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Locked On Canadiens - Daily Podcast on the Montreal Canadiens

Are No-Trade Clauses ruining NHL? | Alex Newhook Habs season grade | Montréal Canadiens trade ideas

Jul 1, 2026 · 38 min · Ep 1656

As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for free agency day, NHL teams face critical questions about no-trade clauses—should the NHL ban them or are GMs to blame for the chaos? We weigh the impact of trade protection on NHL power dynamics, explore why over 240 active no-trade clauses shape the league, and debate whether organizational self-discipline is the real fix. Could tying trade protections to contract length or dollar value change how stars like Dylan Larkin and others impact their teams’ future?
The episode next turns to a deep dive into Alex Newhook’s season, grading his playoff heroics and second-to-third-line role, while wondering if his true value emerges only when the Canadiens’ forward group matures. Plus, fans get their off-season fix as we break down and grade trade proposals—should Montreal pursue veterans like Vladimir Tarasenko or make a seismic move for Shane Wright? Don’t miss this must-hear analysis of the Canadiens’ summer strategy.

00:00 Team management decisions
03:58 Is banning No-Trade Clauses the answer?
07:55 Understanding the NHL salary cap
13:45 Alex Newhook's performance analysis
18:04 Reflecting on a memorable playoff goal
19:39 Discussing player's potential at 25
24:19 Discussing Puck GM trade tool
27:45 Montreal's interest in key players
31:12 Discussing potential hockey trades
34:39 Discussing Montreal trade rumors
36:29 Montreal Canadiens off-season strategy

Photo credit: Eric Bolte - Imagn Images

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