Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Friday.
Montreal Canadiens News
Talented goaltending prospect Jacob Fowler nabbed the No.3 spot in our annual rankings, as voted on by Habs fans. His time in the NCAA was very encouraging, but despite the fact that he represents the next great hope in the crease, there’s absolutely no need to rush him to the NHL. There are lessons to be learned from the mistakes made while trying to rush Cayden Primeau to the big show. [Canadiens Prospect Rankings – Heir Apparent Jacob Fowler]
It’s the dog days of summer, which means we have a good opportunity to discuss some of the former Canadiens defencemen who graced the ice at the Forum and the Bell Centre. Everyone tends to agree that Larry Robinson was the best defenceman to play for the franchise, though there’s an argument to be made that Doug Harvey had a greater impact on the overall game, as he was essentially responsible for revolutionizing the defenceman position while helping the team win five Stanley Cups in a row.
Few will argue Andrei Markov is the best defenceman in franchise history, and that’s fair, but it’s also important to note that he finished as the second most productive blueliner in Montreal Canadiens history while playing on teams that were slightly worse than the ones that featured Harvey or Robinson.
I would go as far as suggesting Markov is among the most underrated players fans had the pleasure to watch in action in Montreal.
The Habs all time points scored by a defenseman. pic.twitter.com/seHQswXG3O
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 15, 2025
Nick Suzuki’s fantasy value is growing! NHL.com expects Suzuki to hit the 90 point mark next season, while also projecting Lane Hutson will reach 70 points. It’s not exactly a significant step forward from a perception standpoint, as Suzuki finished last season with 89 points, and Hutson rookie season saw him bank 66 points. [NHL]
Montreal Canadiens fantasy rankings, projections for 2025-26 ⤵️https://t.co/f2ODoLdLDc
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) August 15, 2025
ICYMI: Michael Hage represents one of the most exciting young players in the Montreal Canadiens prospect pool, owing to his ability to drive offence at full speed. His excellent hand-eye coordination and elite skating can’t be ignored, and are a big part of why Habs fans voted him as the team’s 4th best prospect. [Canadiens Prospect Rankings – Supersonic Michael Hage]
National Hockey Now Network
This offseason was decidedly different for the Florida Panthers than the one which preceded it. Both, of course, included a Stanley Cup championship parade as well as days — and weeks — of partying with that big silver mug. Yet, the two were completely different. [Florida Panthers]
Justin Brazeau was a 27-year-old free agent with only 95 games of NHL experience, compared to 75 games of ECHL and 189 games of AHL experience. Yet the Pittsburgh Penguins moved quickly to snare the 6-foot-6, 227-pound right-wing with a one-year, $1.5 million deal when the 2025 NHL free agency period began on July 1. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
There’s a reason why you didn’t see any new defencemen signed by the New Jersey Devils this summer. The long and short of it is their blueline is bloated. [New Jersey Devils]