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Stu Cowan

@stucowangazette.bsky.social

1.6K followers 10 following 2.1K posts

Sports columnist for Montreal Gazette and host of weekly Hockey Inside/Out Show on Gazette website and YouTube talking Habs with former Canadiens Chris Nilan and Rick Green.

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Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 2h

Team rosters and stats ahead of Canadiens' home opener tonight at the Bell Centre vs. Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS) #Habs:

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 2h

THIS DATE IN #HABS HISTORY Oct. 6, 1960: The Canadiens retired Maurice Richard's No. 9 during pre-game ceremony ahead of 5-0 win over Toronto Maple Leafs at Forum. Richard was second Habs player to have his number retired after Howie Morenz's No. 7 was retired in 1937.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 2h

THIS DATE IN #HABS HISTORY Oct. 6, 1955: Canadiens beat Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0 at Forum in Toe Blake's first game as coach. Bert Olmstead and Maurice Richard scored and Jacques Plante made 23 saves for shutout. Habs won Stanley Cup in each of Blake's first five seasons as coach.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 3h

My column on how nothing has come easy for Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault, including earning the backup job behind Jakub Dobes at #Habs training camp coming off a terrible season: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Cowan: Nothing has come easy for Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault

Parents' financial sacrifices helped underdog netminder on his unlikely journey from home town of Bécancour to the NHL.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 3h

Happy birthday to former Canadiens forward and current Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Brière, who turns 49 today. #Habs Photo by The Gazette's John Mahoney

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 22h

Here's what #Habs forward lines and defence pairings looked like at practice this morning in Brossard with forward Ivan Demidov taking a therapy day and not skating ahead of home opener tomorrow night at Bell Centre vs. Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS):

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Happy birthday to Hall of Famers Patrick Roy and Mario Lemieux, who were born on the same day and both turn 61 today. #Habs

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Some intermission reading: My weekly #Habs Mailbag answering questions about the 1994 Expos, a possible statue for GM Kent Hughes, the Canadiens not getting Kirill Marchenko in a trade and the futures of David Reinbacher and Kaiden Guhle: montrealgazette.com/news/habs-ma...

montrealgazette.com

Habs Mailbag: Young Canadiens team rekindles memories of 1994 Expos

Readers also weigh in on stealing wins, a GM statue, CH doldrum years, Slaf, Reinbacher and Ghule injury concerns.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

My story on former Canadiens defenceman Lyle Odelein, who was part of #Habs 1993 Stanley Cup team, dying at age 58 from a heart attack, eight years after having multi-organ transplant surgery: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Former Canadiens defenceman Lyle Odelein dies at age 58 from heart attack

Member of Habs' 1993 Stanley Cup team almost died in 2018 after having a multi-organ transplant.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Check out this Hockey Inside/Out Show bonus episode as I join former Canadiens teammates and 1986 Stanley Cup champs Chris Nilan and Brian Skrudland to discuss how defence and penalty-killing will be keys to #Habs success this season: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWnS...

Canadiens' defence, penalty killing will be keys to unlocking a long playoff run | HI/O Bonus

YouTube video by Montreal Hockey Inside Out

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

My weekly Stu's Slapshots notebook focusing on culture and continuity #Habs have developed during rebuilding process that has made players like Noah Dobson and Chris Kreider want to come to Montreal. Also some fun stuff on Florian Xhekaj and Chris Nilan: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Stu's Slapshots: Canadiens management has made Montreal a hot spot for players

Habs defenceman Noah Dobson and his wife are enjoying life on and off the ice in city.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Wrapped up another season in the Greenfield Park Over the Hill Softball League Friday night. I've been in the league for about 30 years and so cool to now play on the same team as my 25-year-old son, Scott (top left). We made it to the league final before losing. A great season.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

My weekly #Habs Mailbag answering questions about the 1994 Expos, a possible statue for GM Kent Hughes, the Canadiens not getting Kirill Marchenko in a trade and the futures of David Reinbacher and Kaiden Guhle: montrealgazette.com/news/habs-ma...

montrealgazette.com

Habs Mailbag: Young Canadiens team rekindles memories of 1994 Expos

Readers also weigh in on stealing wins, a GM statue, CH doldrum years, Slaf, Reinbacher and Ghule injury concerns.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Check out this Hockey Inside/Out Show bonus episode as I join former Canadiens teammates and 1986 Stanley Cup champs Chris Nilan and Brian Skrudland to discuss of #Habs made a mistake by sending David Reinbacher back to Laval Rocket: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQti...

