The Montreal Canadiens have hired Kent Hughes as the club's 18th general manager in franchise history. Hughes signed a five-year contract with the team.

Hughes, a Montreal native, has primarily worked in the NHL as a player agent. His current roster of over 20 clients includes Patrice Bergeron, Kris Letang, and Darnell Nurse. He began his career as an agent by representing Vincent Lecavalier in 1998.

"We are very excited to add Kent Hughes to our organization. Kent is highly respected in the hockey world, having built an excellent reputation as an NHL player agent for over 25 years now," Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement.

Hughes will work side-by-side with recently hired executive vice president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton. The club fired longtime GM Marc Bergevin earlier this season.

"The process of finding our new general manager afforded us the opportunity to meet a number of extremely qualified candidates. Kent stood out, and we believe he is the right person to be the general manager of the Canadiens," Gorton said. "We also believe that Kent's experience as an agent will be a great asset to the organization."

Hughes is the father of New York Rangers prospect Riley Hughes and 2022 draft-eligible top prospect Jack Hughes.

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What advice do you give to a player who just scored five goals in two periods?

For the San Jose Sharks, the message to winger Timo Meier during Monday's contest against the Los Angeles Kings was pretty simple.

"Tonight, if you wear No. 28, shoot the puck," defenseman Erik Karlsson said, according to San Jose Hockey Now's Sheng Peng.

It's safe to say Meier followed through on that advice during his team's 6-2 victory. The 25-year-old led the team with six shots on veteran netminder Jonathan Quick en route to becoming the first player in Sharks history to ever score five goals in one game.

Meier accomplished the feat on home ice as "Timo" chants rained down from the enamored crowd.

"It's very special, almost can't describe it," he said, according to NBC Sports. "Very special goosebump feeling. Our fans have been great. It's just a really, really cool feeling."

His reign of terror over Quick and the Kings started almost immediately, with his first goal coming after just three minutes.

Meier didn't let up, logging his second career hat trick in the first period.

"When pucks are going in - I think at that time every shot went in for me - so you definitely feel good and you hope to keep going like that," he said. "Just one of these nights."

Sharks head coach Bob Boughner gave Meier all the credit.

"I can't remember seeing a guy that hot. It was nice to see. We've talked about how great a season he's had," Boughner said, according to team beat writer Ross McKeon. "Being named our All-Star, which was well deserved and all that hard work. ... Timo got paid back, and our team got paid back."

Meier is just the fifth NHL player to score five goals in a game since 2000 and the latest since New York Rangers star Mika Zibanejad in 2020. The Swiss is also the first to pull off the feat in the first two periods of a game since Peter Bondra in 1994.

Meier leads the Sharks with 45 points in 35 games this season.

It was also a milestone game for Karlsson, who registered his 500th career assist on Meier's fifth goal.

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"So you're telling me there's a chance ..."

The infamous and excessively repeated line from "Dumb and Dumber" hasn't felt all that applicable this NHL season, as favorites have been winning at an alarming rate. That trend is due partly to frequent matchups between teams ravaged by COVID-19 and squads that are unscathed at that moment. The moneyline rises to a level that would normally be absurd, the undermanned team predictably loses, and the price tag on the favorite is validated.

Then came the Coyotes' road game against the Avalanche last Friday. Arizona's largely anonymous lineup reached as high as +500 before closing at +460 - making the visiting team one of the five biggest underdogs in the last 15 seasons. NHL bettors bet the Coyotes on principle and deserved better. With the game tied and headed to a shootout, it felt like they had a chance.

The point here is that once player health and lineup predictability stabilize somewhat, there should be a belief that as long as there's value in the bet - no matter the price - any team does, in fact, have a chance.

Last week, we stated the true (pre-vig) moneyline for Arizona's trip to Colorado should have been Coyotes +252/Avalanche -252. All we can do is tell you what the true moneyline (without vig) should be and the price at which we would bet each team. After that, any major discrepancy should lead to some quick research into why it might exist. Bettors can then adjust their risk tolerance based on their findings.

The recipe

Before the season, we provided a three-chapter series on how to use the regular-season point-total market to create team ratings, how to interpret home-ice advantage, and how to use that information to create your own moneylines.

Four weeks ago, we shared my 2021-22 season ratings, which use the metrics I deem important to predict future success. Considering all the lineup inconsistency across the league this season, I'll continue to rely on a 50-50 split between those ratings and the preseason priors via the regular-season point-total markets. This provides a more consistent base for assessing teams in the future, rather than allowing mismatches generated by COVID-19 to pollute the numbers.

