Montreal Canadiens defenceman Kaiden Guhle will return to the lineup on Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre.
Guhle played since Oct. 16 against the Nashville Predators, when he sustained an abductor injury. The Sherwood Park, Alta., native underwent surgery for the injury on Nov. 14.
Guhle practiced on the third pair with Arber Xhekaj, and it appears blueliner Jayden Struble will be a healthy scratch.
The 23-year-old recorded one goal and one assist in five games before the injury. In 55 games last season, Guhle registered six goals and 18 points.
Since being selected by the Canadiens 16th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, Guhle has scored 17 goals and 60 points in 174 games.
Goaltender Jacob Fowler will get the start Saturday after earning a 4-1 win on Wednesday against the Calgary Flames. The rookie has started eight games this season, posting a 4-2-2 record with a 2.37 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.
Forwards Patrik Laine (abdomen) and Kirby Dach (foot) skated in non-contact jerseys as both continue to recover from long-term injuries.
Centre Jake Evans, who has been out since Dec. 20, skated in a regular jersey prior to the official start of practice.
Canadiens lines:
Caufield – Suzuki – Texier
Slafkovsky – Kapanen – Demidov
Bolduc – Danault – Gallagher
Blais – Veleno – Beck
Matheson – Dobson
Hutson – Carrier
Guhle – Xhekaj
FOwler
Montembeault