Locked On Canadiens - Daily Podcast on the Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens sign Kirby Dach to a one-year, $3.6 million contract. Is Dach betting on himself, or is this the Habs’ last gamble on him? Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert break down the deal’s implications, debating whether Dach can deliver consistency and finally shake his injury woes. With Dach’s future in the balance, what could his performance mean for the Canadiens’ long-term plans?
The hosts tackle key offseason moves, projected roster battles at training camp, and what makes this summer different for Kent Hughes and the Canadiens. Hot topics include potential breakout prospects like Filip Mesar, off-ice debates...

Laval Rocket usher in a new era with Daniel Jacob as head coach, signaling a pivotal shift in Montreal Canadiens’ development strategy. With Pascal Vincent heading to the Seattle Kraken and recent coaching shakeups—including the addition of Derek Lalonde in Montreal—the Canadiens position themselves as a “French-speaking coach factory” for the league. Are expectations changing for the Rocket as top prospects like David Reinbacher eye AHL minutes while the farm team’s role evolves?

Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba deliver sharp analysis on Josh Anderson’s gritty season, his playoff impact, and the leadership void left by Brenda...

Montreal Canadiens eye local star Anthony Mantha as a potential short-term boost, but nagging questions about his injury history and playoff track record linger. Can Mantha recapture last season’s scoring magic and give the Habs an edge, or does his demand for a long-term deal complicate Montreal’s desire to sign him? Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert weigh the risks and rewards, break down the latest contract rumors, and explore how Mantha’s skill set (and lack of physical play) might fit on a line with Ivan Demidov.
The hosts also unpack the signing and strategy behind Bogdan...

Montreal Canadiens capitalize on Toronto Maple Leafs’ coaching overhaul, bringing Derek Lalonde behind the bench to elevate their penalty kill. With Trevor Letowski stepping back to prioritize family, the Canadiens seize the opportunity created by the Leafs' sweeping staff changes, aiming to strengthen special teams and add critical NHL coaching experience.

Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert break down how Lalonde’s penalty-killing pedigree can address Montreal’s biggest weaknesses, discuss the evolving roles for Jake Evans and other key players, and debate whether more changes—possibly on the defensive coaching front—are on the horizon. Listener questions spark conv...

Montreal Canadiens fans are growing restless as the offseason stays eerily quiet—where are the impact moves that could launch this young core into true contention? Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert scrutinize Kent Hughes’ patience in the current NHL trade landscape, dissecting why adding a top-six forward is harder than expected and whether Montreal can afford to wait for the perfect fit.


The conversation spotlights Jake Evans’ impressive reliability as a fourth-line center, questioning whether he’s an under-appreciated luxury or a hidden asset with upside. Key topics include the pitfalls of overpaying in trades versus free agency, th...

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 Za...

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...

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—...

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 heroic...

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 thereo...

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, a...

With the 26th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens select winger Gleb Pugachyov of Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 p...

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 ra...

Montreal Canadiens face a pivotal NHL Draft as Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba break down the franchise’s high-stakes strategy. With the prospect pipeline brimming and the contending window opening, should Kent Hughes target high-upside centers or prioritize market inefficiencies on defense? The duo weighs the value of trading pick 28—debating whether to move up, stockpile assets, or package it for a game-changing player like Jason Robertson.

Rapid-fire trade rumors heat up, fueling questions about the Canadiens’ willingness to take big swings. As NHL expansion to Houston looms, Laura Saba delivers a passionate critique on talent dilution, while...

Montreal Canadiens legend Carey Price secures his place among hockey’s elite as the Habs great is officially named to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Does his era-defining excellence—and lack of a Stanley Cup—warrant retiring his iconic #31? Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba break down Price’s historic career, his standing among Canadiens goaltending greats (Dryden, Plante, Roy), and what modern Hall of Fame standards mean for current NHL stars.

The hosts also tackle a heated debate over Keith Tkachuk’s Hall of Fame case, frustrations with overlooked candidates like Rod Brind’Amour, and what makes a true franc...

Florida Panthers ignite an Atlantic Division arms race with a blockbuster trade for Brady Tkachuk, leaving the Montreal Canadiens facing mounting pressure to keep pace. Are the Canadiens ready to contend with these bold moves, or will they be left behind as rivals reload for another playoff push?

