Draft Plans and Roster Dynamics
Montreal Canadiens president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton hinted that the club intends to leverage the 28th overall pick in the upcoming draft, a move he described as part of a broader strategy to reshape the roster. He also noted that the team is actively engaging with other clubs but emphasized that there is no urgency to complete trades, even as other divisions make moves.
Gorton confirmed that all pending restricted free agents — Joe Veleno, Zachary Bolduc, Kirby Dach and Arber Xhekaj — are expected to receive qualifying offers, ensuring they remain under the organization’s contract umbrella.
Among those players, forward Michael Hage has publicly stated his intention to return to the NCAA for another season, yet Gorton left the door open for a change of heart, especially as the Canadiens evaluate how his skill set could fit into upcoming line combinations.
Development Camp Preview
The Canadiens’ development camp, scheduled from June 30 to July 2, will feature on‑ice sessions and scrimmages that are open to the public. Hage is confirmed to attend the camp and will also take part in a private signing session with Memorable Authentic, adding a personal touch to his evaluation process.
The potential absence of veteran Brendan Gallagher next season could create a vacancy that the club hopes to fill with a player who can contribute both offensively and defensively, a factor that may influence Hage’s decision.
Outside of Montreal, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ recent acquisition of Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche signals a flurry of activity across the league, suggesting that further player moves may shape the competitive landscape heading into the next season.