Start your week off by catching up on the latest and biggest news surrounding the Montreal Canadiens, plus the rest of the NHL over this past weekend. 

Here are your Monday Sick Puck Links:

Sick Links

Out of The Bleu, Blanc, Rouge: Michael Hage’s controversial decision isn’t the whole story. Plus, are the Canadiens quietly positioning themselves to land Kirill Marchenko? #GoHabsGo #Habs #thesickpodcast

Written by: @GrumpaDotCA https://t.co/JRoKL2ESUh

— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) July 26, 2026

JD Lagrange’s weekly Out of the Bleu, Blanc Rouge column discussed his view on Michael Hage‘s decision to return to the Michigan Wolverines for the 2026-27 season. Lagrange analyzes whether or not Hage is making the best decision for his future by looking at the Canadiens’ top prospect choice from both sides of the coin.

On Friday, I wrote about Canadiens Lane Hutson having the best contract in the entire NHL, in response to Dom Luszczyszyn of the Athletic releasing his top 10 best contracts in the NHL today. In addition to discussing Hutson’s contract, I talk about other Canadiens contracts that could arguably be among the best in the NHL. 

On Wednesday, Dom Luszczyszyn wrote a piece on the top 10 value contracts throughout the NHL and Lane Hutson was listed at #1. Do you agree with Luszczyszyn’s analytical model, or is there a contract you think is better?#thesickpodcast #GoHabsGo

Written by: @NickLariviere25…

— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) July 24, 2026

Puck Links

The biggest story of the weekend across the NHL was a trade rumour surrounding Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko. Daria Tuboltseva of RG Media published a story on Saturday morning saying that Marchenko is expected to be moved by the Blue Jackets soon. She also mentioned that the Canadiens are one of two teams that are heavily inquiring about the Russian winger. 

A source close to Kirill Marchenko tells @TheRGMedia he’s “essentially between two teams right now” — and Montreal hasn’t given up. Here’s where the trade talks stand 👇https://t.co/XNoJmZPf4l

— RG (@TheRGMedia) July 25, 2026

While Tuboltseva reported that Marchenko could be traded very soon, NHL reporter Aaron Portzline tweeted that the trade rumours surrounding Marchenko aren’t true, stating that the Blue Jackets haven’t received any calls about the winger since earlier this summer. The whole situation around Marchenko trade talks will be an interesting storyline to follow up until training camp as long as he’s still a Blue Jacket.

Told there’s nothing happening with #CBJ on the Kirill Marchenko front, despite rumors out of Russia to the contrary.

Not saying it can’t change later this summer. But my understanding is #CBJ have not had calls on Marchenko since earlier this summer.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 26, 2026

In other news, the Blue Jackets re-signed forward Cole Sillinger to a three-year $13.875 million contract ($4.625 million AAV) to avoid arbitration. The final year of the contract will contain a 10-team no-trade list.

The Florida Panthers avoided arbitration with goaltender Akira Schmid on Friday when they signed him to a two-year $4 million contract. Schmid was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights for a 2028 third-round pick earlier in the off-season.

On Friday, Vancouver Canucks general manager Ryan Johnston announced that Cammi Granato will be shifting over from assistant general manager to senior scouting advisor. Granato spent parts of the last five seasons as the assistant general manager of the Canucks. 

🎥| Hughes brothers waiting outside to get into Twenty Two in NYC.

Credits to https://t.co/0jKTNJU65j via Instagram. #quinnhughes #lukehughes #jackhughes #nyc #hughesbrothers pic.twitter.com/DzLVrHX7T2

— 𝙃𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙐𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨. (@hughessdaily) July 26, 2026

A video went viral this weekend of the Hughes brothers (Quinn, Jack and Luke) looking to enter 22 Nightclub in New York City but were instead prevented by a bouncer who blocked their entry at the door while letting other people enter the club. There were also videos showing that the brothers were eventually able to get in as they were seen leaving the club alongside fellow NHL star Dylan Larkin.

Dylan Larkin SPOTTED with the Hughes brothers in NYC 👀

🎥: https://t.co/FdtajPiWTX via Instagram pic.twitter.com/RwGuJk0OUk

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) July 27, 2026