The HabsWorld podcast team were happy to start the 2025 New Year with Episode 117. Host Norm Szcyrek, with cohosts Paul MacLeod, Sean Cayouette and Jonathan Rebelo had a lot to say about the Habs, discuss other hockey news and have some laughs. This podcast was recorded the evening of January 15, 2025.
Our roster of topics include:
– Introductions and Habs trivia.
– Discussing the improved play of the team since mid-December, including surprise performances from Alexandre Carrier, Emil Heineman, Lane Hutson, Josh Anderson, Jakub Dobes, and Patrik Laine.
– Talk about a few disappointing players including Juraj Slafkovsky, Alex Newhook, and Michael Pezzetta.
– Could Dobes become the number one goaltender in Montreal?
– Laine talked to a Finnish newspaper about his desire to stay in Montreal. Discussion of how much his next contract could cost Montreal, or if they should keep him past the 2026 trade deadline.
– Jonathan shares a story of meeting Lane Hutson recently.
– Debunking a recent article from The Athletic that downplays Hutson.
– Habs brass traveled to Russia to visit Demidov in December and talk to his coach. Was it a good move by the Canadiens?
– Norm shares a theory on Juraj Slafkovsky’s inconsistent play so far this season.
– Jake Evans had a hot streak, scoring goals in five straight games last month. As the trade deadline approaches, should Montreal move Evans, or extend him?
– The midseason press conference was analyzed.
– Emil Heineman was struck by a car as a pedestrian. Some details of the event was talked about, and who could be called up from Laval to replace him.
– Marc Bureau was hired as a full-time consultant to help Montreal forwards with their faceoffs.
– Habs draft pick Michael Hage is the leading scorer among freshmen players in the NCAA.
– David Reinbacher recently started skating as part of his rehabilitation.
– The Habs being “in the mix” was debated.
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