Hosts Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba break down the high-stakes deal, weighing Ottawa Senators’ future after flipping Tkachuk for three first-round picks and a second. They debate Montreal’s response, potential Jason Robertson rumors, and the impact of shifting locker room dynamics across the NHL. Listener mailbag questions fuel live...

Montreal Canadiens fans await possible Brendan Gallagher trade looming as Vancouver Canucks negotiations heat up. In the Habs mailbag this week: which realistic moves should Kent Hughes prioritize this offseason, and which Habs trades from the past would you erase to rewrite the team’s present and future? The fallout from the infamous Patrick Roy and Ryan McDonagh trades sparks debate about missed opportunities and the lasting ripple effects on the Canadiens’ path to contention.

We also discuss Oilers’ controversial Mike Babcock hire—can Edmonton’s stars save the day or is player input leading them astray? Plus, the...

Montreal Canadiens fans celebrate as Lane Hutson shatters expectations with a 78-point sophomore season while proving he’s more than just an offensive dynamo. Can Hutson’s rapid development and elite hockey IQ push the Habs closer to true NHL contender status?

Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba break down Hutson’s growth on both sides of the puck, his rising Norris Trophy potential, and where his defensive game stands among the league’s best. The duo also debates the future of Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj—will either finally claim the sixth defenseman spot, or are big roster mov...

Montreal Canadiens fans relive the past decade’s greatest moments, from Artturi Lehkonen’s unforgettable goal that launched the Habs to the Stanley Cup Final, to the pivotal P.K. Subban–Shea Weber trade that changed the franchise’s future. Hosts Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba, joined by Scott Matla, debate who truly won the Subban-Weber deal, analyze the impact of building around Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, and remember incredible playoff runs during the pandemic to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Locked On Podcast Network.

Looking ahead, can the Canadiens become the NHL’s next dynasty? T...

Montreal Canadiens need help at 2C and we weigh a bold move: should the Habs pursue Claude Giroux as a short-term fix at center? With Giroux's veteran presence and faceoff dominance, we debate whether the 38-year-old Ottawa Senators forward could be the ideal mentor for rising stars Michael Hage and Ivan Demidov—or merely a sign of missed opportunities for the Habs’ long-term rebuild.

The conversation shifts to Alex Carrier's season, dissecting his challenging defensive assignments and whether fan criticism was warranted. Key topics include roster construction on the Canadiens blue line, the evolving strategy for the Lava...

NHL stars sound off—will the Montreal Canadiens cash in? Brendan Gallagher, Dylan Larkin, Darnell Nurse, and Connor Hellebuyck are all at the heart of dramatic trade chatter as player power reshapes the league. Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert debate whether the Canadiens can snag a top-6 center or scoring winger as rivals search for locker room solutions and cap space. From player autonomy to trade clause strategy, who will make the boldest move before the draft?

Spotlight shifts to NHL Draft riser Maddox Dagenais, the Canadiens’ 2C strategy, and what Montreal’s front office should (or should...

Montreal Canadiens locked up Mike Matheson with a contract extension this fall —magic or mistake? With Matheson’s evolving role as a defensive anchor, Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba assess his impact, the team-friendly $6 million price tag, and what this means for the blue line’s future. Can Matheson maintain his playoff form, and does his leadership accelerate the Canadiens’ rebuild?

The hosts also break down Noah Dobson’s first season in Montreal, debating whether his acquisition filled key defensive gaps and how his chemistry with Matheson elevates the team. Trade rumors swirl as the duo sizes up the Was...

Montreal Canadiens fans witness Kaiden Guhle’s fierce playoff emergence, but could his future with the team be in jeopardy? As trade rumors swirl and defensive depth creates tough decisions, Montreal’s management faces pivotal choices that could reshape the blue line—especially with Guhle’s physical edge and reliable first pass standing out in high-stakes postseason moments.
Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert break down Guhle’s season grades, explore second-line centre options via potential trades with the Seattle Kraken—including Matty Beniers and Chandler Stephenson—and debate which core defensemen might be moved for long-term gains. The hosts also spe...

Montreal Canadiens’ goalie trio faces a turning point—has Jakob Dobeš locked down the starter’s net for good? Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba issue their season report cards as Dobeš’s breakout, including elite playoff numbers and unwavering emotion, fuels optimism for Montreal’s future between the pipes. What does this mean for Sam Montembeault after a shocking drop-off in goals saved above expected, and is Jacob Fowler the next big thing in goal?

