Updates from morning skate - March 17
Kent Hughes discussed his trade deadline plans, while Ben Chiarot reflected on his time in Montreal
DAL@MTL: Get your tickets 🍀
Here are the players who hit the ice:
Quick hits
Jake Allen and Christian Dvorak are expected to play after being removed from the injured reserve list earlier in the day.
It would mark Allen's first start since January 12 when he suffered a lower-body injury against the Bruins.
Josh Anderson will miss his second straight game with a lower-body injury. He's day-to-day.
For his part, Carey Price continued his rehab work after the skate was done.
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Hughes talks trade deadline
Shortly before the skate began, general manager Kent Hughes addressed the media.
He indicated that aside from trading defenseman Ben Chiarot to the Florida Panthers, he isn't actively looking to move a host of players before Monday's deadline.
Watching the squad succeed under interim head coach Martin St-Louis has certainly played a role in his approach with respect to completing any significant transactions.
"What we learned about the team in the last six or seven weeks is that our dressing room is strong. The players don't give up. They haven't given up on the season and they aren't giving up in games," noted Hughes, who reiterated that a "fire sale" isn't being planned. "When we're losing, even when we're down 3-1 or 4-1, the team is still in it. The guys work hard to get back into games, just like they did earlier in the week against Arizona."
Video: Kent Hughes on moving Ben Chiarot to the Panthers
Hughes says the Canadiens could potentially turn to the future to fill the void left by Chiarot's departure and the ongoing absence of captain Shea Weber.
Weber, of course, hasn't played this season and remains on long-term injured reserve.
"We have young D prospects that hopefully we'll be able to sign, like Jordan Harris when his college season concludes. Arber Xhekaj is signed and he's joining the pro ranks next year as well. Jayden Struble is another player, whether he comes next year or the year after," explained Hughes. "We feel we have some good young D prospects coming. Whether we need to do something on an interim basis until they're ready to play, we'll make that decision at the end of the year."
Speaking of blueliners, Brett Kulak's name has been the subject of trade rumors recently.
Hughes affirmed, however, that he isn't being shopped.
"We like Brett Kulak as a player. We have no interest in trading him," mentioned Hughes. "I can't say that we'll never trade a player, though. If there's an offer that we can't refuse, we'll definitely consider it. But, we aren't calling people to ask if they're interested in Brett Kulak."
The Habs' GM briefly commented on newly acquired prospect Ty Smilanic as well.
"He can score, he can really skate. I've seen a lot of him. He made the U.S. World Junior Team, so we thought he was a good prospect to have," said Hughes. "He brought the qualities that we were looking for."
The 20-year-old Denver, CO native has 22 points (13 goals, 9 assists) in 38 games during his sophomore season at Quinnipiac University.
Kulak: "It's nice to be in a place where they value you"
Kulak was happy to hear about Hughes' endorsement.
The 28-year-old has definitely taken his game up a notch under St-Louis and he appreciates that his efforts are being recognized.
"It's a good thing. It's nice to be in a place where they value you and like you as a player, so it helps my personal confidence and it just makes you want to play harder for them, prepare, and do what you need to do to be at your best for the team," said Kulak. "When people like you and they're giving you opportunities and saying nice things like that, it motivates you to play even harder and do more for them."
Video: Brett Kulak on being praised by Kent Hughes
With Chiarot out of the picture, Kulak is fully prepared to step up and assume a more prominent position within the group.
"A leadership role is a part of it, and there's probably going to come increased opportunity on the ice in the game. This is my fourth season with the team. I've been around a little while and played a few hundred games. Through going to the Finals last year, I got some experience I can bring," added Kulak. "I'm going to keep doing my thing around the rink. It's not something I'm going to be like 'Oh yeah, Ben's gone, I've got to fill everything he brought to the table.' Obviously, he brought a lot. It's just about growing as a team every day and just bringing to the table what I can to help the team succeed and grow together."
Last chat with Ben
Chiarot met the Montreal media for the final time on the South Shore. He was accompanied by his daughter, Emmerson.
The nine-year veteran spoke glowingly about his tenure with the Habs, which lasted nearly three seasons.
"I loved every minute of it. I loved being a Montreal Canadien, the city, the Bell Centre, living in Montreal, all of it, the whole package," explained Chiarot. "It's a great place to be a hockey player, and for the rest of my life, I'll be happy that I played here."
Video: Ben Chiarot on being traded to the Panthers
Chiarot singled out one member of the coaching staff, in particular, for their guidance and instruction.
"I think I took another step in my career here. Luke Richardson was massive for me in kind of getting me to the next step and giving me the opportunity to kind of be the player I always thought I could be," praised Chiarot. "I'll always be grateful for my time here."
He gave Weber a shout out, too, before leaving the stage.
"Shea is one of my best friends. He's had a tremendous impact on me. Our families are close. We did a lot together in my time here. We spent a lot of time together," added Chiarot. "We had success on the ice, getting so close to a Stanley Cup. When you go that far, when you kind of go through the battles like we did last year, it creates a bond with the group that lasts a long time."
