Canadiens Back to Work with Struble Sidelined, Montembeault Set to Start vs. Senators
BROSSARD - Monday’s practice at the CN Sports Complex had a familiar buzz to it, with nearly the full Canadiens roster back on the ice as they gear up for a packed week ahead. But one notable absence caught the eye: defenseman Jayden Struble, who remains sidelined with an upper-body injury. He missed Saturday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche and is considered day-to-day.
With Struble out, the rest of the group pressed on, and the latest line combinations offered a glimpse into how the coaching staff is looking to manage the upcoming stretch.
Forward Lines at Practice:
- Cole Caufield - Nick Suzuki - Zachary Bolduc
The top line continues to feature the steady presence of Suzuki and Caufield, with Bolduc getting a look alongside the duo. Chemistry here will be key, especially with Bolduc trying to carve out a more permanent role.
- Juraj Slafkovsky - Kasperi Kapanen - Matvei Demidov This trio brings a blend of size, speed, and skill. Demidov’s offensive upside paired with Slafkovsky’s physicality and Kapanen’s experience could offer a dynamic second unit.
- Alexandre Texier - Jake Evans - Josh Anderson / Jared Davidson Evans centers a line that could be used in more of a checking or energy role. Anderson and Davidson rotated on the wing, suggesting the staff is still evaluating combinations for matchup flexibility.
- Florian Xhekaj - Joe Veleno - Brendan Gallagher Don’t overlook this fourth line. Gallagher’s veteran edge, paired with Veleno’s two-way play and Xhekaj’s grit, gives the Habs a group that can grind and chip in offensively when needed.
Defensive Pairings and Goaltending Notes:
The blue line saw a mix of rotations during drills, with Alexandre Carrier, Noah Dobson, Adam Engstrom, Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, and Arber Xhekaj all taking reps. It’s clear the coaching staff is keeping options open, likely in response to Struble’s injury and the upcoming back-to-back games.
In net, Jakub Dobes and Samuel Montembeault were both present. But it’ll be Montembeault who gets the nod on Tuesday night when the Canadiens host the Ottawa Senators at the Bell Centre.
What’s Next:
Tuesday’s game marks the first of two straight against Ottawa, and it also coincides with Lane Hutson Bobblehead Night, presented by RONA - a nice touch for fans coming out to support the team.
With a busy week ahead and lineup tweaks in motion, the Canadiens are clearly focused on finding the right mix. And with Montembeault between the pipes, they'll look to kick things off on the right foot against a divisional rival.