Canadiens recall defenceman Jayden Struble after Kaiden Guhle’s injury

Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen, back left, collides with Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes, back right, as Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle covers in overtime of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Denver. (David Zalubowski / The Canadian Press)

The Montreal Canadiens recalled defenceman Jayden Struble from the American Hockey League on Wednesday after Kaiden Guhle’s worrisome injury.

Guhle exited Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets when he crashed awkwardly into the boards in the third period. He held his right knee in noticeable pain as he rushed to Montreal’s locker room.

The Canadiens announced Guhle had a lower-body ailment and would need further evaluation before determining the severity of his injury. Montreal next plays Thursday at home against the Minnesota Wild.

Guhle has four goals and 10 assists in 44 games this season. The 23-year-old from Edmonton is also a key penalty-killer and shutdown defenceman for the Canadiens, averaging 21 minutes 14 seconds of ice time.

Struble, also 23, has two goals and three assists in 26 games with the Canadiens this season.

The Canadiens sent Struble to affiliate Laval for a conditioning stint last week because he was a regular healthy scratch.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 29, 2025.