Montreal Canadiens News and Analysis: Tyler Toffoli, Joel Armia, Habs, NHL, Laval Rocket, AHL, Rocket Sports Media

ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA | MONTREAL, QC — The Montreal Canadiens have had an intense week of hockey as they continue their western Canada road trip, playing four games in the past six days. Last night’s matchup against the Canucks was chock-full of scoring, although incidents later in the game left some concerned for a couple of Habs stars. They’ll finish the trip tomorrow night in Vancouver, before heading back to Quebec to prepare for the team’s home opener at the Bell Centre next Thursday.

Welcome Back, Tyler!

To say that Tyler Toffoli‘s return to Vancouver has been exhilarating for the forward is likely an understatement. After signing a four-year contract with the Canadiens during free agency, he found himself on the opposite side of the ice from his former Canucks team twice this week, and made sure they knew he was there.

On Wednesday night, Toffoli scored three goals (the first Canadiens hat trick of the season) and then on Thursday he potted two more. He is currently tied for first place in the league for points (seven) and is tied for first in goals (five).

Revoyez le tour du chapeau @Enterprise réussi par Tyler Toffoli.

Watch all three goals from Tyler Toffoli's @Enterprise Hat Trick.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/2Yy0j12qEv

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) January 21, 2021

Vancouver Giveth, Vancouver Taketh Away

The Canadiens put up 12 goals against the Canucks in the past two nights, and while Toffoli certainly played a big part in that, Joel Armia also had some big moments. In Thursday’s game, Armia tallied two goals and two assists on the night, including a short-handed goal. But toward the end of the game, as Armia was working the puck along the boards, Tyler Myers laid a big hit on the unsuspecting forward. Claude Julien confirmed after the game that Armia was diagnosed with a concussion and will miss some playing time.

Tyler Myers given 10 min misconduct for this hit. #Canucks Thoughts?

pic.twitter.com/yPQGy4QNZc

— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) January 22, 2021

Additionally, Paul Byron took a Shea Weber shot to his foot and left the game looking a bit hobbled. Julien said he will be re-evaluated on a day-to-day basis.

Laval Training Camp

Today marked the first session of the Laval Rocket’s 2020-21 season training camp. 32 players were invited to camp, which takes on a bit of a different look this year as it’s held almost exclusively at the Bell Centre for COVID-19 safety protocol reasons. The Bell Centre will also be the venue for all of the Rocket’s games this season.

After today’s practice, forwards Xavier Ouellet and Alex Belzile, as well as head coach Joel Bouchard, met with the media via Zoom. Our AHL Report team was on the call, and we invite you to listen to the full audio here: Training Camp Day 1: Ouellet, Belzile, Bouchard

Bright lights 💥 pic.twitter.com/jVNMmNEKNs

— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) January 22, 2021

Dubois Drama

The rumor mill surrounding the potential trade of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois continued and intensified this week. In Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, head coach John Tortorella benched Dubois after a less-than-enthusiastic shift with about four minutes left in the first period. The young forward didn’t see the ice again for the rest of the game.

Here's an iso of Pierre-Luc Dubois' final shift for the Blue Jackets tonight. The center saw 3:55 of ice time for the night and did not take a shift after the first period.#CBJ

More: https://t.co/dkWp3poyVI pic.twitter.com/BcGQgJwheP

— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 22, 2021

Danault Drama

Another controversy reared its ugly head in Montreal again Friday as La Presse published an article alleging that forward Philip Danault had reportedly turned down a six-year, $5 million deal earlier this year. Is it true? And if so, what does that mean for Danault’s future with the Habs?

SCOOP de @mathiasbrunet : Phillip Danault a refusé une prolongation de contrat de 6 ans x 5M$ cet été. Texte en primeur pour les abonnés de son infolettre. Si vous n’êtes pas abonnés, prenez donc 15 secondes pour le faire!https://t.co/rLZvJaReM3

— Alexandre Pratt (@alexandrepratt) January 22, 2021

Meet Our Newest Contributor

The Rocket Sports Media team is proud to welcome Carly (@skillz_25) to the All Habs Hockey Magazine writing team! Carly is based in Manitoba and will be writing about the Montreal Canadiens from a fan’s perspective. Expect some really fun pieces from her throughout the season, like this one: Riding the Wave of Habs Fan Expectations

Give her a follow on Twitter and join us in welcoming Carly to the All Habs family!

The Press Zone Podcast

For more information and analysis on the Montreal Canadiens, Laval Rocket, and Habs prospects, check out the latest episode of The Press Zone podcast where we discuss training camp, taxi squads, and preview the season. Listen, subscribe, and share!