Excerpt from 'Rocket Hockey Report' of a discussion regarding the potential for Laval Rocket head coach J-F Houle to get a contract extension. This is a one-stop destination for all of your Montreal Canadiens news. Wondering what you need to know? This is your Habs Notebook! Be sure to bookmark THN.com/Montreal [https://thn.com/montreal] for year-round coverage of the Montreal Canadiens, Laval Rocket, and Habs prospects playing in leagues around the world. HONORARY DEGREE FOR PRICE Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Northern British Columbia later this month. UNBC announced that it was bestowing the honor as "Price has inspired countless Canadians, fostered empowering community connections and become known for his tireless charitable efforts throughout northern B.C. and across the country." Price responded to the announcement with gratitude, saying "Receiving this honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UNBC is an example of the unexpected opportunities that arise and fulfilling ways that community service gives back to you." The legendary goaltender added, “In sharing my journey and experiences with young people in Anahim Lake and across the country, I want to shine a light on all the possibilities and pathways open to them.” Price will receive the degree during UNBC's 2024 Convocation ceremony at the Prince George campus on May 31st. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTYjogrkRRs[/embed] HABS INTERESTED IN KHL SCORER On the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Canadiens have met with Maxim Tsyplakov, winger for Spartak Moscow. Tsyplakov was fourth in KHL goal scoring during the 2023-2024 regular season with 31 goals. The 25-year-old added 16 assists for 47 points in 65 games. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound forward is an unrestricted free agent. With a number of NHL teams having interest, including Toronto, Friedman suggests that Tsyplakov will make his decision this week. UPDATE: On Thursday afternoon, the New York Islanders announced that they had signed Maxim Tsyplakov to a one-year, entry-level contract. Tsyplakov’s deal will carry a $925,000 cap hit for the Islanders. WORLD HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP The Montreal Canadiens are represented by five players at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Czechia. Oliver Kapanen is tied for the tournament lead in goals with five in three games. Kaiden Guhle has a goal and three assists for four points in thee games. Juraj Slafkovsky is a fan favorite with four assists in four games. You can follow all of our coverage of Canadiens at the tournaments HERE [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/game-day]. HUGHES' PHONE RINGING Dave Pagnotta from The Fourth Period [https://www.thefourthperiod.com/pagnotta/cup-or-bust-mentality-for-toronto] reported that Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has been receiving calls from general managers around the league inquiring about the availability of defenseman Arber Xhekaj. Pagnotta notes that Hughes has rejected the offers for Xhekaj to date but "is open to moving some of his other young defensemen." The Hockey News: Pick A Free Issue! [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk3MTk4Mzc0MTE4Nzc2/hockeynewsad.jpg] The Hockey News: Pick A Free Issue!