Did Canadiens make correct call by sending David Reinbacher to Laval? | HI/O Bonus

YouTube video by Montreal Hockey Inside Out

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Check out this Hockey Inside/Out Show bonus episode as I join former Canadiens teammates and 1986 Stanley Cup champs Chris Nilan and Brian Skrudland to talk about Xhekaj brothers - Florian and Arber - proving #Habs with a 1-2 punch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuIm...

Xhekaj brothers give Canadiens a powerful 1-2 punch | HI/O Bonus

YouTube video by Montreal Hockey Inside Out

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Check out this Hockey Inside/Out Show bonus episode as I join former Canadiens teammates and 1986 Stanley Cup champs Chris Nilan and Brian Skrudland to talk about the Xhekaj brothers - Florian and Arber - proving #Habs with a 1-2 punch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuIm...

Xhekaj brothers give Canadiens a powerful 1-2 punch | HI/O Bonus

YouTube video by Montreal Hockey Inside Out

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

GOT A QUESTION ABOUT THE HABS? If you have a question about the Canadiens you'd like me to answer in my weekly #Habs Mailbag this weekend you can post it below or send an email to montrealcanadiens@postmedia.com.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

My column on veteran centre Phillip Danault looking to add more offence in what could be his last season with the #Habs. The 33-year-old says he feels energized with "a lot of juice left" and that this definitely isn't his last season in the NHL: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Cowan: Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis aims to unlock Phillip Danault's offensive upside

"I feel energized more than ever," versatile centre says as he enters potential final season with Habs.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Here's link to our first Hockey Inside/Out Show of the season as I join former teammates and 1986 Stanley Cup champs Chris Nilan @KnucklesNilan30 and Brian Skrudland to talk #Habs. Always a lot of fun with those two guys: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcVF...

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

GOT A QUESTION ABOUT THE HABS? If you have a question about the Canadiens you'd like me to answer in my weekly #Habs Mailbag this weekend you can post it below or send an email to montrealcanadiens@postmedia.com.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

My column on the Canadiens kicking open window of opportunity to win their elusive 25th Stanley Cup, but it might take a bit more time to get there #Habs: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Cowan: Canadiens' quest for elusive Stanley Cup might need one more season

Some important questions still need to be answered before Habs enter the championship conversation.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

With Martin St. Louis starting his fifth season as head coach of #Habs tonight in Toronto I figured it's a good time to post column I wrote after Canadiens hired him. His mother would certainly be proud of what he has accomplished since getting the job: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Stu Cowan: Martin St. Louis ready to 'show them' as coach of Canadiens

As a player who was never selected at the NHL Draft and became a Hall of Famer, he has always taken his late mother's advice to heart.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

My column on Canadiens kicking open the window of opportunity to win their elusive 25th Stanley Cup, but it might take a bit more time to get there #Habs: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Cowan: Canadiens' quest for elusive Stanley Cup might need one more season

Some important questions still need to be answered before Habs enter the championship conversation.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

For fans who might be wondering The Gazette's first weekly Hockey Inside/Out Show of season will be available Wednesday afternoon with former Canadiens teammates and 1986 Stanley Cup champs Chris Nilan and Brian Skrudland joining me to talk #Habs following season opener Tuesday.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

My story on Canadiens cutting down to their 23-man roster on Sunday ahead of Tuesday's NHL season opener in Toronto. Florian Xhekaj, Samuel Montembeault and Adam Engstrom made the cut, while Jacob Fowler, Owen Beck and David Reinbacher didn't #Habs: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Florian Xhekaj not among players cut by Canadiens ahead of season opener

