26.

Playing alongside Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkowski, Suzuki managed to control over 55 percent of the shots at 5v5. More impressively, they scored 33 goals while only allowing opponents 14 goals, good for 70% control of all goals during the regular season. Their expected goals were also good at 56%.

team-wide movement

Whether or not Suzuki takes home the grand prize, the fact that the Montreal Canadiens are back in the news as having one of the best individuals, as well as one of the league’s best young teams, is emblematic of an encouraging season.

Caufield will have a chance to take home the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, while first-year player Ivan Demidov is in the running for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s best freshman.

And the Canadiens are still playing meaningful playoff hockey, confirming that not only has Suzuki led them through a very difficult rebuild, but his leadership has also made sure the Habs are ready for more potential talent down the road.

After all, Montreal is a city full of hockey landmines that can send the Canadiens locker room into disarray in an instant. To get an idea of ​​how poor management and weak leadership can affect results, take a look at Canada’s two closest NHL cities.

The Canadiens are enjoying one of the most encouraging rebuilds in NHL history, and perhaps more importantly, thanks to Nick Suzuki’s leadership, a void of the usual drama.

Thus, it is fair to suggest that his excellence goes far beyond his play on the ice.

All Nick Suzuki and Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5, via Natural Stat Trick, unless otherwise noted.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

near barcelona Tottenham HotspurCristian Romero on his short list for the summer.

The La Liga winners are preferring to sign Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, but his €70m price tag is too high.

On 29 April, Game Witness Covered claims from Spain The Tottenham star is Bastoni’s main option.

tottenham players suit flick

Sport covered two previous reports on Barcelona’s interest in Cristian Romero.

A fresh claim from game The latest covers and the headline says the Tottenham Hotspur defender’s leadership impresses Hansi Flick.

Accompanying the report, the newspaper states that Alessandro Bastoni remains the main defensive target.

However, Barça will not and cannot meet his €70m price tag.

The Argentina international is still in Plan B and has the characteristics that match what the German coach is looking for.

Flick recently used Iñigo Martínez, now at Al-Nassr, as an example to explain the importance of leadership qualities.

“Last season we had Iñigo Martínez, who was a great leader. We need players who are able to lead on the field,” He said.

“It’s not just about talking about tactics; we need players whose performances on the field become the talking point. In Champions League matches, we need players who can show us where we need to go.”

The Tottenham star has ‘more than enough pedigree’, having won the World Cup with Argentina and the Europa League with Tottenham.

Romero is not fit at all and lacks ‘the finesse of Bastoni’, but is still a ‘good fit’ for Barca.

He could leave Roberto De Zerbi for a ‘very good price’. Sport claim his valuation is around €50m, which could drop further if Spurs are relegated from the Premier League.

Our opinion: Spurs unlikely to offer huge discount

With a 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, Tottenham Hotspur moved out of the relegation zone.

They are now in 17th place, one point ahead of 18th-placed West Ham United and two points behind 16th-placed Nottingham Forest. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have three more matches to avoid relegation to the championship.

In the event of relegation, Spurs will still remain firm on the price of Cristian Romero as he attracts interest from some top European clubs.

The World Cup winner’s contract expires in 2029 and his value, accordingly transfer marketIs €50m.

Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu has attracted interest Manchester United And efforts are ongoing to keep him in Turin.

In the 2025/26 campaign, the Frenchman has been one of the Old Lady’s best players. He has particularly impressed under Luciano Spalletti, alternating between centre-back and right-back.

He provided an assist in the 2-0 win over Bologna on Sunday, as well as scoring a crucial goal against Lazio in February. He has found stability under the Italian manager, showcasing his variety of strengths in the backline.

earlier this year, sports witness Manchester United’s interest in the versatile defender has been covered. Liverpool were also competing for his signature, with Kalulu’s sale dependent on the amount of money offered by the suitors.

His Juve teammate Manuel Locatelli signed a new contract last week. Now, tuttosport See how the former AC Milan player’s future could develop.

Kalulu praised for performance

The newspaper says that Kalulu is a serious possibility of playing for France in the World Cup. He has thrust himself into contention by performing very well this season and may be up for renewing his contract soon.

Manchester United has sent scouts to Turin several times. They have paid particular attention to Kalulu, with reports touting him as someone who could be of great use to clubs in the Premier League.

Despite the Red Devils’ praise, the Frenchman remains ‘cool, collected and composed’. They admire how she has carried herself with confidence despite the pressure around her.

That’s why only a ‘high price’ will tempt Juve into a summer sale. Meanwhile, the Bianconeri are attempting to renew his contract until 2030 or 2031, with his current deal expiring in 2029.

Our opinion: Sale depends on Champions League qualification

In Serie A, contract renewal has never been enough to rule out the sale of a player. Clubs are constantly looking for capital gains and Kalulu’s case could follow the same pattern.

His sale would become vital for Juve if Spalletti’s team fails to qualify for the Champions League. they paid a package €17m to sign him and that makes him a player whose exit could guarantee Juve a huge capital gain.

The 25-year-old’s versatility would add value to many English clubs, including Manchester United. The Red Devils are not particularly in need of defensive additions, but if given the opportunity, Kalulu would be a very reliable option.

