Kaiden Guhle could return after the habs’ road trip

In the NHL, injuries are an integral part of the game, but we know it's always difficult to remain competitive when multiple stick players are injured.

The Montreal Canadiens infirmary is always very busy. Currently Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, Jake Evans, Kirby Duch, Mike Mathesonand Kayden Goulet have been suspended.

Not having so many players definitely won't help (especially since there are some very important players missing), but the Habs still have their share of success.

According to Eric Engels, Kirby Duck, unfortunately, may remain on the sidelines for longer. Nothing that would help matters. He's been injured for six weeks now, but we'll have to wait a little longer.

However, according to Engels, Kaiden Guhle could return sooner than expected, which would be a welcome addition to the lineup as the Habs defensive unit is in dire need of Guhle.

The Canadiens are cautious about Kirby Dach's return from a broken leg. We're six weeks old now, but it might be a little longer before he .
Meanwhile, Kayden Goulet is moving in the right direction. There is some optimism that he could return soon after the Habs return from the road.

– Eric Engels (@EricEngels) January 1, 2026

On the other hand, Goulet could return earlier.

It's not that Arber Czekay, Jayden Struble and Adam Engstrom are playing poorly, but you can't have all three of them in your lineup at the same time.

Moreover, Mike Matheson is injured (the Habs announced this shortly before the Hurricanes game). There are now two big holes on the Habs blue line, with Matheson and Goulet both out.

We still don't know how long Matheson will be out, but an elbow to the head (courtesy of Brad Marchand) suggests it could be a concussion… Let's wait and see the official verdict.

Returning to Dach, his extended absences become all too common. When a talented young player misses so many games (less than 300 games in his 7th season), it is very difficult to reach his full potential.

According to Engels' tweet above, the Habs are being extremely cautious in his case because he broke his leg. He's been out injured for six weeks (out of an expected four to six week absence) and doesn't appear close to returning to action.

We'll probably have to wait a little longer for Dach to get back to 100%.

After a while

– In a city like Miami, it’s difficult to create a high-quality “outdoor” skating rink…

“The ice was pretty bad and pretty slow.”

High marks for #NYR Will Kyle for his honest and candid look at the ice situation in Miami before heading out. #WinterClassic

Check it out @4EverBlueshirtshttps://t.co/gIVPYMCdLm

– Jim Cerny (@JimCerny) January 2, 2026