“He will bring back a first-round pick and a prospect. We must exchange it for the Holy of Holies!”
This is how fans of an NHL team often talk about players from their favorite club who are involved in trade rumors.
For the average fan, hockey is simply a way to have fun, and the more action, the better.
The catch is that the players entertaining the fans are real people. Real people with their own realities.
“When Colin White found out about his exchange, he was forced to pack a suitcase and leave his wife and two dogs behind as his property was still unsold. When he got to the locker room, his eyes were still red. But it’s hard to understand something like that if you don’t experience it from the inside.”
The example that Jordan Harris gave the author of these lines speaks for itself.
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Harris and three CH players whose names have recently been linked to other teams in the Bettman circuit agreed a few days before the trade deadline to open the doors of their privacy and speak without taboos.
The five skaters agreed: they wanted to stay in Montreal. But why?
The floor goes to David Savard, Jordan Harris, Mike Matheson and Jake Allen.
David Savard: “Your friends write to you to find out if you’re going somewhere else”
David Savard has been at the center of numerous transaction rumors for several months. And even if he wanted to ignore it, he just couldn't.
“It's hard not to think about it. It really is everywhere! Your friends are writing to you to find out if what they have read is true, to find out if you are really going somewhere else. We talk about it, my wife and I. We’re both on the same wavelength: we want to stay in Montreal, that’s clear.”
And the reasons for this position are numerous. David first discusses the pleasant geographical proximity to his parents and those of his partner, but focuses primarily on the effects on his three children, who are 8, 7 and 4 years old.
“It is very important to us that my children can attend a French-speaking school. When I was in Columbus, they lived in a world where almost everything was in English. Even at home, when they played together, they spoke to each other a lot in English. My wife and I spoke to them in French, but they answered us in English! So it's definitely a big challenge for my wife and I to continue to bring French to life through our family values and help children cultivate it. Obviously it’s all easier when you live in Quebec.”
David Savard's children: Emma, Eliot and Zachary. Pascale Vallee
As the children grow older, they become more aware of their father's importance to the Montreal community, Savard adds an anecdote to back it up.
“There is a certain form of pride in the family that Dad plays for the Montreal Canadiens. At first the children didn't really understand it. But now when I wear them to school, people come up to me to sign autographs. There are often people who bring Canadian items to school for me to sign at the end of the day in hopes that I will pick up my children. Hockey in Montreal is like nowhere else. It’s a religion.”
David Savard has often mentioned that he wants to continue his mandate as a “mentor” to the team's young guards. While some veterans sometimes say they want “a chance to win somewhere else,” Savard believes that opportunity could come at home, in Montreal. And not necessarily in 10 years.
“It's every hockey player's dream to win the cup, but there's nothing to say that it's not possible here.” We're building something solid. Sometimes all that's missing is the spark, a big actor embarking on a big adventure. We never know. We have several young players, several draft picks.
“Sometimes teams in our position can make quick progress with just one action. I don't know what will happen to me, but I want to stay here as long as possible. I hope my chance to fight for a trophy takes place in Montreal.”
When asked about his personal interpretation a few days before the deadline, the veteran gave this answer.
“The message from Kent has not changed [Hughes]. I don't think he's necessarily trying to swap me out, so that's a good sign. But you never know what could happen.”
Jordan Harris: “I’m home here now”
“We just rented an apartment!”
At 23, Jordan Harris doesn't have the same family obligations or reality as David Savard.
But after spending several weeks at the hotel at the start of the 2022-2023 calendar, the friendly young man is now very happy with his latest real estate decision.
“Having a home changes a lot of things. You really feel more comfortable outside the arena and of course that has positive effects everywhere.”
Jordan Harris is not from Quebec. Given the magnitude of NHL rivalries, this is even far from the case.
The number 54 is originally from Boston, Massachusetts and grew up with the Bruins. However, that didn't stop him from watching what was happening with the CH from a distance.
“Actually, I always knew how legendary this club is. When you’re a kid, you dream about playing for a team like the Canadiens.”
When asked about the importance of Montreal to him, Harris responded with a statement full of wisdom and maturity. But it is far from the first of its kind. The skater regularly makes comments, the quality and reflection of which are striking.
“I love living in the French-speaking world of Montreal. Honestly, I find it fascinating. I know some other American players would probably say things like: “Ah, in Montreal everything is in French, it's difficult. I do not like it.”
“I, on the other hand, think it forces you to learn to be interested in something different.”
Players celebrate the goal by (54) Jordan Harris (MTL) during the first period of the final game of the season between the Florida Panthers and the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Center on Friday, April 29, 2022. MARTIN CHEVALIER / LE Journal Martin Chevalier / AnyM
Without even asking a question, Harris continues.
“And when you are interested in the new environment, you discover things. Montreal is a wonderful city. Some say it's not a sports town because there's no baseball, basketball or NFL. If you ask me, that is completely wrong.
“The people here are passionate on a different level. But it's a healthy passion. I often get stopped on the street by fans and people greet me and check on me. Playing here as a young man is wonderful. People live here just for hockey.”
