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Montreal Canadiens in Other News: Missed Calls, Even Series, AHL Departures

By Scott Cowan

Jun 20, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; referee Chris Lee (28) exchanges words with Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher (11) in game four of the 2021 Stanley Cup Semifinals against the Vegas Golden Knights at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; referee Chris Lee (28) exchanges words with Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher (11) in game four of the 2021 Stanley Cup Semifinals against the Vegas Golden Knights at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jordan Weal, Vasili Demchenko Sign Overseas

Now, whilst this storyline isn’t exactly recent news (going back to late May), it’s something that hasn’t been covered in much depth, and is something I wanted to get out of the way briefly like a bit of a side note. Jordan Weal didn’t have the easiest of times in both Montreal and well, the NHL in general, to say the least. A former third-round pick of the LA Kings in 2010, Weal was just never able to translate his offensive abilities in both junior and the AHL to the NHL, whilst subsequently struggling on the defensive side of things.

While he had his moments here and there, like some solid post-trade deadline performances in 2016-17 and 2018-19, he was never able to back them up with a consistent full campaign. After playing out the final year of his $1.4 million AAV deal in Laval this past season, the BC native will be taking his services to the KHL, signing a one-year deal with AK Bars Kazan. With a high-powered offence led by KHL stars like Nigel Dawes and Stephane Da Costa, Weal’s offensive abilities in the AHL should translate well to the larger ice surface. With that in mind, however, Weal has likely played his last NHL game.

Oh yeah, also Vasili Demchenko signed with Avangard Omsk. You know, Demchenko? Signed with Montreal on a one-year deal this past off-season? No? Maybe? Yeah, okay. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t remember, as Demchenko is about as much of a footnote as you can get, having played just 4 games for Laval this past season. A former starting goalie for a number of weaker KHL teams, Demchenko couldn’t buy a start in a crowded Rocket crease, and as such has taken his failed NHL attempt on the chin, moving to the reigning Gargarin Cup champions in Avangard.

While an unfortunate situation, as Demchenko carried some promise coming into Montreal (which I had covered previously), it ultimately fell short, as is the case with so many overseas additions, KHL or otherwise. With Demchenko gone, Laval’s crease is now fully in the hands of Michael McNiven and Cayden Primeau, and after a Canadian Division title and a promising season overall, I would say that isn’t such a bad thing.

Next. Three Jobs Chris Lee is More Suited for Than Being a Referee. dark

While these two departures definitely leave some holes in the lineup, the Rocket’s recent trend of AHL-contracted additions should make up for it.

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