Locked On Canadiens - Daily Podcast on the Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens’ young core draws buzz as Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky headline the franchise’s under-23 standouts. With playoff dreams swirling, how close are the Habs to returning as postseason contenders, and what can fans expect from top prospects like Ivan Demidov, David Reinbacher, and Michael Hage?


Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert break down Montreal’s youth movement, debate the ideal NHL season length, and tackle the confusing maze of broadcast and streaming options for watching Canadiens games in 2026. Mailbag highlights include French-language hockey resources, Sasha Pastujov’s NHL chances, and strategic upgrades for playoff success. Can this emerging roster build on hard-earned experience to become a powerhouse, or do growing pains still stand in the way? Don’t miss fresh insights and essential tips for every Canadiens fan this season.

00:00 Rating young Habs players

04:39 Thoughts on timing of sports seasons

09:50 Discussing hockey player impacts

12:29 Watching Habs games in Canada

15:19 Millennial perspective on streaming services

17:14 Streaming sports in multiple markets

21:20 Frustration with NHL viewership options

25:59 Montreal Canadiens season review

28:02 Discussing Habs Forward Depth

32:10 Contact and Subscription Information

Photo credit: James Carey Lauder - Imagn Images

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

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Carey Price’s Ring of Honor induction electrifies Montreal Canadiens fans—will this legendary goaltender ever see his No. 31 retired at the Bell Centre? Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba examine what this long-awaited tribute means for Price’s legacy and debate how the Canadiens weigh Stanley Cup success in immortalizing star players. With comparisons to Anze Kopitar’s jersey retirement and reflections on Price’s impact during an era of struggle, the hosts spotlight the emotional pull and controversies surrounding Canadiens history.

Shifting focus, the conversation covers Kent Hughes’ late-summer trade track record, analyzing whether the current NHL landscape favors another blockbuster August move for Montreal. The episode wraps with a comprehensive, firsthand guide to attending a Canadiens game at the Bell Centre, from ticket-buying strategies to can’t-miss game night rituals—essential listening for both diehards and first-time visitors. Will the Canadiens’ roster or fan experience surprise this season? Tune in for updates and insider tips.

00:00 The Canadiens' beloved player tribute

06:28 Potential jersey retirements for Habs players

10:56 Kent Hughes August trade phenomenon

14:56 Discussing Anaheim's player contracts

18:46 Analyzing player moves and cap space

21:37 Pressure on French athletes to sign

27:19 Arriving early for a game

30:32 Family-friendly events at Bell Centre

31:16 Bell Centre tour options

Photo credit: Eric Bolte - Imagn Images

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

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 wonder: is Sam Montembeault set for a bounce-back as backup goalie, or should Jacob Fowler leap straight to the NHL? With training camp looming, Laura Saba, Ian Boisvert, and guest Jordan Hachey break down the Canadiens’ quiet offseason and ask whether Kent Hughes’ patient strategy will pay off. The debate heats up over David Reinbacher’s development and whether Montreal’s defensive future hangs in the balance if he isn’t ready to step up.

Key topics include Lane Hutson’s potential, the evolving locker room leadership in the absence of Brendan Gallagher, and the team’s search for a reliable second-line center. The crew compares NHL goalie stats, weighs major and minor concerns for 2024-25, and even tackles which non-French Canadian player best embodies true Quebec energy. Can this young core fuel a playoff push—or are bigger moves on the horizon for the Canadiens?

00:00 Discussing Montreal's future NHL contention

05:04 Managing offseason moves and risks

08:20 Discussing potential Canadiens trade

09:22 Player contract uncertainties and future plans

12:43 Montreal Canadiens offseason concerns

18:53 Concerns about team chemistry

21:17 Kaiden Guhle's leadership potential

25:27 Analyzing Backup Goalie Performance

28:44 Montembeault's potential rebound

30:18 Managing backup goalies and call-ups

35:47 Dobson's impact on Montreal hockey

Photo credit: David Kirouac - Imagn Images

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

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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How high is Juraj Slafkovský's ceiling for the Montreal Canadiens? With Arber Xhekaj's contract status looming and breakout candidates like Ivan Demidov in the mix, are the Canadiens on track for a true playoff push? Laura Saba, joined by passionate Habs fans Jake Messier and Nicole, tackles key listener mailbag questions, spotlighting prospects including David Reinbacher and Florian Xhekaj while debating who will step up as team leaders alongside Cole Caufield.

The episode takes a heartfelt turn as Jake Messier shares his journey battling stage 4 breast cancer, driving home the importance of awareness for men and the power of community support. Listeners can expect spirited takes on team development, roster moves, and even fun hypotheticals like Habs-themed food trucks—all wrapped in a celebration of resilience, humor, and Canadiens fandom.

00:00 Friday mailbag and listener spotlight

04:48 Arber Xhekaj contract speculation

08:16 Discussing Slaf's team impact

10:42 Discussing Florida's regression in playoffs

13:34 Why I'm Not a Bruins Fan

19:27 Discovering breast cancer diagnosis

20:28 Understanding stage 4 breast cancer

25:51 Building a Social Media Presence

28:47 Raising funds with positive mindset

33:44 Star Wars-themed vow renewal

36:15 Understanding the rarity of success

39:43 Discussing future team prospects

43:07 What if scenarios for Canadiens

45:19 Discussing NHL player trades

50:15 Parting thoughts

51:43 Sharing and subscribing information

Photo credit: David Kirouac - Imagn Images

Jake's fundraising page: https://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2026/20263Day?pg=personal&px=8419750&fr_id=2361

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

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

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 enter the new season with high expectations as Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield anchor a youthful, dynamic core. Can Montreal claim the top spot in the Atlantic Division, or will the aging Tampa Bay Lightning—bolstered by veteran additions like John Carlson—maintain their edge?

Questions loom about whether the Canadiens’ quieter offseason and the departure of locker room leader Brendan Gallagher leave enough leadership to fuel another deep playoff push, while Tampa navigates risky roster changes and the challenge of balancing experience with an aging blue line.

Laura Saba and Greg Stephen review the Canadiens’ goalie tandem involving Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler, assess Kirby Dach’s new deal, and debate the long-term outlook for both teams. Key topics include Montreal’s evolving defensive strategy, Tampa Bay’s search for stability, and sleeper threats in the Atlantic like Buffalo, Ottawa, and the ever-formidable Florida Panthers. Who emerges as the East’s true contender?

00:00 Delayed episode release explanation

06:10 Offseason grades and Brendan Gallagher trade

07:05 Leadership Changes and Goalie Situation

11:06 Evaluating goalie prospects' potential

16:32 Predicting Tampa Bay's Playoff Chances

19:31 Assessing Ivan Demidov's future potential

22:48 Team's future competitiveness analysis

26:08 Defensive lineup and player roles

27:30 Potential future Canadiens roster changes

32:11 Discussing Tkachuk's Ottawa departure impact

36:35 Buffalo Sabres' playoff outlook

37:25 Larkin and team locker room issues

40:49 Predicting the Atlantic Division playoffs

44:23 Thanking listeners and social media plugs

Photo credit: Morgan Tencza - Imagn Images

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

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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

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

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.