It was one of those weeks where Montreal Canadiens fans felt everything at once. The hockey world came together to remember Ken Dryden—an icon, a leader, and a pillar of Canadiens history. At the same time, the team made a significant off-ice move by dealing Carey Price’s contract, officially closing the book on an unforgettable era. And to keep things interesting, Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson was left off Team USA’s Olympic camp list—leaving fans scratching their heads and Hutson with something to prove.
Related: Canadian Goalies and the 40-Win Benchmark: Still Meaningful or Just Nostalgia?
From honouring the past to shaking up the future, there’s a lot to unpack in Montreal right now. These moments—some heavy, some strategic—underscore the Canadiens’ current reality: balancing a proud past with a fast-evolving future. In this post, I want to take a closer look at the biggest storylines, what they mean for the team, and what’s coming next.
Transition 1: Ken Dryden Dies at 78—Canadiens Legend Remembered
One of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history, Ken Dryden, passed away this week at the age of 78. His career with the Canadiens is the stuff of legend—six Stanley Cups, five Vezinas, a Calder, and a brief but brilliant stint that defined a golden era in Montreal hockey.
(Photo by Robert Shaver/Bruce Bennett Collection/Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images)
But Dryden’s impact went far beyond the crease. He became a scholar, a Member of Parliament, and a public intellectual—something almost unheard of in the hockey world. Dryden’s legacy is more than numbers. He represented excellence, leadership, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Whether you watched him play or grew up hearing about him, his influence still echoes through the Bell Centre.
Transition 2: Carey Price Trade News—Habs Move Icon’s Contract to Sharks
In one of the week’s most practical (but symbolic) moves, the Canadiens traded Carey Price’s contract to the San Jose Sharks, along with a 2026 fifth-round pick. In return, Montreal acquired right-shot defenseman Gannon Laroque—a depth prospect with some potential. More importantly, the move frees up a large sum of cap space, giving the front office much-needed breathing room heading into the season.
Related: Carey Price: Saying Farewell to a Canadiens Legend
Although Price hasn’t suited up since 2022, his presence…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…