Locked On Canadiens - Daily Podcast on the Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens eye a dynamic future as fans debate whether Juraj Slafkovsky or Ivan Demidov will become the franchise’s next MVP centerpiece. Trade chatter heats up with Tomas Hertl emerging as a prime target, while Kirill Marchenko and Drake Batherson are ruled long shots. Kaiden Guhle’s ceiling, a potential surprise from Owen Beck or Adam Engstrom at training camp, and Jayden Struble’s role all spark lively discussion.
Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert spotlight quirky Habs endorsements, the ongoing search for a new alternate captain following Brendan Gallagher’s departure, and the challenge of converting Arber Xhekaj to forward. Offbeat mailbag questions inspire creative Habs-themed menu ideas and friendly banter on catchphrases. Can Montreal’s culture keep their rising stars happy and hungry for a Stanley Cup run? Don’t miss this energetic mailbag edition loaded with roster insight, fan engagement, and tribute to Canadiens fandom.
00:00 Discussing potential player trades
03:49 Discussing Montreal Canadiens lineup options
07:37 Comparing potential of young players
09:57 Jayden Struble's physical gameplay
13:21 Habs player endorsement stories
18:12 Creating fun menu items for players
20:04 Meme-based pizza inspiration
24:07 Respect and safety in arenas
29:22 Players' happiness in Montreal
32:22 Arber Xhekaj’s Role Discussion
35:24 Podcast subscription reminder
36:35 Episode wrap-up and next episode teaser
Photo credit: David Kirouac - Imagn Images
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#NHLHockey #MontrealCanadiens #Habs #nhl #nationalhockeyleague #canadiensmtl #canadiensnews #Canadiens
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Montreal Canadiens fans are buzzing with excitement as the 2026-27 NHL season kicks off this month. Can Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson, and Juraj Slafkovsky take the next step from emerging stars to franchise cornerstones? Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba break down the infectious optimism surrounding the Canadiens’ roster development and the significance of this pivotal “season of becoming.”

Key topics include potential expansion draft protection strategies, the latest on Ivan Demidov’s trajectory, and NHL player tier rankings that see Suzuki and Hutson among the league’s elite. The hosts debate future lineup locks, prospect expectations, and the realities of building a contender in Montreal. Plus, how might impending league expansion, division realignment, and playoff format changes shape the Canadiens’ path to success?

Check out Ian's latest blog here: https://gros-match-ce-soir.bearblog.dev/one-final-year-of-becoming-the-2026-27-montreal-canadiens/

00:00 Waiting for the Canadiens' return

04:43 Discussing the season's expectations

07:37 Hopes and worries for Canadiens' season

09:41 Offseason hockey discussions

15:08 Matheson's contract and expansion draft

18:00 Discussing protection slots for players

20:12 Challenges of Expansion Drafts

23:24 Explaining NHL player tiers

28:48 Discussing MVP voting biases

32:25 Zach Werenski's impact on Blue Jackets

35:49 Talking about Dahlin's play style

36:34 Mailbag questions and social media

Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig - Imagn Images

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College football Saturdays are already packed with reasons to get excited, and this season, FanDuel is giving fans even more ways to get in on every matchup. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM

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 fans anxiously await resolution as Zach Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj remain unsigned just weeks before training camp. Contract hold-ups spark questions: Will Xhekaj’s desire for consistent ice time and Bolduc’s playoff flashes result in bridge deals, or are deeper negotiations unfolding behind the scenes?

Laura Saba breaks down the latest updates on both players’ negotiations, the Canadiens’ evolving penalty kill strategy, and what’s driving coaching decisions on defense. Additional highlights include upcoming NHL schedule changes, the end of the EBUG “emergency backup goalie” era, and how roster consistency could shape Montreal’s special teams success. With insights into team culture, fan favourites, and future expansion drafts, this episode captures the Canadiens’ pressing offseason storylines as the new season approaches.

