Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
We have an unexpected last-minute announcement from the Montreal Canadiens.
We now have a sad turn of events.
“Defenseman Mike Matheson (upper body) will not play tonight. Defenseman Adam Engstrom will suit up in tonight’s game.
– Montreal Canadiens
Mike Matheson is pulled from the Canadiens lineup at the last second following the head hit he took from Brad Marchand
No, this is really not good news.
Yes, it’s a tough blow for the Canadiens.
Mike Matheson will not play tonight due to an upper-body injury, with Adam Engstrom replacing him in the lineup. The situation is concerning, as Matheson was expected to play after taking a head hit on Tuesday, an abrupt change that’s rarely a good sign.
Mike Matheson leaves a hole, Adam Engstrom gets an opportunity
At 31 years old, Matheson is a major piece for the Canadiens, period. Matheson signed a five-year, $30 million contract extension that will begin next season.
In the meantime, he is currently finishing a deal with an average annual value of $4.875 million.
Engstrom, meanwhile, comes in with the profile of a young defenseman the team wants to see develop.
He is 22 years old and was drafted in 2022, in the third round, 92nd overall. This season, he has played 10 NHL games, recording no points and a +1 rating.
For Martin St-Louis, the challenge tonight is simple. You have to manage the absence of a pillar without overextending the others.
The situation will also be closely monitored, because an upper-body injury can last one night, or linger.
The Canadiens face the Hurricanes tonight, and the evening becomes a test of character.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Unfortunate turnaround for Mike Matheson as he’s ruled out vs. Hurricanes
Should Marchand have been suspended for his head hit on Matheson?