Wrap-up: The Hurt Locker – The Canadiens' Injury News and World Championship Updates
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Get ready for some honest insights into your favorite Habs' health and international tournament plans!
Being Resilient in theFace of Pain: The Canadiens' Battle-hardened Squad
As the curtain came down on their 2022-23 season, the team's end-of-year report revealed a battle-scarred group of players who put their bodies on the line for every game.
Alexandre Carrier limped through the fourth clash with the Capitals, nursing a left ankle injury, yet he refused to sit out the final game. "I didn't feel too zippy during the warm-up," he admitted, "but the adrenaline took over during the match."
Joel Armia played through a fractured left hand, appearing in the last 17 regular-season games and all five playoff matches. Kaiden Guhle revealed his estimated comfort level was only at 80%, but he powered through after a surprising return from a concerning quadriceps laceration. "Going from a two-nighter wasn't always a breeze," he admitted.
Nick Suzuki hinted that, given an earlier playoff spot, he might have missed a few games, but he pushed on instead. "I didn't have much of a choice," he said, implying that the Canadiens' late playoff run left him no time to rest.
It seems that Josh Anderson, suffering from a mysterious injury (or injuries), was in the most pain throughout the season. After collision with Arthur Kaliyev on January 19 against the Rangers, Anderson struggled through weeks of practice, seizing every opportunity to recover under the watchful eyes of the team's medical staff. "They were outstanding," he said respectfully.
If the Canadiens hadn't been playoff contenders, Anderson would have hung up his skates, he disclosed. But he didn't miss any matches due to injury, choosing to be there for his teammates every step of the way, managing the pain as best he could. "If I could handle the pain, I played." Fortunately, Anderson will not require surgery during the off-season.
World Championships: When the Whistle Blows, Matheson Answers the Call, Suzuki and Hutson Ponder Their Decisions
The 2023 World Championships will take place on May 9, and Nick Suzuki received an invitation from Team Canada. Yet, before he can join the team, he needs Montreal's approval. "I was pretty pooped at the end of the season," Suzuki admitted, while also considering the impact playing in the Olympics next year might have on his plans for the World Championships. "I've proved myself, raised my game to a new level at the season's end," he hinted. "If I can start the next year strong, I can surely put my name in the mix for the Worlds."
Mike Matheson has confirmed his participation in the World Championships and is eager to join his teammates on the international stage after facing health issues during the regular season. Despite his struggles, he now feels fantastic, even with a busy home life, as his wife Emily Pfalzer recently played for the United States in the Women's World Cup. "She's been there, she knows what it's like to play for your country," Matheson explained. "It's incredible to have her full support."
Lane Hutson is weighing his options. Having missed the 2023 tournament, he's eager to represent the U.S., especially since his little brother, a second-round pick of the Capitals in 2024, could also be selected for the team. "I'm delighted for him," Lane admitted. "It's a lot of hockey, so I have to think about it. But how often will I have this opportunity to play for my country?" Hutson also pointed out that participating in the World Cup would help him secure a spot in the 2026 Olympics. "However, the idea should be to select the best players possible to win," he concluded.
Juraj Slafkovsky and Joel Armia have declined their invitations to participate in the tournament, with no further reasons given. Slafkovsky had some conflicts with his national federation during the winter, while Armia still isn't fully recovered from his left hand injury.
Four Unrestricted Free Agents: What Will the Future Hold?
Four Canadiens could be exploring free agency options during the summer. David Savard has already made up his mind, choosing to retire, leaving Michael Pezzetta, Christian Dvorak, and Joel Armia in this uncertain position.
Pezzetta's future seems uncertain, but the fate of the other two is still up in the air. On Friday, Armia admitted to discussing his future with the Canadiens, voicing his desire to remain in Montreal.
Dvorak, on the other hand, remains tight-lipped on the matter. "I love it here; it's been a splendid season, I adore the atmosphere," replied the #28 forward. "We'll have to wait and see what occurs. I knew my role with the team this season, and I attempted to give my all. The future is bright here, there's a plethora of talented players in the pipeline."
It's a new chapter for the Habs and their battle-tested players! Stay tuned for more updates from the enchanting world of ice hockey! 🏒🏒🏒
- In the 2024 NHL season, Montreal Canadiens' player Kaiden Guhle might be facing the Americans in the loggerheads of hockey, as his little brother, a second-round pick of the Capitals in 2024, could be selected for the U.S. team.
- Nick Suzuki, despite receiving an invitation from Team Canada for the 2024 World Championships, is considering the impact playing in the Olympics next year might have on his plans for the World Championships.
- Following the 2023-24 season, the Canadiens will have to make decisions about the future of four unrestricted free agents: David Savard (who has already announced his retirement), Michael Pezzetta, Christian Dvorak, and Joel Armia.
- Joel Armia, who played through a fractured left hand during the 2022-23 season, expressed his desire to remain in Montreal during discussions about his future with the Canadiens.
