Canadiens Preseason: Guhle Injury, Roster Experiments, and Upcoming Games
The Montreal Canadiens' training camp is in full swing. After opening their preseason with a split-squad victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, coach Martin St. Louis and the management team are actively assessing roster spots, shifting lines, and dealing with their first significant injury.
Here are the key storylines to follow as the preseason progresses and a look at the Canadiens' schedule from September 20-26, 2026.
Kaiden Guhle's Injury
The most significant news from the medical bay concerns defenseman Kaiden Guhle. The team confirmed he will be out for four to five weeks following a minor procedure on his adductor muscle performed late this summer.
Losing a key top-four defenseman as camp begins is a setback, but Guhle is expected back early in the regular season. His absence creates immediate opportunities. David Reinbacher received increased ice time early on, while Lane Hutson continued his strong play, driving possession during the split-squad game against the Maple Leafs.
With defensive depth temporarily tested, Arber Xhekaj offers the staff flexibility. There's even discussion about him potentially playing forward if the blueline becomes crowded upon Guhle's return.
New Roles for Key Veterans
Up front, St. Louis is experimenting with his top six forwards. Veteran Chris Kreider played on the top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield in the preseason opener against the Maple Leafs in Montreal, recording a shot and two hits in 17:05 of ice time.
This top-line change moved Juraj Slafkovský to a second-line role alongside Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov. Slafkovský's growth as a play-driver allows Montreal to distribute its scoring threats more effectively. Watching Ivan Demidov's performance after his standout rookie season remains a primary focus.
Further down the lineup, players like Florian Xhekaj are making strong cases for bottom-six positions, bringing noticeable physicality to the split-squad contests.
Early Goaltending Performances
In net, Samuel Montembeault delivered a sharp and clean performance in his half-game against Toronto, stopping all shots he faced.
Habs Upcoming Schedule
Following the split-squad preseason games against Toronto on September 19, the Canadiens' schedule for the upcoming week includes three exhibition matches, all against the Ottawa Senators:
| Date | Time (ET) | Opponent | Location / Venue | Game Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, Sept. 21 | 7:00 PM | vs. Ottawa Senators | Colisée Vidéotron (Trois-Rivières, QC) | Preseason |
| Sat, Sept. 26 | 7:00 PM | vs. Ottawa Senators | Bell Centre (Montreal, QC) | Preseason (Split-Squad) |
| Sat, Sept. 26 | 7:00 PM | @ Ottawa Senators | Canadian Tire Centre (Ottawa, ON) | Preseason (Split-Squad) |
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