Goalie Jacob Fowler and defenceman David Reinbacher among players sent down to AHL's Laval Rocket.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

My column on Canadiens finishing pre-season with a 4-1 record and looking good ahead of Tuesday night's season opener in Toronto with some tough roster decisions to make. Samuel Montembeault isn't one of them #Habs: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Cowan: Canadiens facing tough decisions, but Samuel Montembeault isn't one of them

Goalie shuts the door on Senators, stopping all 14 shots he faced after taking over from Jacob Fowler in 4-2 win.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Some pregame reading: My weekly Stu's Slapshots notebook, including the Xhekaj brothers buying a new, bigger home for the whole family to live in, how Martin St. Louis is a modern-day coach and Kent Hughes is a modern-day GM, and Lane (The Brain) Hutson: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Stu's Slapshots: A new, bigger home for family of Canadiens' Xhekaj brothers

"It's something you dream of to help your parents out," Arber Xhekaj says about purchasing a new family home near Hamilton.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

My weekly Stu's Slapshots notebook, including the Xhekaj brothers buying a new, bigger home for the whole family to live in, how Martin St. Louis is a modern-day coach and Kent Hughes is a modern-day GM, and Lane (The Brain) Hutson and his hockey computer: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Stu's Slapshots: A new, bigger home for family of Canadiens' Xhekaj brothers

"It's something you dream of to help your parents out," Arber Xhekaj says about purchasing a new family home near Hamilton.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

THIS DATE IN #HABS HISTORY Sept. 26, 1988: New York Rangers convinced Guy Lafleur to come out of a three-year retirement and sign a one-year contract. Lafleur played 67 games with Rangers that season, posting 18-27-45 totals. He would then play two seasons with Quebec Nordiques.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Happy birthday to John Scott, who was MVP of the 2016 NHL All-Star Game and played his final NHL game with the Canadiens later that year after being traded by Arizona Coyotes. He turns 44 today. Photo by The Gazette's John Mahoney #Habs

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

My weekly #Habs Mailbag answering questions about Canadiens ticket prices, Chris Kreider over Brendan Gallagher, Patrik Laine's future, Kirby Dach and the Cale Makar Bobby Orr comparisons: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Habs Mailbag: Is soaring cost of watching Canadiens freezing out families?

Readers also weigh in on Gally's exit, ill-suited Orr comparisons, Laine in limbo and Dach talk.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Here's The Gazette's TV viewing guide for all 84 regular-season Canadiens games this season #Habs: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

How to watch the Canadiens on TV (and streaming) in 2026-27

Your viewing guide for all 84 Habs games this season.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

My column on Florian Xhekaj doing his best to make #Habs to start the season with some help from Josh Anderson, who plays the same type of physical game that is made for the playoffs: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Cowan: Florian Xhekaj's sandpaper factor could smooth his path to Canadiens

The versatile 6-foot-4, 215-pound forward is cut from the same gritty cloth as Habs power forward Josh Anderson.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

GOT A QUESTION ABOUT THE HABS? If you have a question about the Canadiens you'd like me to answer in my weekly #Habs Mailbag this weekend you can post it below or send an email to montrealcanadiens@postmedia.com.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

My column on Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson and how his fitness routine and strict diet allows him to keep doing what he does at age 32 #Habs: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Cowan: Canadiens' Mike Matheson is a poster boy for fitness — not pizza

Strict diet a big reason why 32-year-old defenceman can continue to log big minutes with Habs.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

My story on former Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr. dying Tuesday at age 87. The American businessman purchased #Habs in 2001 at a time when nobody else seemed to want the team — and it paid off for him. He also fell in love with the team and the city: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Former Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr. dies at 87

Wisconsin native owned the NHL team from 2001 until he sold it to the Molson family in 2009.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

GOT A QUESTION ABOUT THE HABS? If you have a question about the Canadiens you'd like me to answer in my weekly #Habs Mailbag this weekend you can post it below or send an email to montrealcanadiens@postmedia.com.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

