Arber Xhekaj's evolution tantalizes Canadiens fans. Is the young defenseman poised for a standout season?
We break down Xhekaj's impressive growth, highlighting his improved decision-making and ability to draw penalties. We also analyze recent roster rumors, including the team's stance on Evgeny Kuznetsov and potential moves to bolster the center position. We also reveal our "all-time I hated that guy" lineups, featuring some potentially controversial picks. Who would make your lineup?
Discover why those Canadiens players frustrated fans in the past and how their performances shaped the team's history. How will Xhekaj's development impact Montreal's defensive strategy next season?

0:00 Intro: Arber Xhekaj season review and lineup discussion
5:55 Arber Xhekaj's growth and patience this season
11:55 Updated Habs roster rumors and rumblings
18:30 Concerns about replacing Christian Dvorak's role
23:18 All-time "I hated that guy" Habs lineup
29:54 What held analytics back in Montreal
34:40 Trivia question about college teammates

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How were we wrong about the 2024-25 Canadiens? Should Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach play together again? Is more NHL expansion a bad idea?

In our Friday mailbag, Ian and Laura answer your questions like what if the Habs had goal songs for each player? And what current trade rumours do we hope come true?

0:00 Intro: Mailbag episode and admitting mistakes

5:06 Playoff experience valuable for young Canadiens

10:34 Prospects' mindset amid trade rumors

15:06 Who should give Dobson/Bolduc Montreal tour?

21:49 Potential Slafkovsky-Dach line next season

26:06 Concerns about further NHL expansion

29:19 Recasting classic Canadiens commercials

31:52 Trivia question about Mark Recchi

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!

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)

Who would the Montreal Canadiens protect in a hypothetical NHL expansion draft? Will the Habs lose a key player in the next 3-4 years?
We dissect potential strategies to shield core talents like Suzuki, Caufield, and Slafkovsky. We also explore Patrik Laine's future in Montreal, analyzing his comeback from injuries and mental health challenges. We also tackle the contentious topic of converting wingers to centers, with skepticism about Ivan Demidov and Zachary Bolduc's rumored position changes. Kirby Dach's potential as a second-line center sparks debate, considering his injury history and the team's apparent faith in him.
Tune in for expert analysis on the Canadiens' roster decisions and their impact on the team's future success.

0:00 Intro: Looking ahead to hypothetical expansion draft
5:34 Who to protect in potential expansion draft
10:47 Sponsor: Take control with Monarch Money
12:18 Patrik Laine's future with the Canadiens
22:09 Concerns about converting wingers to centers
27:14 Kirby Dach's potential as second-line center
29:33 Trivia question and YouTube subscriber contest

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!

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)