Justin Barron will draw back into the lineup for the Canadiens on Monday against the Anaheim Ducks, resulting in Struble being a healthy scratch. The 23-year-old Struble is averaging 15:09 time-on-ice through 21 games this season, recording five points (2G / 3A), 23 blocks, and 40 hits.
The Canadiens will roll with Montembeault between the pipes for a fourth straight game on Monday when they host the Anaheim Ducks. The 28-year-old Montembeault has had an up-and-down 2024-25 campaign, posting a serviceable 2.89 GAA and .905 SV% through 21 games (8-11-2) while leading the league with three shutouts. The Canadiens enter Monday's contest as -143 home favorites against a Ducks club outscored 9-2 during a two-game losing streak (0-2-0).
Hoefenmayer was a fourth-round pick, 108th overall, of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. The 25-year-old defenseman has yet to play an NHL game and has seven points (1G / 6A) in 11 games with the Bakersfield Condors (AHL) this season.
Montembeault will make his first appearance since being named to Team Canada's roster for the upcoming Four Nations tournament. The 28-year-old netminder registered a win his last time out, allowing just one goal on 31 shots in a 2-1 overtime victory over the Islanders. Montembeault brings a 7-10-2 record and a .901 SV% into Thursday night's matchup with the Predators.
Veleno will be a healthy scratch against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, indication that Patrick Kane may be ready to return to the lineup after a five-game absence. The 24-year-old Veleno is averaging a career-low 11:11 time-on-ice and has two points (1G / 1A) through 22 games this season.
Nathan Walker will return to the lineup for the Blues on Tuesday, sending Texier to the press box as a healthy scratch. The 25-year-old Texier has been limited to 13 games this season, averaging 12:57 time-on-ice and scoring three points (1G / 2A).
Laine has yet to play this season after spraining his left knee towards the end of training camp, but will make his Canadiens debut on Tuesday against the New York Islanders. The 26-year-old winger was acquired from Columbus in late August for a 2026 2nd-round pick and Jordan Harris after he put up six goals, nine points, and 41 SOG in 18 games in 2023-24. He is expected to suit up on a line with Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky.
Montembeault will attempt to snap a three-game losing skid when he returns to the crease on Tuesday against the New York Islanders. The 28-year-old Montembeault has showcased mixed results this season, posting a 3.12 GAA and .897 SV% in 18 games (6-10-2). The Canadiens, welcoming Patrick Laine into their lineup on Tuesday, enter the action as +115 home underdogs against an Islanders team that defeated them 4-3 on October 19th.
Laine has yet to play this season after spraining his left knee towards the end of training camp, but appears to be nearing an imminent return to the lineup. The 26-year-old winger was acquired from Columbus in late August for a 2026 2nd-round pick and Jordan Harris after he put up six goals, nine points, and 41 SOG in 18 games in 2023-24.
Roy was the fifth-round pick, 150th overall, of the Canadiens in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year-old scored nine points (4G / 5A) in 23 games with the Canadiens last season, his first taste of NHL action. He has been stellar with the Laval Rocket (AHL) this season, scoring 16 points (8G / 8A) in 17 games.
Del Gaizo has already played a career-high 16 games this season and will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Flyers. The 25-year-old Del Gaizo is averaging 15:20 time-on-ice and has three points (0G / 3A).
