SPORTS

Nikita Scherbak to make NHL debut as Canadiens take on Maple Leafs

Jonas Siegel The Canadian Press
Published Saturday, January 7, 2017 2:21PM EST

Nikita Scherbak to play for Montreal Canadiens

Nikita Scherbak walks off the stage after being chosen 26th overall by the Montreal Canadiens during the first round of the NHL hockey draft, in Philadelphia, on Friday, June 27, 2014. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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TORONTO - Brendan Gallagher's broken hand has opened up the first NHL opportunity for Montreal Canadiens rookie Nikita Scherbak.

The 21-year-old Russian winger, picked 26th overall at the 2014 draft, will make his NHL debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.

"It's a good nervous," Scherbak said of his anticipation following Saturday's morning skate. "It's a dream."

Scherbak is getting his chance amid a slew of Canadiens' injuries, Gallagher joining a group that includes Alex Galchenyuk, David Desharnais, Andrew Shaw and Andrei Markov. Gallagher was injured Wednesday night in Dallas when he was struck by a point shot from teammate (and notoriously hard shooter) Shea Weber.

The 24-year-old winger, who has 18 points this season, is expected to miss at least eight weeks.

Head coach Michel Therrien spoke to Scherbak on Saturday morning and sensed some nerves. He said the six-foot-two, 190-pound winger would have to adjust to the pace of the NHL to make a difference.