Major development at CH: big move coming soon!

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MarcO
November 11, 2022 (1:03 PM)

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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.

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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

Previously on HockeyLatest

Major announcement by the Canadiens involving all team members

Lots of action at the Canadiens training: good and bad news

Filip Mesar reveals juicy info about what CH management told him when he was sent to the OHL

POLL
11 NOVEMBRE \| 55 ANSWERS Major development at CH: big move coming soon! Do you think Arber Xhekaj will be the player sacrificed by Kent Hughes to make room for Michael Matheson?
Yes	15	27.3 %
No	40	72.7 %
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