(Brossard) Forwards Jonathan Drouin and Mike Hoffman are closing in on a return to play with the Montreal Canadiens.
They wore regular jerseys during practice Friday morning at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard, which means they got the go-ahead from doctors to take hits.
It is unknown at this time if they will be able to participate in Saturday night’s game against the Los Angeles Kings at the Bell Center.
On the other hand, defender Mike Matheson, who had left the previous day’s training session about 30 minutes after its start, was conspicuous by his absence.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Mike Matheson
This was also the case for forwards Brendan Gallagher and Sean Monahan, as well as defender David Savard. Monahan hasn’t played since Dec. 5, when he scored a goal against the Vancouver Canucks. For his part, Savard has been absent since the December 3 game against the Edmonton Oilers.
As for Drouin and Hoffman, they haven’t played since November 12 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and November 19 against the Philadelphia Flyers respectively.
Drouin was battling an upper body injury sustained Nov. 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Canadian then indicated on November 15 that he would miss a period ranging from four to six weeks.
In the case of Hoffman, the Habs were content to say that he is injured in the lower body.
Drouin has been limited to four assists in 12 games this season. For his part, Hoffman had five goals and three assists in 16 games.
Finally, goalkeeper Jake Allen warmed up with his teammates, before quickly giving way to Karel St-Laurent.