The cheat sheet

The following includes my fair price on the games (true moneyline) and the moneyline price I would need to bet either side. I only need a 1% edge for a favorite if we're getting better than a fair price on the team more likely to win. For the underdog, I'll need 4% or better to make it a bet. For games I project to be closer to a coin flip, a 2.5% edge is enough for a worthwhile wager. I also have a 5% win probability consideration for a team playing in the second game of a back-to-back with travel and a 3% consideration for a team on the second leg of a back-to-back without travel.

Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.

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We're almost exactly halfway through the 2021-22 season. For some teams - like the Anaheim Ducks - we are exactly halfway through the campaign.

With enough of a sample size to have a proper evaluation of teams, we can separate the contenders from the pretenders.

We'll do just that as we look at the current Stanley Cup odds, identifying the best buys and sells in the market.

Buy

Colorado Avalanche (+500)

This isn't a "fun" pick, but sometimes you have to eat the chalk, and backing the Avalanche might be one of those times. They've dealt with a plethora of injuries and COVID issues all season long. You could probably count on one hand the number of games they've played with all of their key guys in the lineup. Yet they lead the league with 4.25 goals per game. Colorado has a ton of firepower up front, its blue line is loaded, and this team attacks you with a level of speed that's essentially unmatched. If Darcy Kuemper can get on track between the pipes, the sky is the limit here.

Florida Panthers (+800)

I'm not sure why the Panthers aren't getting more love in the betting market. They lead the league in points percentage and goals, and they're a hair behind the Maple Leafs for first in expected goals for percentage. Their top six is as potent as anybody's, they have scoring depth all throughout the lineup, and the defense - led by Aaron Ekblad and Mackenzie Weegar - is in very good shape. I know some - myself included - have questioned the team's goaltending, but the Panthers rank 13th in save percentage. So long as they can get average netminding, they have what it takes to go on a long run.

Pittsburgh Penguins (+1800)

The Penguins are third in the NHL in wins over the last 25 games. They rank in the top 10 in almost every five-on-five metric available during that span, including their Corsi share, expected goals, and actual goals. They're an elite penalty-killing side, and with Evgeni Malkin, Jake Guentzel, and Co. back in the mix, we might soon be able to say the same about their power play. They're garnering fantastic results at both ends of the ice, and Tristan Jarry (sixth in Goals Saved Above Expected) has proven capable of bailing the Penguins out whenever necessary. Like Colorado, Pittsburgh has been without key players all season long and the team is still piling up the wins. I don't think the Penguins are getting enough respect.

Sell

Edmonton Oilers (+2000)

What. A. Waste. The Oilers look more like a bubble team than a contender despite having two of the league's most dynamic talents on their roster. To put things into perspective, they have just one more win than the Coyotes over the last 25 games. Edmonton has next to no depth, its goaltending is inconsistent, and the team has issues behind the bench. That's the only explanation for not having one (1) win this season when trailing after 20 minutes. The Oilers are 0-12-2 in such situations. Only one other team - the Flames - is winless when losing after 20, but they've had six fewer tries. Calgary is also a structured, defense-first side that doesn't feature game-breakers the caliber of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers are broken.

Dallas Stars (+3500)

The Stars aren't a great hockey team. Heck, they might not be a good one. At five-on-five, they've controlled only 49% of the expected goals over the last 25 games. They've been outscored in that time. Oh, and one of their top players - John Klingberg - wants out. This team has one and done written all over it - if Dallas even makes the playoffs.

New York Islanders (+6000)

These odds are ugly, and yet I think they're still too generous to the Islanders. Forget winning the Stanley Cup - this team will be lucky to make the playoffs. New York's odds of qualifying are below 10%. Sure, the Islanders have a few games in hand on the Bruins. But they're 18 points behind. 18! I don't know if they can outperform a mediocre team by 18 points the rest of the season, let alone one with as much talent as the Bruins. Simply put, a team that'll miss the playoffs more than nine times out of 10 shouldn't be given a nearly 2% implied probability of winning the Stanley Cup.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price is restarting his rehab from offseason knee surgery and remains out indefinitely, vice president of hockey communications Chantal Machabee said Monday.

The restart follows recent COVID-19 restrictions and consultation with Price's doctor, Machabee said. She added that the 34-year-old is "slow to progress."

