![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/625976.webp.webp\" "\\"Photo")
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Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey \/ NHL<\/p>\n
Saturday, things are moving in the Montreal Canadiens lineup.<\/p>\n
Information circulating Saturday morning indicates that Mike Matheson will be returning to the lineup, while Jayden Struble will not dress against the Pittsburgh Penguins.<\/p>\n
This detail draws attention because Matheson is an important piece of Montreal’s defensive corps. When a defenseman of his caliber re-enters the lineup, it quickly changes rotation options, especially when another young player like Struble comes out.<\/p>\n
“Mike Matheson IN, Jayden Struble OUT vs Penguins”<\/p>\n
– Renaud Lavoie<\/p>\n
After the trade, the Canadiens announce immediate changes to the lineup<\/p>\n
Matheson’s return immediately reshapes the blue line The 30-year-old defenseman has not played recently, but his presence stabilizes the lineup and should certainly represent an asset for young Fowler.<\/p>\n
Jayden Struble will therefore not be in the lineup.<\/p>\n
“Head coach Martin St-Louis confirmed that Mike Matheson will return to the lineup, while Jayden Struble will skip his turn. Jacob Fowler will also start against the Penguins.”<\/p>\n
– Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n
In a schedule that does not forgive, the Canadiens often need lineup stability to collect points. A return on the blue line combined with an absence creates an interesting day to follow until puck drop.<\/p>\n
Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. as the Canadiens prepare to celebrate Christmas at the Bell Centre.<\/p>\n
Previously on All Montreal Hockey<\/p>\n
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