PUBLICATION

L. Honein
July 30, 2025  (2:55 PM)

Canadiens players in Brossard

Photo credit: Screenshot DLC

We experienced a rather unique situation with the Montreal Canadiens last week, live from Brossard.

It made for some great visuals.

Let’s just say it was really special to see this happen in the middle of July.

That said, as Maxime Truman points out, even though the Montreal Canadiens paid for the ice time, the organization didn’t send a single staff member.

No coaches were spotted on the ice, and there’s a very specific reason for that.

Gary Bettman and the NHL Officially Prohibit Teams From Holding Practices or Sending Coaches on the Ice During the Offseason

It’s unusual, but that means Martin St-Louis wouldn’t have even been allowed to skate with his players last week.

It’s strictly prohibited.

That said, things have quieted down again this week – except for two players.

I didn’t know about this restriction, but it definitely explains a lot.

“To wrap it up, I was told that the Canadiens themselves paid for and reserved the ice time, but the club wasn’t allowed to send its regular coaches on the ice and couldn’t hold any scheduled/organized sessions either.

That’s prohibited by the collective bargaining agreement until training camp opens.”

– Maxime Truman

So we’ll have to wait until September to see any “real” practices from the Montreal Canadiens.

Previously on HabsFanatics