Montreal Canadiens News

Montembeault will make his first appearance since being named to Team Canada's roster for the upcoming Four Nations tournament. The 28-year-old netminder registered a win his last time out, allowing just one goal on 31 shots in a 2-1 overtime victory over the Islanders. Montembeault brings a 7-10-2 record and a .901 SV% into Thursday night's matchup with the Predators.

Laine has yet to play this season after spraining his left knee towards the end of training camp, but will make his Canadiens debut on Tuesday against the New York Islanders. The 26-year-old winger was acquired from Columbus in late August for a 2026 2nd-round pick and Jordan Harris after he put up six goals, nine points, and 41 SOG in 18 games in 2023-24. He is expected to suit up on a line with Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky.

Montembeault will attempt to snap a three-game losing skid when he returns to the crease on Tuesday against the New York Islanders. The 28-year-old Montembeault has showcased mixed results this season, posting a 3.12 GAA and .897 SV% in 18 games (6-10-2). The Canadiens, welcoming Patrick Laine into their lineup on Tuesday, enter the action as +115 home underdogs against an Islanders team that defeated them 4-3 on October 19th.

Laine has yet to play this season after spraining his left knee towards the end of training camp, but appears to be nearing an imminent return to the lineup. The 26-year-old winger was acquired from Columbus in late August for a 2026 2nd-round pick and Jordan Harris after he put up six goals, nine points, and 41 SOG in 18 games in 2023-24.

Roy was the fifth-round pick, 150th overall, of the Canadiens in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year-old scored nine points (4G / 5A) in 23 games with the Canadiens last season, his first taste of NHL action. He has been stellar with the Laval Rocket (AHL) this season, scoring 16 points (8G / 8A) in 17 games.

Matheson was a surprise scratch for Tuesday's game, with his absence not being announced prior to warmups. We should receive an update on his status before Montreal's game in Columbus on Wednesday. Jayden Struble will draw into the lineup in his absence.

Roy was the fifth-round pick, 150th overall, of the Canadiens in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year-old scored nine points (4G / 5A) in 23 games with the Canadiens last season, his first taste of NHL action. He has been stellar with the Laval Rocket (AHL) this season, scoring 16 points (8G / 8A) in 17 games.

On the tail end of a back-to-back, the Canadiens will turn to Primeau in net on Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Primeau has struggled this season and as a result has seen very limited action lately. The 25-year-old netminder is sporting an ugly 4.59 GAA and .842 SV% in eight appearances (1-2-1).

Montembeault has been a workhorse for the Canadiens this season and will start for the fifth straight game on Tuesday against the Utah Hockey Club. The 28-year-old Montembeault has had an up-and-down 2024-25 campaign, posting a 3.08 GAA and .899 SV% in 16 games (6-9-1). That said, he has had two shutouts this season and has allowed two or fewer goals in three of his last four games (2-2-0). The Canadiens enter the action on Tuesday as +115 home underdogs against a Utah team that has lost four of their last five (1-4-0).

Justin Barron will draw back into the Canadiens' lineup on Tuesday, sending Struble to the press box as a healthy scratch. The 23-year-old Struble is averaging 14:53 time-on-ice, tallying four points (1G / 3A), 13 blocks, and 28 hits in 15 games this season.