Canadiens’ Kaiden Guhle out indefinitely after quad laceration

The Montreal Canadiens announced Wednesday that defenseman Kaiden Guhle will be out of the lineup indefinitely after sustaining a lacerated quadricep muscle that has since been surgically repaired.

Facing the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, Guhle left early in the third period and did not return following an awkward fall into the boards. On the season, Guhle has made 44 appearances with the Canadiens in which he has collected four goals and 10 assists for 14 points to rank third in team scoring among defensemen.

Originally chosen 16th overall by Montreal in the 2020 NHL Draft, Guhle has skated three seasons with the Canadiens in which he has totaled 158 appearances and amassed 14 goals and 40 assists for 54 points.

Last July, the Canadiens inked the 23-year-old Edmonton native to a six-year extension that carries a $5.5-million annual average value, per PuckPedia. Guhle’s new contract will begin in 2025-26.

A WHL graduate, Guhle’s time in the junior circuit was underscored by two Ed Chynoweth Cup championships, coming with the Prince Albert Raiders and Edmonton Oil Kings. In 2021-22, Guhle was also recognized as the WHL playoff MVP after he led the Oil Kings with 16 points through 19 postseason appearances. In all, Guhle saw 181 regular-season contests over five WHL campaigns in which he totaled 22 goals and 78 assists for 100 points.

For the Canadiens, the club sits 24-21-5 on the season and two points back of the Atlantic Division rival Tampa Bay Lightning for the second wildcard position in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens continue to push for their first playoff berth in four years, and first since falling to the Lightning in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.

After falling short to the Jets on Tuesday, the Canadiens will look to return to the win column when the club retakes the ice Thursday against the Minnesota Wild.