Gallagher fractured his thumb on Monday and will miss at least six weeks. Placing him on LTIR gives the Canadiens some cap flexibility heading into the trade deadline that they otherwise wouldn't have had. This is obviously a big loss but it could prove to be a positive if they can add another impact player with the new found cap room.
Price will stay back in Montreal to receive treatment, so Cayden Primeau will go on the trip and serve as Jake Allen's backup in Toronto. The Canadiens return home on Thursday, so there's a chance Price is available for the second half of the back-to-back.
Gallagher was hit in the hand by a shot on Monday and did not return to the game. In his post-game comments, head coach Dominique Ducharme said that Gallagher will miss weeks with a fractured thumb. With Gallagher out, Jesperi Kotkaniemi could transition to the wing for a short period of time, moving him back into the top-9.
Carrier is expected to miss at least three weeks with a lower-body injury that he suffered midway through Thursday's game vs. the Stars. Carrier joins a lengthy list of Predators skaters that are expected to miss at least a couple of weeks.
Caufield was the No.15 overall pick in 2019 and signs with Montreal after finishing his sophomore season at the University of Wisconsin. Caufield had an outstanding season, leading the NCAA in goals (30) and leading the Big Ten in points (52) in 31 games.
Beaudin returned to the lineup on Thursday but was held pointless and without a shot in 12:46 TOI. Ian Mitchell will replace him on the Blackhawks blueline.
