Montreal Canadiens Practice Report: Joel Edmundson Close to A Return

After a day off on Sunday, the Montreal Canadiens returned to practice Monday morning in Brossard before heading out on their west-coast trip, which begins Tuesday night against the Winnipeg Jets at 8 PM ET. 

The Canadiens are coming off a 2-1 win over the Senators in Ottawa on Saturday night and on Monday they continued to get healthier as they welcomed a key component of their blue line back to practice.

The Habs will now spend the next nine days on the road as they travel to Winnipeg, then to Calgary for a tilt with the Flames on Thursday, to Edmonton to face the Oilers on Saturday, and then to Vancouver to play the Canucks on March 9.

Ins And Outs

The biggest news to come out of practice today was the return of Joel Edmundson in a full-contact jersey for the Montreal Canadiens. It doesn’t look like he’ll be ready to play against the Jets on Tuesday night, but his return is imminent.

Cedric Paquette had to be helped off the ice at practice after blocking a shot.

Samuel Montembeault is expected to start in goal for the Canadiens.

Edmundson’s Return: A welcomed sight for Habs players

When asked about what it means for Edmundson to be close to a return, Josh Anderson was quick to talk up his presence in the room.

“He’s an amazing guy, on and off the ice” said Anderson when asked about what Edmundson brings to the team. ” He’s a true leader for all the guys in that locker room.” 

Anderson didn’t hold back in his praise for the veteran blueliner, who’s been out all season with a lower-body injury. He continued by breaking down the importance of a player like Edmundson on the ice

“Last year, he was a huge part of our team, being in our top-4 and I know, playing against him in the first couple of years, he’s that steady that steady guy you don’t want to be on the ice with”

Practice Lines