Nick Suzuki is back in the Montreal Canadiens’ lineup tonight against Utah, and he won’t be coming alone. Kirby Dach is also returning, giving Martin St-Louis two important forwards back at once as Montreal makes three lineup changes for the matchup.
According to Renaud Lavoie, Owen Beck and Florian Xhekaj are the two players coming out to make room. In goal, Jakub Dobes gets the start, which sends Jacob Fowler to the bench. For the 21-year-old Fowler, it’s a tough break after he has played 9 games this season compared to Dobes’ 6.
The returns had been building for a few days. On Monday, Beck looked like a candidate to stay in the mix if Suzuki remained unavailable, but that changed once the captain was ready to go. That is exactly how it played out.
Suzuki’s comeback matters because of what he brings right away. He enters with 12 points in 9 games, including 5 goals, and gives the Canadiens their No. 1 center back at an important point in the schedule.
Montreal is coming off a 5-4 overtime loss to the Jets on Tuesday, but the team still sits 6th in the NHL at 9-3-3 and 2nd in the Atlantic. Even without Suzuki, the Canadiens managed 7 wins in their last 10 games. Beck contributed during that stretch with 1 goal and 2 assists in 5 games.
Still, Suzuki changes the look of the group. He gives Montreal its driver back, with the leadership, first-line scoring touch and defensive reliability St-Louis counts on when games get tight.
Xhekaj’s exit follows a busy night against Winnipeg. He fought and now has 13 penalty minutes in 7 games.
Utah, coached by Andre Tourigny, comes in at 10-6-0 after a 3-2 win in Toronto on Tuesday. The Mammoth are 2nd in the Central and sit only one point behind Montreal in the overall standings.
That sets up a real test for the Canadiens with both centers back in the fold. If Suzuki and Dach settle in quickly, St-Louis’ lineup decisions will have paid off.
In Other News...
Canadiens Linked To Defenseman Who Could Reshape Their Blue Line
Simon Edvinssons name has started to circulate in Montreal for all the right reasons, at least from a roster-building standpoint. The Detroit Red Wings defenseman remains unsigned, and reports from The Fourth Period have put the Canadiens in the mix as teams around the league monitor the situation. For a Montreal blue line that has been a constant point of evaluation, a young left-shot defenseman with size and upside is the kind of player that naturally draws attention.
Nothing is close to being settled, and there is no trade in place, but the fit is easy to understand from the Canadiens side. Montreal has been linked to Edvinsson as it looks at ways to strengthen and reshape its defense, and any move involving a player of his profile would carry real implications for how the group is built going forward. For now, it is just a name to watch, but it is one that could linger as the situation develops. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Suddenly Have A Dylan Larkin Question To Watch
A new wrinkle has landed on the Canadiens radar, and it comes from outside Montreals own front office. According to Elliotte Friedman, Dylan Larkin is considering revising his trade list, which immediately puts Montreal in a conversation it was not necessarily expecting to have this soon. For now, nothing official has changed and no trade talks have started, but the possibility alone is enough to make this one worth monitoring.
Montreal is reportedly among four teams being mentioned in connection with the situation, alongside Buffalo, Boston and St. Louis, which gives the Canadiens a measure of company but also underlines how early this remains. The next move is still Larkins to make, and until he decides whether to alter his list, the entire idea stays in the speculative stage. Still, for a team always looking for ways to add impact talent, even a loose development like this can quickly become one of the more interesting subplots to watch. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Fans Are Bracing For A Big Ivan Demidov Update
Ivan Demidovs status has become the latest point of concern for Canadiens fans, with the young forward already on injured reserve because of an ankle injury. The situation has lingered long enough to create real unease around his recovery, especially with the club still holding back on a full explanation while the injury picture remains unclear.
His agent has added to the uncertainty by indicating the issue is more serious than a simple setback, but Montreal has not publicly confirmed that assessment. For now, the Canadiens are expected to provide an update tomorrow, and until then the focus stays on how long Demidov might be out and what it means for a team that has been waiting on more clarity. [Read more 🡒]