Ivan Demidov misses Canadiens practice as Carrier, Guhle and Kapanen skate

The Montreal Canadiens hit the ice for practice on Monday with one notable absence and several welcome returns. Star winger Ivan Demidov did not skate after being given a therapy day, while defenceman Alexandre Carrier and forwards Oliver Kapanen and Kaiden Guhle all participated as they work their way back from injuries. The session came one day before Montreal faces the Carolina Hurricanes in an Eastern Conference Final rematch.

Demidov rests after productive first two games

Demidov has dressed for both of the Canadiens’ games to start the season and has collected two points so far. On Monday he remained off the ice for what the team described as a therapy day. Earlier in the pre-season, he had already missed a pair of practices after blocking a shot with his foot, but he recovered in time to be in the lineup when the regular schedule began.

There was no indication Monday that his latest day off was connected to a specific new setback, and no timetable was offered regarding his return to full practice. Given his importance to Montreal’s offence, his status will be closely monitored heading into Tuesday’s meeting with Carolina.

Carrier, Kapanen and Guhle move forward in rehab

The news was more encouraging for Alexandre Carrier, who was back on the ice after leaving Saturday’s overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Carrier exited that game in the second period when he went head-first into the boards following a hit from Egor Chinakhov. His ability to skate on Monday is a positive sign in his recovery, though it remains unclear when he will be cleared to return to game action.

Oliver Kapanen and Kaiden Guhle also practised as they continue to rehab their respective injuries. Kapanen is dealing with a lower-body issue, while Guhle is recovering from an adductor injury. Neither player has appeared in a game yet this season, and no target date has been announced for their debuts, but their presence at practice suggests progress in both cases.

Canadiens prepare for Hurricanes rematch

The Canadiens’ next test comes Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes, their opponent from last season’s Eastern Conference Final. With Demidov’s workload being managed and several regulars working back from injuries, Montreal’s coaching staff may need to stay flexible with lineup decisions. Early in a demanding schedule, how the club navigates these health questions could have an immediate impact on results.