NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is trying to avoid the federal leaders having to compete with the Montreal Canadiens.

Singh is asking that Wednesday night’s French-language leader debate be moved to a different night.

The Canadiens also play that night in a game with playoff implications.

“We’re asking people—especially in Quebec—to choose between a critical democratic debate and cheering on the Habs in a must-win game,” says Singh in a media release.

“This kind of political discussion shouldn’t compete with something that means so much to so many.”

Singh says there is precedent for such an ask.

A 2011 French-language debate was moved to avoid conflict with a Habs game.

The Leaders’ Debates Commission which organizes the debates, announced the dates for the French and English-language debate in late March.

The English-language debate is scheduled for Thursday night.

The Canadiens can clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2021 if the Columbus Blue Jackets lose their games Tuesday night against Philadelphia.