Locked On Canadiens - Daily Podcast on the Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens lock in Ivan Demidov with a stunning eight-year, $9.15M AAV extension, solidifying a talented, hungry young core without a single $10M cap hit. Could this disciplined cap management set up the Canadiens to make a blockbuster move next season? Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba highlight Demidov’s commitment, the team’s forward-thinking contract structure, and what it means for fellow stars like Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson.

They break down why GM Kent Hughes stayed quiet during free agency, Montreal’s enviable cap flexibility, and the lackluster UFA market. The conversation turns to wild NHL moves—focusing on Bowen Byram’s massive contract in Chicago, Toronto’s flurry of risky signings, and Buffalo’s puzzling roster shakeup. Which Eastern Conference rivals truly got better, and is Montreal poised to seize an opportunity after another patient offseason?

00:00 Canada Day free agency frenzy

04:38 Montreal Canadiens' contract strategy

06:18 Discussing player contracts and strategies

12:28 Kent Hughes on trade strategies

14:14 Watching free agency from afar

16:16 Vancouver trades and team changes

21:10 Reviewing NHL team strategies

24:41 Risky player contracts for Matthews

28:27 Washington Capitals' financial decisions

30:53 Concern about facing Florida and Carolina

Photo credit: David Kirouac - Imagn Images

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As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for free agency day, NHL teams face critical questions about no-trade clauses—should the NHL ban them or are GMs to blame for the chaos? We weigh the impact of trade protection on NHL power dynamics, explore why over 240 active no-trade clauses shape the league, and debate whether organizational self-discipline is the real fix. Could tying trade protections to contract length or dollar value change how stars like Dylan Larkin and others impact their teams’ future?

The episode next turns to a deep dive into Alex Newhook’s season, grading his playoff heroics and second-to-third-line role, while wondering if his true value emerges only when the Canadiens’ forward group matures. Plus, fans get their off-season fix as we break down and grade trade proposals—should Montreal pursue veterans like Vladimir Tarasenko or make a seismic move for Shane Wright? Don’t miss this must-hear analysis of the Canadiens’ summer strategy.

00:00 Team management decisions

03:58 Is banning No-Trade Clauses the answer?

07:55 Understanding the NHL salary cap

13:45 Alex Newhook's performance analysis

18:04 Reflecting on a memorable playoff goal

19:39 Discussing player's potential at 25

24:19 Discussing Puck GM trade tool

27:45 Montreal's interest in key players

31:12 Discussing potential hockey trades

34:39 Discussing Montreal trade rumors

36:29 Montreal Canadiens off-season strategy

Photo credit: Eric Bolte - Imagn Images

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#NHLHockey #MontrealCanadiens #Habs #nhl #nationalhockeyleague #canadiensmtl #canadiens

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Decagon

Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Montreal Canadiens part ways with heart-and-soul winger Brendan Gallagher, trading him to the Vancouver Canucks for future considerations and retaining 50% of his final contract year. Does this signal a shift in organizational culture, prioritizing player loyalty over short-term gains? Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba examine what Gallagher’s departure means for the Habs’ future, the locker room dynamic in Vancouver, and the emotional toll on Montreal fans losing one of their most beloved leaders.

The hosts break down why the Canadiens are focusing on building a winning environment and discuss key NHL Free Agency targets—or lack thereof—for Montreal. Deep dives include the fit of potential pickups like Claude Giroux, the wisdom of passing on right-shot defensemen like John Klingberg, and which Habs players deserve contract extensions next season. Don’t miss insider perspectives on the Canadiens’ off-season finances, extension priorities, and why Montreal is building for long-term success—one bold move at a time.

00:00 Brendan Gallagher's personal move

06:13 Honoring players like Gallagher

07:10 Favorite Brendan Gallagher moments

15:26 Focusing on forward positions

18:05 Considering Mason Marchment

20:06 Discussing Viktor Arvidsson's performance

26:04 Utilizing a player's speed

27:49 Start of Hutson contract talks

32:19 Discussing Jakub Dobes' contract timeline

34:44 Understanding future considerations in trades

Photo credit: Eric Bolte - Imagn Images

Check out Ian's blog on Brendan Gallagher and the guys who deserved more: https://gros-match-ce-soir.bearblog.dev/brendan-gallagher-deserved-more/

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Decagon

Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Montreal Canadiens load up on size at the NHL Draft, sending fans buzzing over Gleb Pugachyov’s arrival and a clear shift toward physicality. With RFAs on the clock and the qualifying offer deadline looming, Kirby Dach’s future is suddenly a hot topic, fueled by rumors of unexpected trade interest across the league.


Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert break down the Canadiens’ draft approach, spotlighting their appetite for aggressive, hard-hitting prospects like Gleb and a string of overage, right-shot defensemen. The hosts question if Montreal’s “beefed up” class is underwhelming or a smart play for immediate lineup help, and explore what the draft strategy signals about the team’s path forward. With little movement in net and the free agent market thin at center, will Kent Hughes’ aggressive approach reshape the Habs’ core before the season starts?

00:00 Montreal Canadiens draft strategy

03:10 The Canadiens' draft strategy

09:19 Versatile player's potential in pro sphere

16:57 Discussing the NHL draft strategy

20:45 The Montreal Canadiens' challenges

23:38 Negotiating hockey player trade options

26:15 Player's adaptation in Montreal

30:24 Contract negotiation challenges

Photo credit: Eric Bolte - Imagn Images

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCanadiens?sid=YouTube

Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL

Find Locked On Canadiens anywhere:
https://lintr.ee/LockedOnCanadiens

Also make sure to follow Locked on Canadiens and their hosts on Bluesky!

Locked on Canadiens: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedoncanadiens.bsky.social

Find Ian on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maybeitsian.bsky.social

Find Laura on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theactivestick.bsky.social

#NHLHockey #MontrealCanadiens #Habs #nhl #nationalhockeyleague #canadiensmtl #canadiens

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Decagon

Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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With the 26th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens select winger Gleb Pugachyov of Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod

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