Late last week, Jordan Harris told the man behind the letter that he had not had discussions with Kent Hughes or Jeff Gorton about a trade.
Now, of course, it's not out of the question that an offer comes out of nowhere by March 8th or that Harris is traded later this summer. But no matter how many scenarios there are, the former Northeastern University student remains calm.
“I'm still learning to control it, but I've learned to try to only think about the things I have power over. I can't control what Kent and Jeff want to do to me, but I definitely have complete power over how I live my life as an athlete: my performance in games, the extra time after practice, my attitude. I think once this mentality is integrated into you, you feel much better mentally and approach the day with more confidence.
But there is one certainty: If he had his way, Jordan Harris wouldn't be going anywhere.
“Since arriving here, I have learned so much about the culture of Montreal and the Montreal Canadiens. This is my home now. I want to win in Montreal.”
Mike Matheson: an anecdote that says it all
Mike Matheson is currently well established in the bullpen and very happy. He lives there with his wife Emily Pfalzer, their three-year-old son Hudson and their dog.
“We have our little routine. “We run a lot, we go to the park,” describes the left-back with a smile.
In several discussions since the start of the campaign, Matheson never missed an opportunity to reiterate that his family was the most important aspect of his life.
So you'd guess the No. 8 seed, who hails from Pointe-Claire, is overjoyed to be playing in Montreal.
“I grew up here and my whole family is here. I see my parents and my brother very regularly. Having her near my son and me is irreplaceable.”
Matheson is well aware of the trade rumors involving him. As a man from here, despite the immense coverage of CH in the media and the increasing presence of technological means (cell phones, computers, tablets) in our lives, does he still manage to detach himself from the noise outside?
“It’s definitely difficult. But honestly, and I would tell you if that weren't the case, I don't watch anything. Really nothing. My family and my teammates deserve the best from me and I don't want to be distracted by everything that can be said everywhere. My social media accounts are closed.”
Surrounding photos from the CH family training in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Sunday, February 25, 2024. In this photo: Mike Matheson and Joel Armia with their children on the ice MARIO BEAUREGARD/AGENCE QMI MARIO BEAUREGARD/AGENCE QMI
When Matheson is asked to illustrate what the Montreal Canadiens mean to him, he provides this anecdote. An anecdote that says it all.
“I must have been 9 or 10 years old and it was my birthday. My parents told me that they wanted to throw a party or a special activity for me and asked me what would make me happy. I just wanted to skate at the Bell Center. That was my only request! Obviously and unfortunately you can't just organize it like that, so in the end it was impossible.
“But last week, 20 years later, I celebrated my 30th birthday by playing the Arizona Coyotes at the Bell Center! I find it pretty crazy when I think about it. For me it’s just something very special to play here.”
The butt's face then hardens from the smile.
“Many people who are interested in transactions do not see us as people, but rather as numbers or market values. But there is more to life than hockey. When your children are old and still in school, it becomes even more difficult to think about moving. In a short time you also have to find a new house in a city you don't know, but also sell a property where your own are good. It all goes beyond sports.”
Jake Allen: “My daughter is obsessed with the Montreal Canadiens”
Jake Allen and his family (his wife and three children, ages 7, 5, and 1) arrived in Montreal in September 2020, while the entire planet was paralyzed by COVID-19. Four years later, the specter of an exchange in which he is involved is anything but enchanting. He and his family found happiness in Montreal.
“As a family, it wasn’t easy getting from St. Louis to Montreal during COVID. We didn't know anyone and…let's just say the opportunities to meet people were limited to say the least. But we adapted quickly. My wife has found a routine that she loves. My children too.”
“We live in a great and welcoming area. The children go to a good school that they like. Everything is really simple here. Being from New Brunswick, living in Montreal also allows us to be close to our families and friends.”
When asked how his family perceives his employment with the Habs, Allen smiled brightly.
“My oldest, 7, is completely obsessed with the Montreal Canadiens. His entire room bears the image of the team! She doesn't understand that hockey sometimes involves moving, but she knows her dad plays for the Canadiens and she's really proud of that.
And given the countless rumors surrounding him, how did he approach the last few weeks with his wife and children?
“My wife and I talk a lot. She understands my reality. She is unbelievable. We also have several friends across the NHL who have had to go through the process of being caught up in trade rumors, so that helps a little. And we already have a plan in mind if a deal ever happens. Anyway, I think you should always have a plan with your wife. Otherwise it opens the door for things to go worse (laughs).
Jake Allen's wife Shannon, accompanied by two of the couple's three children: little Reagan and Lennon. Pascale Vallee
“As far as the children are concerned, I have not yet discussed with them the specific matters of the transactions and I do not intend to do so before the day on which I have to carry out the transactions, if that day comes.” “We have the task of explaining things to them as best as possible.”
Jake Allen is a veteran of several seasons in the National League. It's reasonable to assume that if something immediate had been prepared, Kent Hughes would have signaled him (read an exchange he was involved in here).
“But I haven’t had any discussions with Kent recently,” said the goalkeeper.
“I had the privilege of playing here for four years. I almost won a Stanley Cup with CH. I really hope to stay with this team. If that didn't happen, it would have been great. Really.”