Gavin McKenna risks expulsion, Filip Mesar’s future, and the habs’ real need

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Gavin McKenna risks expulsion, Filip Mesar’s future, and the habs’ real need
Credit: Getty Images

Yesterday, we learned that Gavin McKenna is facing four charges. This has caused quite a stir in the sports world.

McKenna faces charges of aggravated assault with “attempted grievous bodily harm or bodily harm done with extreme recklessness,” simple assault, and two counts of disorderly conduct.

Let's just say we weren't expecting this.

Obviously, we wonder what will happen to him next. Will teams be afraid to draft him next June? After all, it's true that the case will surely not be settled by the time the draft rolls around.

Renaud Lavoie points out that some American universities do not hesitate to expel students involved in fights of this kind. Will this be the case for McKenna, who may have gone too far in defending his family? Who knows.

If so, where will he finish his season?

Clearly, the case is complex at this point. Everyone is in uncharted territory, and Pat Brisson, who represents the young man's interests, will have his hands full.

The future of Filip Mesar

We remember Filip Mesar, right?

The player, who was drafted in the first round in 2022, is still in Laval. He still has more than a year left before his entry-level contract expires.

After spending two years in the OHL, he is now in his second full year in Laval. And we have to admit that with 17 points in 45 games, he's not making much of a splash.

No one considers him a call-up option, obviously. And without this article about him in the Gazette, we would have almost forgotten he existed. Almost…

Many people quickly gave up on him. But this year is worse than ever, as time is working against him and he no longer has the excuse of having to get used to the AHL.

Before, people complained. Now, there's indifference when we talk about him… which is even worse.

The Canadiens' #1 need

Yesterday, the Canadiens were quiet on the heels of the trade freeze for the Olympic period. Other than confirming that Samuel Blais was not claimed on waivers, nothing was done.

In other words: Patrik Laine is still in town.

It's possible that the Finn will be traded before March 6, but it's also possible that the Canadiens will add another piece. Could it be a top-six player instead of a depth forward or a sixth defenseman?

If so, Nicolas Cloutier's statistical research led the journalist to conclude that Jordan Kyrou was the ideal prototype for the Habs.

Kyrou could play with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. He would help the Canadiens shoot more often, something the club doesn't always do enough.

But then again, getting him out of St. Louis won't be easy…


Overtime

– Good question.

– Good news for Tate McRae and the Americans.

– The Rocket, who won yesterday, officially welcomes Samuel Blais.

– Yeah…

– Carter Yakemchuk loves the rivalry between the Canadiens and the Rocket. [RG media]

– Jonathan Huberdeau's season is over.

– They're playing on Olympic ice. What a long way they've come…

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