Locked On Canadiens - Daily Podcast on the Montreal Canadiens

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/

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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

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

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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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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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Montreal Canadiens find themselves at a crossroads as Michael Hage’s future hangs in the balance. Are the Habs pushing too hard to bring their top prospect to the NHL, or will Hage return to the University of Michigan as planned? Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba break down Jeff Gorton’s cryptic comments, the strategic importance of elite centers, and what Hage’s decision could mean for Montreal’s rebuild timeline.

Key discussion points include the Canadiens’ trade sending Luke Tuch to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Hunter McKown, Owen Beck’s role in a crowded depth chart, and potential blockbuster moves involving first-round picks to land a second-line center. Is Kirill Marchenko the next Noah Dobson for Montreal? Plus, listeners weigh in on the value of draft picks, roster shakeups, and the evolving expectations for Florian and Arber Xhekaj.

00:00 Michael Hage's NHL decision

04:36 Evaluating young NHL prospects

08:13 Comparing McCowan and Beck

15:55 Discussing draft picks movement

17:32 Discussing draft day trades

24:12 Discussing player positions and roles

26:52 Habs trade possibilities in free agency

31:12 Drafting issues with siblings playing together

Photo credit: Matt Krohn - Imagn Images

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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Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

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.

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Montreal Canadiens eye bold draft strategies as NHL trade frenzy sweeps the league. Which prospects could the Habs target with their first-round pick, and will their Russian scouting edge pay off on draft night? Nick Bobrov’s connections may help Montreal tap into undervalued talent like Nikita Shcherbakov, while intriguing names such as Simas Ignatavicius and Marcus Nordmark offer both safe bets and home run swings.

We spotlight potential moves involving Jake DeBrusk, Matthew Knies, and Kirill Marchenko, analyzing how possible trades could reshape the Canadiens' forward group. As the Eastern Conference engages in an all-out arms race, questions loom: Are the Canadiens quietly plotting a major acquisition, or will their patient approach set the stage for long-term success? Tune in for essential insights on Montreal’s draft priorities, roster ambitions, and the intensifying battle for Atlantic Division supremacy.

00:00 Discussing draft guide resources

04:42 Discussing Shcherbakov's draft prospects

06:47 Canadiens potential draft prospect discussion

10:11 Prospects and trade strategies

16:50 Speculating on Matthew Knies Trade

21:16 Discussing player trade values

26:38 Sports contracts and trade clauses

30:53 Trading strategies and team dynamics

32:07 Discussing Washington's future prospects

36:33 Upcoming Canadiens news and subscriptions

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 #canadiensnews #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!

Hims

To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL.

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

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.

5-Hour ENERGY

Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.