The hosts explore the Canadiens’ upcoming goaltending battle, debate if Montembeault can rebound, and highlight Kent Hughes’s cautious approach to summer moves as NHL tra...

Montreal Canadiens’ Nick Suzuki captures the Selke Trophy in a decisive landslide while Cole Caufield surprisingly secures the Lady Byng. Can these award-winning performances fuel the Habs’ push toward true contender status?
Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert break down the Canadiens’ rising stars, the fallout from the failed Matthew Knies trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and mounting tensions between the rival front offices. Key segments spotlight the evolving meaning of the Selke, the Lady Byng snub controversy, and whether the Habs’ trade approach signals a shift to “win soon” mode. The mailbag tackles bold trade proposals, offer sheet possib...

Montreal Canadiens fans are buzzing as trade rumors swirl around Brendan Gallagher, Dylan Larkin, and Elias Pettersson. Could blockbuster moves reshape the Habs’ roster before the NHL Draft? Speculation heats up around possible trades involving emerging talents like Arber Xhekaj and Matt Barzal, while salary cap flexibility positions Montreal for major acquisitions. The mailbag episode tackles questions about the Canadiens' next aggressive offseason splash and examines which RFAs could be on the move.

With the Stanley Cup Final still underway, all eyes are on general manager Kent Hughes’ strategy and how the Canadiens stack up against divisional riva...

Montreal Canadiens face a pivotal offseason as Habs GM Kent Hughes weighs blockbuster trades and strategic contract extensions. With just four months until puck drop, the pressure is on to lock up Ivan Demidov long-term and maintain the team-friendly deals that have fueled Montreal’s momentum. Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Lane Hutson, and Noah Dobson headline a core determined to attract top free agents and turn playoff optimism into a true Stanley Cup pursuit.
We break down the Canadiens’ biggest roster questions: Who will emerge as the second-line center? Is David Reinbacher ready for top-pair minutes? Will...

The Montreal Canadiens delivered their most impressive season in ages. Can Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield anchor a new era of dominance in the Atlantic Division?

Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert break down the Canadiens’ journey to a 100-point campaign, spotlighting Suzuki’s 101-point season, Caufield’s thrilling 50-goal achievement, and standout playoff performers like Jakub Dobes and Alex Newhook. The discussion covers the team’s resilience against long losing streaks, crucial leadership shifts with Brendan Gallagher’s exit, and the emergence of young talents Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov. Insightful analysis raises the question—was this Montreal’s b...

Montreal Canadiens rocked by Brendan Gallagher’s shocking exit announcement at the end-of-season press conference. What does a future without the team’s heart-and-soul veteran mean for leadership and chemistry in the locker room?

Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert break down the ripple effects of Gallagher’s departure, explore who might step up as the Canadiens’ new emotional leader, and dissect front office comments from Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes on roster decisions, including Kirby Dach’s contract, the center depth question, and the outlook for David Reinbacher. Insightful analysis covers injury updates, playoff lessons learned after the loss t...

After an exciting run to the Conference Finals, the Canadiens predictably fell to the Carolina Hurricanes. Is the best yet to come, or could this disappointment linger?

Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba breakdown the end of the Habs season, how they could not overcome the Hurricanes' elite play, and what may come next for the young Canadiens roster.

00:00 Montreal's team development journey

06:29 Discussing Montreal's struggles against Carolina

09:09 Carolina's playoff journey and challenges

12:50 Montreal's missed shot opportunities

16:34 Carolina's intense defensive strategy

18:46 Lane Hutson's costly mistake under...

Montreal Canadiens fans and hockey fans everywhere mourn the loss of NHL legend Claude Lemieux, whose contribution to the Habs, fierce rivalry with the Detroit Red Wings, and unforgettable legacy continue to resonate across generations of fans. Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert reflect on Lemieux’s legacy as a playoff agitator and big-game performer, exploring his lasting impact on both the Canadiens and the league. Can any current NHL star truly fill the rugged, clutch archetype Lemieux embodied?
The conversation shifts to the Canadiens’ playoff battle against the Carolina Hurricanes, with insights on Montreal’s youth progression, fan-favorite perfor...

Montreal Canadiens fall to the Carolina Hurricanes in a stinging 4-0 shutout, putting their Stanley Cup dreams on the brink. Can this young Canadiens squad seize their moment, or is Carolina’s relentless, disciplined style simply too much? Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba spotlight the harsh lessons from Game 4, debate the controversial Bronx cheer at the Bell Centre, and question Marty St. Louis’ next tactical moves as the Canadiens’ playoff hopes hang by a thread.