The Japanese Grand Prix hasn’t even started and two teams are already making news for all the wrong reasons.

Jonathan Wheatley is out of Audi. After just two races in what is regarded as a historic debut season for the German manufacturer in F1, the team principal who led the old Sauber operation through its rebrand has departed – officially for personal reasons, which is the kind of statement that invites more questions than it answers. Mattia Binotto, already serving as overall head of the Audi F1 project, has taken over team principal duties in the meantime while the team considers its next step.

Is Audi’s old boss going to be Aston Martin’s new boss?

Of course, the timing is not coincidental. Aston Martin are looking for a dedicated team principal to take the day-to-day burden off Adrian Newey, who never seemed particularly enthusiastic about the administrative side of the role and made it clear that the position was effectively a gap-filler. Wheatley and Newey go back decades – they spent several years together winning championships at Red Bull, and Wheatley’s background in race-weekend execution is exactly what Aston Martin doesn’t have right now. Whether quitting gardening leads to delays is not clear, but the dots connect very well.

For Audi, losing Wheatley is a real headache. He was the continuity between the identity of Sauber and the new works team – the institutional knowledge went out the door ten months after his arrival. Bortoletto scored points in the team’s very first race in Australia, so it’s not like the operation is going bad. But Binotto now has both jobs while they sort out a long-term structure, and that’s not ideal for anyone heading into a season when Audi is still learning what its own car really needs.

However, Aston Martin’s situation is something else entirely.

Aston Martin has enough shit

Neither Alonso nor Stroll have finished a race in 2026. Not even one. The Honda power unit was producing such severe vibrations that Newey told the media in Australia that Alonso felt he could not safely complete more than 25 consecutive laps without risking permanent nerve damage to his hands. The walk limit was even lower, at 15 laps. These are not the kind of problems you address with a change in management.

Its roots go deeper than a bad engine spec. When Honda recommitted to F1 at the end of 2022, much of its original engineering group had already moved on and Newey later admitted that he did not realize how inexperienced the reorganized Honda team really was until November last year, when rumors emerged that Honda would not be able to achieve its original power targets for race one, when he and Lawrence Stroll traveled to Tokyo. Until then, no one could do much about it.

Newey’s fingerprints are also on the timeline. Honda’s project general manager said that Newey requested a two-tier battery configuration to meet packaging requirements, which left them with time constraints. Building a Works Engine partnership from scratch under the new rules is significantly more difficult without last-minute design changes from your own technology partner.

Lawrence Stroll issued a rare public statement this week, insisting that Navy remains the core of the operation and that Aston Martin “does not currently adopt a traditional team lead role.” This made the structure appear deliberate rather than chaotic. It’s a tough sell when both of your drivers are sitting in cars that can barely finish the race.

What makes all this especially strange is the venue. Suzuka is Honda’s home race. The Japanese manufacturer will have its own people in the grandstand this weekend, watching the power unit that has made its works partner the worst team on the grid through two rounds. The rules don’t allow Honda to make meaningful development changes until after Miami in May, meaning Alonso and Stroll will head to Japan knowing that the fundamental problem won’t be fixed this weekend, no matter what happens in the management structure above them.

Two teams, two sets of problems. One of them can probably handle it. The second will require more than a new team principal.

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

LOS ANGELES – When the Los Angeles Lakers resume the regular season this Friday against the LA Clippers, they will get good news on the injury front. Lakers head coach JJ Redick noted during team practice on Thursday that Austin Reaves, who has returned this month from a calf injury, is no longer on minutes restriction. Reaves’ return to the lineup has been a big boost for the Lakers, and not just for his on-court play, but for his leadership as well.

Going back to last season, Redick has challenged Austin Reaves to take on a more leadership role with the Lakers. After Thursday’s practice, Reeves talked about that ongoing development, and how interesting it has made becoming a leader.

“He [JJ] “Before last year and before this year, we had some meetings over the summer and he challenged me to get better in that aspect,” Reeves said. “I think it’s an opportunity to really connect with everyone on the team. And learn not only about his basketball game, but as a person.”

“We’ve got a great group. Everyone loves being with each other. We’ve got some interesting people, Luca [Doncic] Being one of them,” Reeves joked. “But it’s fun getting to know these people and building real relationships. So when it comes to the court, they really trust what I do and what we do as a team.”

Reeves returned to the Lakers’ lineup at the end of the Grammys road trip during their win against the Brooklyn Nets on February 2. After such a good game by his standards, he looked like the player who was in All-Star contention earlier this season when he scored 35 points in a win against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Since his return he had been on a minutes restriction, meanwhile coming off the bench. But now that the ban has been lifted after the All-Star break, it is possible that he returns to the starting lineup against the Clippers.

Reeves has appeared in a total of 28 games so far this season, averaging a little over 33 minutes per game. He averaged career-highs of 25.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 steals while splitting 50.8 percent shooting from the field, 36.3 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 86.7 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

In his most recent game, in a win against the Dallas Mavericks just before the break, he finished with 18 points, four rebounds and six assists in 28 minutes.