Locked On Canadiens - Daily Podcast on the Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens face pivotal contract crossroads as Kirby Dach files for salary arbitration while Arber Xhekaj opts out. Are ongoing negotiations setting the stage for a roster shakeup, or will stability win out for Kent Hughes’ squad?

Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba break down what Dach’s arbitration filing and Xhekaj’s decision mean for potential offer sheets, trade value, and salary cap strategy. The hosts also spotlight chaos across the NHL, from the Philadelphia Flyers’ blockbuster $18 million offer sheet to Anaheim Ducks’ Leo Carlsson to management missteps reminiscent of Marc Bergevin’s tenure. Plus, a full-season review of Zachary Bolduc’s emergence as Montreal’s potential next-level pest—can he lock down the perfect bottom-six role and become a true local success story?

03:26 Contract uncertainties with Xhekaj and Dach

06:29 Kirby Dach's qualifying offer

10:55 Discussing NHL arbitration scenarios

13:09 Record NHL player salary

17:55 Being part of a team

23:21 Zachary Bolduc trade discussion

28:11 Discussing a controversial hockey player

32:08 Podcast schedule update

Photo credit: Eric Bolte - Imagn Images

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Montréal Canadiens Jakub Dobeš earns a three-year extension as the Habs solidify their goalie situation—does this move set the stage for Habs contending years to come? Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert spotlight Dobeš journey, from stepping up in high-pressure games to becoming the emotional anchor of the roster. The show compares his style to Carey Price, analyzes the Canadiens’ calculated contract timing, and questions whether Jacob Fowler or Sam Montembeault could shift the goaltending hierarchy yet again.

Exploring the free agent market, the hosts debate options like Anthony Mantha and Vladimir Tarasenko, discuss the limitations of this year’s UFA class, and evaluate whether trades are Montreal’s best path forward. Listener mail brings heartfelt stories about fandom, favorite Canadiens moments, and insider perspectives on the team’s culture of below-market contracts—can Kent Hughes continue building a roster of selfless stars without sacrificing future success?

00:00 Jakub Dobeš contract, Friday Mailbag

04:42 Discussing goalie contract extension

06:51 Becoming a Montreal Hockey Legend

14:16 Lane Hutson's future Stanley Cup moment

18:16 Evaluating Anthony Mantha's value

21:29 Answering listener questions

23:31 Discussing rookie camp talent levels

27:07 Team culture and contracts discussion

29:16 Discussing Montreal Canadiens UFA market

33:41 Future pressure on Canadiens Cup hopes

36:50 First time showing true fandom

38:42 Promoting podcast and social media

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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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 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

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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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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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

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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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)

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