Forwards Brendan Gallagher and Paul Byron donned regular jerseys during the Montreal Canadiens’ optional training session on Saturday morning at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard, an encouraging sign for their return to play.
Posted at 11:23 a.m.
Updated at 11:50 a.m.
“They won’t come back tonight, but we’re confident they could do it tomorrow. It was kind of their last test on the ice to make sure everything was under control. There is a good chance that they will be there tomorrow, ”said head coach Dominique Ducharme by videoconference.
Gallagher is recovering from a lower-body injury sustained in late December against the Carolina Hurricanes, while Byron is still recovering from hip surgery performed before the start of the campaign.
It was very long, even if the summer was very short. The rehabilitation was very long, and it was hard to watch some matches from the stands. I want to be on the ice and help the team. So I’m very excited to join the team and be able to start playing hockey again.
Paul Byron
The Canadiens host the Edmonton Oilers tonight at the Bell Center, and will host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday.
PHOTO OLIVIER JEAN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Brendan Gallagher
I just want to get back into the game and win hockey games. It will be fun tonight to watch the guys, because we played several games against them (the Oilers) last season and we know them well. So it will be fun to watch this tonight, and get back to the game tomorrow. That’s what motivates me; win hockey games
Brendan Gallagher
On the other hand, Ducharme indicated that forwards Joel Armia and Cole Caufield, who until recently trained in Madison, Wis., after each testing positive for COVID-19, still have not able to join their teammates in Montreal. It is therefore unlikely that they will be in uniform against the Oilers.
“Their flight was canceled — in fact, it was rescheduled three times yesterday — so they should be back this afternoon. They may play tomorrow, but is that the ideal situation? We will see after tonight’s meeting and will have more details tomorrow,” explained the Habs driver.
Ducharme also indicated that he will have to discuss with vice-president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes the possibility of returning Caufield to the Laval Rocket so that he can continue his progress during the All-Star Game break. the NHL.
Without wanting to give away his game, Ducharme said he might be tempted to go with an 11 forward, seven defenseman roster against the Oilers in hopes of shutting out star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
In addition, star goaltender Carey Price skated for 10 minutes in the morning, but we shouldn’t expect a return to play anytime soon.
“He still has a few steps to go (before his return to play),” Ducharme nuanced about Price.