Price hasn't suited up in a game this season. He missed time at the beginning of the campaign after voluntarily entering the NHL's player assistance program in October. He exited the program after one month and has since been rehabbing.

The Canadiens have been ravaged by injuries all season and sit last in the NHL with a 7-24-5 record. Jake Allen has handled the lion's share of goaltending duties in Price's absence, posting a .901 save percentage and 3.15 goals against average in 2021-22.

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We have a full slate of games to comb through on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As a result, we're going to give out standard best bets *and* shot props, something that is yet to happen on a Monday.

Let's get into it.

Kings (-115) @ Sharks (-105)

The Los Angeles Kings are playing some truly fantastic hockey right now. They've won seven of the last 10 games and have controlled a whopping 57.68% of the expected goals at five-on-five in that span. Only the Vegas Golden Knights and Boston Bruins have fared better in that regard.

While the Kings aren't overflowing with high-end talent and natural finishing, their ability to control such a large share of the expected goals has made them a very difficult team to beat, especially considering how good their goaltending is.

Jonathan Quick has turned back the clock this season, saving 18.1 goals above expectation thus far. That ranks third in the NHL.

His platoon partner, Cal Petersen, leads all goaltenders in five-on-five save percentage since the beginning of December. It doesn't matter who the Kings start - they're consistently getting great goaltending.

Combine that with the fact they're outchancing their opponent on a nightly basis, and it's not hard to see why they're piling up the wins.

The San Jose Sharks aren't pushovers, but I see a few edges for the Kings in this game. L.A. is better at controlling the run of play, and the team also has much better goaltending.

James Reimer is expected back in the lineup Monday. That would've been big news a couple of months ago. But Reimer has really struggled, posting a .899 save percentage over the last two months.

The Kings should get more of the chances in this game. Given the difference in the caliber of goaltender - regardless of who starts - I expect that to be enough for them to pull out another win.

Bet: Kings (-115)

Canadiens (-105) @ Coyotes (-115)

It's not every day you want to back the Arizona Coyotes - let alone as favorites - but that's what this situation calls for.

The Montreal Canadiens are awful. They've won one of their previous 10 games and have scored fewer five-on-five goals than all but the Anaheim Ducks in that time. They're consistently outchanced and rarely convert on the opportunities they do get.

The Coyotes aren't a lethal offensive team, but they'll be aided by Montreal starter Sam Montembeault. On average, he's given up 0.53 goals more than expected on a per-start basis. Only seven goaltenders to play even semi-regularly have been worse.

Karel Vejmelka, by comparison, has conceded only 1.3 goals more than expected through 21 appearances. That's -0.07 GSAE per start.

With a big edge in goal, and home ice, I think Arizona is priced a little too short here.

Shot props

Tage Thompson over 2.5 shots on goal (-130) vs. the Detroit Red Wings - Thompson has been lethal on home soil this season, averaging 3.9 shots on goal per game and going over the total of 2.5 shots in 15 of 18 contests. The Red Wings bleed shots, so I don't expect them to be one of the rare sides that can limit Thompson in Buffalo.

Nazem Kadri over 3.5 shots on goal (+120) vs. the Minnesota Wild - Kadri has been a shooting machine of late, recording at least four shots on goal in 12 of his last 18 games (66% hit rate). The Wild are struggling on the defensive side of things as a byproduct of all their injuries. Believe it or not, they rank 30th in attempts against per 60 over the last 10. I like Kadri in this spot, especially at such juicy odds.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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The Dallas Stars appear set to make a major impact on this season's trade deadline, as recent reports suggest they're ramping up efforts to deal disgruntled blue-liner John Klingberg.

Klingberg is a pending unrestricted free agent and one of the most high-profile rentals said to be available. The Stars are likely to field several offers from contenders looking to add such an enticing piece for the stretch run.

It's become custom for financially strapped buyers to perform major cap gymnastics to make deadline deals work, and Klingberg's situation is no different. The 29-year-old carries a $4.25-million cap hit and a base salary of $6 million, according to CapFriendly. However, suitors could swindle a significant discount if they can get Dallas to retain some money and/or use a third party to eat a chunk of it, which would bring the cap hit down to as low as $1.0625 million. That, and the ever-popular use of long-term injured reserve come the postseason, makes Klingberg's market bigger than it may appear.