00:00 Montreal's disappointing playoff game

03:29 Carolina's playoff journey expectations

07:07 Analyzing the team's performance

14:49 Discussing Marty's coaching decisions

...

Montreal Canadiens refuse to go quietly as playoff hopes hang in the balance. Can Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson, and the Habs reignite their offense and outmuscle the Carolina Hurricanes at the Bell Centre?

Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert break down Montreal’s 2-1 series deficit, highlighting Lane Hutson’s resilience after a crucial OT mistake and the team’s need for disciplined forechecking. The conversation tackles defensive pairings, the pressure on the top line, and why panic lineup changes—like calls for Brendan Gallagher or David Reinbacher—aren’t the answer. Key points include Carolina’s aggressive defensive sche...

Montreal Canadiens stumble with back-to-back losses as Carolina Hurricanes clamp down defensively—can the Habs reignite their offense to stay alive in the playoffs?

Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba break down Montreal’s scoring drought, highlighting a brutal stretch with just 12 shots on goal and a controversial offside reversal erasing a potential go-ahead goal. They spotlight the Hurricanes’ relentless forecheck, effective neutral zone control, and how Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Lane Hutson are being stifled. Key topics include Carolina’s adjustments after Game 1, the Canadiens’ lineup concerns with Arber Xhekaj and Brendan Gallagher, and what Marty St. Louis...

The Carolina Hurricanes stifle Montreal Canadiens with defensive masterclass, but is Game 2 truly a cause for concern? Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert dissect Montreal’s overtime loss, challenging the narrative that the Canadiens were dominated. Despite the Hurricanes’ relentless cycling and shot advantage, high-danger opportunities remained close, exposing the flaws in relying purely on shot totals to judge control.

Key discussion points include missed assignments by Noah Dobson and Oliver Kapanen leading to the OT winner, adjustments needed in Montreal’s defensive pairings—especially Lane Hutson’s utilization—and whether Carolina can maintain their smothering style for the rest of...

Montreal Canadiens shock the Carolina Hurricanes with a 6-2 blowout in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final—are the Habs the most underestimated threat in the NHL playoffs?

Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba break down the Canadiens’ explosive win, spotlighting Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Nick Suzuki as the top line finally ignites for eight combined points. Key insights include Montreal’s relentless forecheck, suffocating third-period defense, and Kaden Guhle’s physical dominance. The episode examines how head coach Martin St. Louis’s system is frustrating Carolina’s high-powered attack and how Jakub Dobes’ steady goaltending eases the pressure...

Montreal Canadiens reach the Eastern Conference Final ahead of schedule—could this be the “worst” version fans see for years to come? Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert preview the Canadiens’ underdog clash against the Carolina Hurricanes, breaking down Jakub Dobes’s clutch goaltending, the top line’s offensive drought, and how Montreal’s loose, confident team chemistry drives their postseason run.

Key topics include special teams strategy with Ivan Demidov, predictions on whether Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki can ignite at even strength, and the significance of outlasting playoff-tested squads like the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres. The ho...

Montreal Canadiens face their toughest challenge yet as they prepare to battle the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. Can Nick Suzuki, Jakub Dobes, and Lane Hutson outshine Carolina's powerhouse second line of Taylor Hall, Logan Stankhoven, and Jackson Blake? With Carolina riding a dominant 8-0 playoff run and Freddie Anderson posting video game-like numbers, the pressure mounts for Montreal's emerging core.
We break down every angle—from Carolina’s aggressive forecheck and lethal penalty kill to Montreal’s gritty upsets over Tampa Bay and Buffalo. Key debates include whether the Canadiens’ youth can withstand elite playoff pressure...

Montreal Canadiens outlast Buffalo Sabres in a dramatic Game 7, fueled by Alex Newhook’s clutch heroics and Jakub Dobes’s standout goaltending. Did luck or grit drive the Habs to the Eastern Conference Final—and can they summon even more against the undefeated Carolina Hurricanes?
Laura Saba breaks down Montreal’s rollercoaster series win, spotlighting Newhook’s emergence as a playoff difference-maker and Dobes’s resilience under heavy fire. Topics include the Canadiens’ struggles and lucky breaks, the ongoing search for roster clarity, and the vital need for the first line to rebound. Plus: matchup previews, Carolina’s defensive prowes...