Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Wednesday.
montreal canadiens news
Landing at No. 4 in our annual Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings is two-way defenseman David Rickenbacker. He’s one of the most polarizing young players in the system, and while his injuries and lack of professional experience have led some to label him useless, it’s too early to give up on the 21-year-old blueliner. Whatever happens, it’s time to readjust our expectations. [Canadiens Top 20 Prospects – No. 4 Enigmatic Reinbacher]
Even though Juraj Slafkowski was a dominant force at the Olympics, Slovakia failed to bring home a medal, leaving a sour taste in their mouth. Ideally, he’ll use his Olympic frustration to motivate him in the final stretch of the season.
Reporter: “Not coming home with a medal, does it take anything away, does it diminish anything?”
Juraj Slafkowski: “Yeah, I said it sucks. You’re so close at the end…It kind of slipped by. It’s definitely a motivation. I now want to stay good here for the rest of the season.” pic.twitter.com/AheNGAkCjN
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 25 February 2026
Captain Nick Suzuki was quick to praise two of his Team Canada teammates: Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand, and Vegas Golden Knights winger Mark Stone.
Nick Suzuki on Canadian 🇨🇦 teammates who made an impact today:
“Brad Marchand and Mark Stone. They’re amazing guys. Great in the room… those two guys were amazing.” pic.twitter.com/5I3eYgyPv8
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 26 February 2026
Injured forward Alex Newhook will be in uniform when the Habs face the New York Islanders on Thursday. This marks an early return from an ankle injury that required surgical intervention.
Head coach Martin St-Louis confirmed Alex Newhook will be in uniform on Thursday against the Islanders
Head coach Martin St-Louis confirmed Alex Newhook will play on Thursday against New York #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/9HsxoMbrQg
– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) 25 February 2026
Adam Engstrom and Jacob Fowler (ill) were both unavailable for the Laval Rocket as they faced the Toronto Marlies on Wednesday night. Unsurprisingly, Laval fell behind by a good margin and lost a 4–1 decision, with the only goal coming from Luc Tuch (9).
Goalkeeper Jacob Fowler (ill) will not be in uniform this evening. The Rockets recalled goaltender Hunter Jones from the Trois-Rivières Lions.
Goaltender Jacob Fowler (ill) will not dress tonight. Goaltender Hunter Jones has been recalled from the Trois-Rivières Lions.
– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) 25 February 2026
Things went from bad to worse for Engstrom, as he would miss four weeks of competition with an upper body injury.
Forward Laurent Dauphin (upper body) is evaluated on a daily basis. Defender Adam Engstrom (upper body) will be sidelined for four weeks.
Forward Laurent Dauphin (upper body) is day-to-day. Defenseman Adam Engstrom (upper body) will be out…
– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) 25 February 2026
Sportsknot Network
Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck can’t stop winning. At the White House on Tuesday, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, awarded the gold medal goaltender the Presidential Medal of Freedom – considered the US government’s highest civilian honor. [New Jersey Devils]
MLSE head Keith Pelley sent a letter to Toronto Maple Leafs ticket holders on Wednesday. A sort of ‘State of the Union’ for the team, if you’ll pardon the expression. The letter explained why they could not publicly discuss the team’s deadline plans and their continued goal of producing a Stanley Cup winner. [Toronto Maple Leafs]
The Bruins’ gold medal winners are back in Boston. Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman joined most of Team USA at the White House on Tuesday. Swayman took to the ice for practice on Wednesday, and Sturm confirmed that both skaters would be on the ice for the morning skate on Thursday. [Boston Bruins]
#Olympic #reactions #Rickenbacker #potential #Newhook
