The Montreal Canadiens are getting a major boost on the blue line Saturday night, with Kaiden Guhle officially set to return against the Detroit Red Wings on Hockey Night in Canada.
Guhle has been sidelined since Oct. 18 after suffering a partially torn abductor muscle, an injury that ultimately kept him out 39 consecutive games. While the initial recovery timeline suggested a four-to-six-week absence, the 23-year-old opted for surgery, extending his rehabilitation by roughly a month.
No Roster Move Required
Montreal confirmed that no corresponding roster transaction was needed to activate Guhle from injured reserve, following Adam Engström’s reassignment to the AHL earlier in the week. His return immediately stabilizes a Canadiens blue line that has been stretched thin by injuries.
Defensive Impact Over Offense
Guhle has only appeared in five games this season, recording one goal and two points before the injury, but his value goes well beyond the scoresheet. Since the start of the 2022-23 season, he owns the best regularized adjusted expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five among all Montreal defencemen — a reflection of his positioning, physical play, and defensive awareness.
Lineup Shake-Up on Defence
While head coach Martin St-Louis has yet to confirm pairings, Guhle previously spent extended time alongside Lane Hutson, making that duo a possibility once again. Hutson has also been used with Alexandre Carrier, leaving some flexibility in how Montreal deploys its top four.
One certainty: Jayden Struble will come out of the lineup. Struble posted six assists in 35 games this season but becomes the odd man out with Guhle’s return.
Part of a Larger Injury Picture
Guhle’s comeback eases — but does not erase — Montreal’s injury concerns. The Canadiens continue to manage absences involving Josh Anderson, Kirby Dach, Jake Evans, Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, and David Reinbacher as they navigate a demanding mid-season stretch.
Contract and Career Context
Now in the first year of a six-year, $33.3 million contract, Guhle remains a foundational piece of Montreal’s long-term defensive core. The former 16th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft has produced 60 points (17 goals, 43 assists) across 174 career NHL games.
Game Details
- Matchup: Canadiens vs Red Wings
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
- Broadcast: Sportsnet & Sportsnet+
For a Canadiens team trying to regain defensive structure and momentum, Kaiden Guhle’s return arrives at exactly the right moment.
