Paupanekis ready for the challenge of the NCAA

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

• Hayden Paupanekis is looking forward to the challenge of facing older, more experienced players in the NCAA. [Montreal Gazette]
• The Canadiens and San Jose Sharks are projected to be the top Stanley Cup contenders five years from now. [The Athletic]
• Projecting a lineup with the Laval Rocket’s overhauled roster. [Journal de Montreal]
• The PWHL’s championship trophy, the Walter Cup, has gone missing on its journey to Alberta for Montreal Victoire forward Dara Greig’s day with it. [Sportsnet]

Around the league and elsewhere

• “I’ve always had big shoes to fill my whole life,” Cole Hutson says about following in the footsteps of brother Lane. [NHL.com]
• “We’re looking to be coached. We’re looking to get better,” Leon Draisaitl says for himself and Connor McDavid as Mike Babcock takes over behind the bench. [NHL.com]
• The considerations for Nikita Kucherov’s next contract. [Sportsnet]
• Moritz Seider was happy to go back home to Germany this summer and escape the Detroit Red Wings’ drama. [NHL.com]
• Tim Stützle says the Ottawa Senators have to “move on” after Brady Tkachuk’s departure. [NHL.com]
• Eric Robinson took the Stanley Cup to The Gaudreau Rink in Sewell, New Jersey to honour his late teammates Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. [NHL.com]
• The Philadelphia Flyers need to find some answers on the power play for the 2026-27 season. [NHL.com]
• Porter Martone’s impressive debut last season puts him atop the Flyers’ prospect list. [NHL.com]
• The NHL is aiming to hold an outdoor game in Europe at some point in the future. [NHL.com]