The Montreal Canadiens are back in town and fans are buzzing about the upcoming season. Here are the developments to watch this fall! Visit MTLBlog for more headlines. Though it's only September 10, summer is officially over in Montreal. You might be looking at the weather thinking, "wait a minute, Teddy, it's not even cold yet!" Well, that's true but it's hockey time, Montreal! Summer is unofficially over. "But wait," you protest, "the season doesn't start 'til October!" Sorry, but if you weren't aware, hockey is a year-round sport in Montreal. The hockey season is never truly over in this city! From the moment the last piece of Montreal Bell Centre ice is melted away for the summer, the town is abuzz with draft news, prospect news, trades, and so much more. Sunny days and cocktails on the terrasse pry away even the most hardcore fans, though, naturally, summer is reserved for taking it easy. As soon as the first cool breeze of September rustles through Mont-Royal trees, all bets are off for Habs fans. September means training camp, this past weekend's annual Rookie Showcase, and just yesterday, the Canadiens' annual golf tournament. Get ready, Montreal. It's hockey time, the Habs have returned, and summer is over. Go Habs Go! As mentioned, the Canadiens' annual Rookie Showcase happened this past weekend in Belleville, Ontario. In two exhibition games, the Habs rookies faced off against the Ottawa Senators rookies and the Winnipeg Jets rookies. Despite dropping both matches, the Habs rookies showed tons of promise and the future looks bright for a team that's missed the NHL Playoffs the last two seasons. Evans ➡️Alain 1-1 après 20 minutes. All tied up after the first period. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/gOMZ1mnQvZ— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) September 8, 2019 Standouts included emerging stars Ryan Poehling, Nick Suzuki, and Josh Brook. 20-year old goalie Cayden Primeau, the heir apparent to Carey Price, also looked excellent in both games. It's only been one game, but Nick Suzuki and Ryan Poehling have already started developing some chemistry. 🧪#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/tGvBKurqa4— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) September 8, 2019 Leading up to the exhibition games this weekend, fans around Montreal were buzzing with anticipation and hope for the future and were showing their support on social media. READ ALSO: Montrealers Can't Stop Praising Ex-Mayor Denis Coderre & His Incredible Fitness Journey Jake Evans, Otto Leskinen and Cale Fleury excel for the Canadiens at the rookie showcase.Here are my favourite highlights and observations from the #Habs prospects in game two in Belleville: https://t.co/ixQDeYeABf— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) September 9, 2019 The buzz surrounding the rookies was palpable indeed, but yesterday, all eyes were on the annual Canadiens golf tournament. GM Marc Bergevin was available to the media and fielded questions after the tourney, turning up the hype to 11. GM Marc Bergevin meets with media at #Habs golf tournament #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/UgHe0HRFwL— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) September 9, 2019 Discussing the future and his goals for the upcoming season, Bergevin highlighted that the youth movement in Montreal will continue and that star player Max Domi is in contract negotiations. Better hope at least 2 of these kids are the real deal and can step in a contribute. Most of the other teams in the east got waaay better (on paper). IMO for Habs to make the playoffs, they are going to need career yrs from almost everyone. (Price especially)— Michael Ferrari 🏎 (@MFsix) September 9, 2019 why you blaming this all on MB? the organization doesnt want Markov, not just MB alone. give it up. move on. i for one am happy we're not signing a SLOW 40 year old defenseman. we have mete, kulak and chiarot on the left side. who you moving out for an old man?— jordyjordyjordy (@jghetz) September 9, 2019 It's crucial that the Habs make the playoffs this season after missing the playoffs for the last two seasons. Bergevin and the Habs once again enter an uncertain season with a ton of cap space and no significant offseason moves. In classic Montreal hockey media fashion, rumours are flying that if the Habs don't make the playoffs, Carey Price, celebrated goalie and bonafide Habs legend, will demand a trade. He will have to leave the Montreal Canadians in order to win a Stanley Cup. Both Carey Price and Shea Weber deserve a cup, but it ain’t happening in Montreal sadly— Marie (@marie_guy10) September 9, 2019 Carey Price veut gagner maintenant https://t.co/hkHqs30srT— Hockey 360 (@hockey360) September 9, 2019 Hockey fever is about to hit us hard, Montreal! Personally, I can't wait. View this post on Instagram Le calendrier régulier de la saison 2019-2020 a été dévoilé (lien en bio). Quels matchs avez-vous le plus hâte de voir? 🗓🏒 The 2019-20 regular season schedule is now out (link in bio). Which games are you most looking forward to? #GoHabsGo A post shared by Canadiens de Montréal (@canadiensmtl) on Jun 25, 2019 at 9:41am PDT The countdown is on, folks! Go Habs Go! The Montreal Canadiens preseason begins on Monday, September 16th, 2019 against the New Jersey Devils. The Habs host their home opener against the Detroit Red Wings, Thursday, October 10th, 2019.
