Major development at CH: big move coming soon!

At the Habs' daily practice this morning, there was a major development in the team's environment.

Defenceman Michael Matheson made his comeback, as he practiced with his teammates for the first time today. However, he was wearing a blue jersey, which meant he could not receive contact.

However, like Joel Edmundson, once you join your teammates on the ice, it's usually only a matter of time before you're back in the lineup.

Of course, a quicker-than-expected return to the lineup also means that Kent Hughes will have to make another roster decision, as he will have to get rid of a contract to make room for the Quebec defenceman when he gets the green light in the next few days.

Clearly, a very difficult decision is in store for the CH, as there are currently no injuries in the lineup that would save time in the face of an inevitable personnel move.

A player will have to be traded or sent to Laval with the risk of losing him to waivers. Unless management decides to take the easy way out by sending a player who is not eligible for waivers, like Juraj Slafkovsky or Arber Xhekaj.

In addition, a defenceman will have to give up his spot in the Habs' starting lineup.

With the performances of Kaiden Guhle and Jordan Harris, it's inconceivable that either of them would leave when Matheson returns. With Joel Edmundson and David Savard healthy, there would only be one spot left on the defensive squad.

The CH's defensive top-6 is as follows:

Guhle (Left) - Savard (Right)Edmundson (Left) - Xhekaj (Left)Harris (Left) - Kovacevic (Right)

With the addition of Chris Wideman being left out, this leaves only one position for Xhekaj, Wideman and Kovacevic. Given that the other two are right-handed players and Matheson is left-handed, the odds are not in Xhekaj's favour.

Also, while he definitely doesn't deserve to be sent back to Laval, the fact that he's the only one of the three who doesn't have to go through waivers also works against him.

Another difficult decision is looming for the Canadiens.

Who do you think will get the nod?

Credit: William Nadeau, Habs & NHL

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