00:00 Montreal Canadiens preseason updates

04:03 Discussing Zach Bolduc's contract negotiation

08:14 Evaluating Canadiens' Defense Roster

09:35 Canadiens contract negotiations update

15:44 Philip Danault's impact on penalty kill

17:58 Improving skills over a season

20:30 End of Emergency Backup Goaltender

25:47 Contract discussions for Xhekaj and Bolduc

27:17 Fan input on expansion draft picks

Patrik Bexell’s penalty piece can be found here: https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/montreal-canadiens-analysis-new-approach-to-analyzing-penalty-kill-martin-st-louis-kaiden-guhle-max-bohlin-quotes-goal-differential-percentage/

Photo credit: David Kirouac - Imagn Images

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

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College football Saturdays are already packed with reasons to get excited, and this season, FanDuel is giving fans even more ways to get in on every matchup. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM

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Planning a Montreal Canadiens pilgrimage? Unlock the ultimate guide to experiencing a Habs game at the Bell Centre without breaking the bank. Discover the best times to score tickets, prime seating options, tips to navigate restrictive bag policies, and how to make the most of your visit—whether you’re coming with family or friends.

Laura Saba highlights essential travel advice for Canadiens fans, from tackling Montreal’s winter, neighborhood hotel picks, and transportation hacks to maximize your stay. Dive into can’t-miss local eats—poutine, smoked meat, and iconic bagels—plus recommendations for family-friendly activities and nightlife hotspots. Wondering where to catch the playoff buzz or run into hockey insiders? Get the rundown on fan-favorite pubs and cocktail bars steps from the action. Your Montreal Canadiens bucket list starts here—don’t miss these insider secrets for the ultimate hockey getaway.

00:00 Traveling to Montreal for a Habs game

03:29 Finding Canadiens Tickets

08:25 Bell Centre seating and bag policy

11:40 Using FanDuel for college football

14:01 Safety tips for staying in Montreal

18:00 Kid-friendly activities for fall visits

23:10 Visiting the botanical garden

24:24 Visiting kid-friendly spots

28:00 Discussing poutine recommendations

30:40 Favourite places to eat out

34:58 Favourite Montreal food courts

37:07 Dining Out: Tasting Menu Favourites

41:28 Sharing travel recommendations

43:58 Locked On NHL updates

Photo credit: Eric Bolte - Imagn Images

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

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College football Saturdays are already packed with reasons to get excited, and this season, FanDuel is giving fans even more ways to get in on every matchup. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM

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 players surge into Top 100 NHLers conversation as breakout stars like Cole Caufield and Jakub Dobeš turn heads with standout performances. Are the Habs building the league’s next powerhouse? Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert spotlight Canadiens’ leap forward, dissect the inclusion of Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Ivan Demidov among the league’s elite, and debate fan perceptions versus national recognition.


The discussion intensifies around the future of Arber Xhekaj—is his role now threatened by rising forward Florian Xhekaj? Salary cap mastery comes to the forefront as hosts compare Cale Makar’s record-setting $20.4M contract to Montreal’s cost-effective top line. Plus, could you build a winner with 2.2 Lane Hutsons or two prime Carey Prices instead of a single iconic superstar? Insightful, energetic, and Habs-focused, this episode sets the stage for the most exciting Montreal Canadiens season in decades.

00:00 Speculating NHL player contracts

04:44 Concern about Canadiens' prospect depth

07:58 Dobeš Breakout Season

10:53 Florian Xhekaj vs Arber Xhekaj

15:28 Discussing Florian Xhekaj’s NHL potential

16:06 Roster changes and training camp battles

20:15 Florida's expected response to Montreal

24:49 Cale Makar's impact on the team

26:48 Discussing Montreal Canadiens' challenges

31:45 Resigning Cale Makar for future success

33:32 Signing Key Players to Long-Term Deals

35:49 Wrap-up and listener thanks

Photo credit: David Kirouac - Imagn Images

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

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

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Find Locked On Canadiens anywhere:
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Also make sure to follow Locked on Canadiens and their hosts on Bluesky!

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

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

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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.

FanDuel

College football Saturdays are already packed with reasons to get excited, and this season, FanDuel is giving fans even more ways to get in on every matchup. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM

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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