Canadiens Face Injury Setbacks, Call Up Owen Beck
The Montreal Canadiens are currently facing significant injury setbacks following their recent matchup against Nashville. While the team celebrated a comeback victory, three players are now sidelined due to injuries. This situation has prompted the Canadiens to make roster adjustments, including the call-up of Owen Beck from AHL Laval.
Injuries Impact Canadiens’ Lineup
Defenseman Kaiden Guhle will be out of action for four to six weeks due to a lower-body injury. In addition, center Kirby Dach and winger Patrik Laine are both day-to-day with similar injuries. These setbacks pose challenges for the team’s performance as they navigate the early stages of the season.
Player Injury Details
- Kaiden Guhle: Lower-body injury, out for 4-6 weeks.
- Kirby Dach: Day-to-day with a lower-body injury; limited to an average of 14:29 in ice time.
- Patrik Laine: Day-to-day, currently with just one assist in five games.
Guhle had started the season well, contributing a goal and an assist over the first five games while playing over 19 minutes per game. Unfortunately, he has a history of injuries, missing significant time in previous seasons.
Roster Changes and Updates
In response to these injuries, the Canadiens have recalled Owen Beck on an emergency basis. Beck, who was among the final cuts during training camp, has performed well in the AHL, amassing a goal and an assist in three games. Last season, he recorded 44 points in 64 games with AHL Laval and added one assist in 12 NHL games.
Defensive Adjustments
With Guhle out, Arber Xhekaj will step into the lineup, having previously been a healthy scratch. The Canadiens are also expected to make a further defensive call-up to solidify their roster options.
Dach’s limited usage in the preseason has raised questions about his fitness after a knee injury curtailed his last season. Meanwhile, Laine’s performance has been less than ideal in the early stages of his contract year, underscoring the urgency for the Canadiens to recover quickly from these injury setbacks.
This series of injuries comes as the Canadiens strive to maintain their performance and competitive edge as the season progresses. The team will need to adapt swiftly to ensure they can capitalize on their recent momentum while navigating these challenges.
