Episode 87: Habsworld Podcast Episode 87

The Montreal Canadiens ended their search for a new GM, and the HabsWorld team returned for their first podcast of 2022 to talk about that and much more. Host Norm Szcyrek was joined by co-hosts Paul MacLeod and Jonathan Rebelo to discuss the state of the Montreal Canadiens; this podcast was recorded the evening of January 19 2022.Here is a breakdown of the topics we discussed:First Period [00:00 - 34:01]Introductions, Habs trivia Initial reactions to Montreal hiring Kent Hughes as their new GMWhat are the challenges Hughes faces?Some Trade speculationsCould Patrick Roy be lobbying for the Habs head coach's position?Will Hughes look for a more progressive coach, someone to employ a more modern system?Could Alain Vigneault be considered for the next head coach? Will Hughes employ a rebuild, retool or reset approach to fixing the Canadiens? Second Period [34:02 - 51:18]Will Quebec's strict public covid19 restrictions handicap Montreal in signing new free agents?Jeff Petry's family stayed behind at their home in Michigan during the Christmas shutdown period. Speculation of an upcoming trade for Petry to an American team.Petry's post-game comments about the team playing without structureWas Mattias Norlinder returning to play in Sweden, best for his development?Canadiens hire Chantal Machabee as the new VP of CommunicationsEx-NHL referee Tim Peel admits he hated the Habs as a kidThird Period [51:19 - 1:10:02]Comparing last season and this season's Habs centers productionUpcoming NHL draft talkCarey Price's rehab setbackHabs prospect Logan Mailloux reinstated in the OHL and off to a hot start Around the NHL: Trevor Zegras invented the Michigan assist on a spectacular goal; Zegras left off the All-star team; Oleg Ovechkin breaks the NHL power play goal record on December 31st