Despite the money being manageable, Klingberg still won't come cheap. There are premiums on defensemen - especially right-handed shots with 60-point potential - during deadline season, so it's reasonable to expect Dallas wanting a first-round pick and a high-end prospect, at the very least. That price will only go up if Klingberg agrees to an extension with his new club.

Klingberg isn't without his flaws, though. As great as he is offensively, he's posted rather alarming defensive metrics over the last three seasons:

Still, Klingberg's upside will be too difficult for some contenders to ignore, and if he lands with the right team, he could be the final piece of a Stanley Cup puzzle. Below, we analyze the five most logical destinations:

Carolina Hurricanes

Potential top 6 with Klingberg:

The Hurricanes are the most obvious members of this list because they're the only team that's actually been linked to Klingberg so far. They reportedly contacted the Stars about his availability back in November.

The fit is obvious: Carolina let Dougie Hamilton walk in the offseason and tried to replace him by committee with the additions of DeAngelo and Ethan Bear. That's worked to an extent. Both players have flaws, but they've played relatively well all things considered. Still, it'd be worrisome for a team with championship aspirations to enter the playoffs with one of them in its top four.

Klingberg is a proven playoff performer who's registered 30 points in his last 39 postseason contests. His combination of experience and upside would make it a gamble worth taking for the Canes, who seem to elevate every newcomer they welcome in.

Boston Bruins

Potential top 6 with Klingberg:

The Bruins are candidates to make a splash every trade deadline so long as their veteran core is intact. Opportunities at another championship are running out, and with Tuukka Rask back in the fold, Boston seems to look like a contender again after experiencing an early-season funk.

Klingberg would undoubtedly make the Bruins' thin right side deeper, and adding him to an always-dangerous power play as the quarterback could be a game-changer for a team that hasn't produced goals to its usual standards this season. Charlie McAvoy has been good on the man advantage this season, but he's used so frequently in other situations. A break from power-play duties could help keep him fresh for the physical demands of postseason hockey.

If, for some reason, Klingberg didn't mesh with the first unit, he'd certainly be an upgrade on the second group. Plus, his puck-moving and transition abilities would provide an element that's missing within Boston's D-corps beyond its top pairing.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Potential top 6 with Klingberg:

Toronto's second pairing has been an issue all season. Jake Muzzin appears to have lost a step and can no longer carry Justin Holl, who's been a healthy scratch at times.

In an ideal world, the Maple Leafs would add a top-four right-handed defenseman who excels on the defensive side of the puck, but beggars can't be choosers, and Klingberg is by far the best righty that's knowingly available.

The fit could still work, though. The Maple Leafs prioritize skill and puck possession more than any other team in the league, areas where Klingberg shines. Playing in a system that encourages offensive creativity could help get the most out of the Swede. At times, it's appeared as though he's been shackled playing under Dallas' tight defensive scheme.

The Leafs rank fifth in the league in points percentage and the front office is facing immense pressure to win at least one playoff round, so don't be surprised if they're willing to push all their chips into the middle this season.

Florida Panthers

Potential top 6 with Klingberg:

With so many high-quality right-handed shots on their blue line, the Panthers may opt to reinforce the left flank rather than pursue Klingberg. However, Montour has experience on both sides of the ice, and the thought of adding another offensively dynamic defenseman for the league's top attack is a terrifying thought for the rest of the East.

It's clear Florida is in a position to go for it this season. The Cats have looked like a juggernaut since the puck dropped in October, and they'd be wise to do their due diligence on Klingberg to both bolster their odds at the first Stanley Cup in franchise history and keep him away from Atlantic Division foes.

As unstoppable as Florida looks, the road through the Atlantic is going to be a bloodbath. Adding an extra playmaker into the fold could be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Potential top 6 with Klingberg:

Hedman's D partners are typically of the stay-at-home variety, but it's hard to imagine Klingberg would have trouble meshing with the Norris Trophy hopeful since he's carried Rutta around for most of the season. Klingberg and Hedman are also both from Sweden and have been teammates on the international stage.

The Lightning have traded away at least one first-round pick in each of the past two deadlines to acquire key pieces - David Savard (2021), Blake Coleman (2020), and Barclay Goodrow (2020) - to help propel Stanley Cup runs. Don't be shocked if they do it again.

Tampa Bay is loaded, but if the club has one weakness, it's the right side of the blue line. Look for general manager Julien Brisebois to address it in hopes of a three-peat.

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