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Canadiens Bringing in Romanov, But Get Bad COVID-19 Related News

The Montreal Canadiens got good news and bad news this weekend. They are expected to bring in prospect Alexander Romanov, who might sign, but also had three players test positive for COVID-19.

by
NHL Trade Talk
July 13, 2020

According to a report from Montreal Canadiens insider Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports, the Canadiens are expected to bring in 20-year-old Russian defenseman Alexander Romanov for Phase 3 and Phase 4 of the NHL’s return to play protocol.

Like many teams that are expected to sign their international prospects, Romanov is being brought to the camp to get acclimated to the team, meet the roster, get a feel for the NHL, and hopefully, all of that convinces him to sign his NHL deal instead of opting for the KHL.

Alexander Romanov will join the @CanadiensMTL for phase 3 and 4, sources say. He won’t play (league rules) but he can practice with the team when he will get the green light to do so. You have to expect he’ll signed his deal and burn the first season.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) July 13, 2020

If he signs, he won’t be able to play in the play-ins or playoffs, but the idea of getting his feet wet in the NHL is a good bargaining chip for GM Marc Bergevin. Like a car salesman might say, ‘Just get them in the showroom and test driving the car.’

According to Montreal’s training camp roster, Romanov will be wearing #27. He’s able to wear that number because the player who used to have it, defenseman Karl Alzner, chose to opt out of a return to play.

Canadiens Get Bad News On COVID-19 Tests

The Romanov news is likely good news for Montreal, but the team got some unfortunate news as well. As per The Athletic’s Arpon Basu, multiple Canadiens players tested positive for COVID-19. He writes (subscription required):

At least three Montreal Canadiens players have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days, league sources told The Athletic on Sunday.
The National Hockey League declined comment, citing its policy regarding COVID-19 disclosure. The Canadiens also declined to comment.

Of course, the Canadiens are still waiting for Max Domi to decide what his intentions are. He’s dealing with whether or not a return to play is wise for him personally as a player with Type-1 diabetes.

Next: News Announcement: Toronto Maple Leafs Auston Matthews ‘Is Fit to Play’