My column on Canadiens management facing some tough decisions when it comes to making final cuts after training camp, including what to do with Florian Xhekaj #Habs: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Cowan: Canadiens face difficult roster decisions, beginning with Florian Xhekaj

Rugged forward makes case for spot with Habs, while defencemen Reinbacher, Engstrom also impress in pre-season win.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

THIS DATE IN #HABS HISTORY Sept. 21, 1992: Bob Gainey was inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame. He won five Stanley Cups during his 16 seasons with Canadiens and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1979. He also won Selke Trophy at NHL's top defensive forward four times.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

THIS DATE IN #HABS HISTORY Sept. 20, 1991: The Canadiens traded Stéphane Richer and Tom Chorske to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Kirk Muller and goalie Roland Melanson. The Habs would go on to win Stanley Cup in 1993 and the Devils won it in 1995.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Today would have been Guy Lafleur's 75th birthday. Gone but never forgotten, RIP, Flower. Here's column I wrote following his death four years ago. #Habs: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Stu Cowan: Guy Lafleur was the last of the Canadiens' legends

Lafleur and Jean Béliveau were different people from different eras, but fans loved them in a way no future Canadien will ever be loved.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

My column on the Canadiens starting the preseason with not one, but two wins over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. The Xhekaj brothers had a physical impact for #Habs on both games: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Cowan: Canadiens open preseason with two wins over the Maple Leafs on same night

The Xhekaj brothers bring physicality to the Bell Centre and Toronto's Scotiabank Arena.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

My first weekly Stu's Slapshots notebook of the season, leading off with the impressive job Canadiens' director of hockey development Adam Nicholas has done during rebuilding process, earning some high praise from Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Stu's Slapshots: Adam Nicholas has played key role in Canadiens' rebuilding process

Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov both have high praise for Habs' director of player development.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

My weekly #Habs Mailbag answering questions about Kirby Dach, Florian and Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, Owen Beck, new associate coach Derek Lalonde and when The Gazette will publish Canadiens' full TV schedule for this season: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Habs Mailbag: Florian Xhekaj might be ready if Kirby Dach falters at Canadiens' camp

Habs want to get bigger, more physical and harder to play, and Arber's brother can definitely help them do that.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

My column on why it makes sense for #Habs to start season with Chris Kreider on No. 1 line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, while Juraj Slafkovsky plays with Oliver Kapanan and Ivan Demidov: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Cowan: With Chris Kreider in mix, Canadiens could ice two potent top lines

As Habs open camp, newcomer is on top line with Suzuki and Caufield, while Slafkovsky reunites with Kapanen and Demidov.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The three teams for start of #Habs training camp.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

My column on Canadiens fans not being the only ones excited about the #Habs heading into this season - and with good reason: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Cowan: High on the Habs — Fans aren't alone as Canadiens buzz builds for coming season

After reaching Eastern final, head coach Martin St. Louis is set to "continue what we've been building" in 2026-27.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

GOT A QUESTION ABOUT THE HABS? If you have a question about the Canadiens you'd like me to answer in my weekly #Habs Mailbag this weekend you can post it below or send an email to montrealcanadiens@postmedia.com.

Reposted by Stu Cowan

Stephen Whyno @swhyno.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Enforcer Ryan Reaves announces he is retiring from hockey. His departure leaves just three visor-less players remaining in the NHL: apnews.com/article/ryan...

Enforcer Ryan Reaves says he is retiring, leaving the NHL with three visor-less players

Enforcer Ryan Reaves says he is retiring from hockey at age 39 after playing more than a decade and a half in the NHL.

Stu Cowan @stucowangazette.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

My column on Canadiens fans not being the only ones excited about #Habs heading into this season - and with good reason: montrealgazette.com/sports/hocke...

montrealgazette.com

Cowan: High on the Habs — Fans aren't alone as Canadiens buzz builds for coming season

After reaching Eastern final, head coach Martin St. Louis is set to "continue what we've been building" in 2026-27.