The Montreal Canadiens could be getting a boost on defence.
Mike Matheson, acquired over the summer in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, practised in a regular jersey at Canadiens practice for the first time on Wednesday.
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Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis says Matheson will travel with the team to Columbus for their game against the Blue Jackets on Thursday.
It is unclear if the veteran defender will slot into the lineup, however, as the 28-year-old has not been cleared yet to play.
“It’s great to have him back with the group,” Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki said after practice. “I know he’s been itching to play so it’s great to see him in a regular jersey.”
Fellow blueliner Jordan Harris also added that the players were excited to add Matheson and his versatility to the ice.
“I told him when he was on the ice, ‘Matty you look good in white, it’s good to not see you in dark blue anymore.’” Harris said. “We love having him around and he’s a great player and it’ll be a huge addition to our backend.”
Matheson’s impending return leaves Montreal with a glut of options on defence, which will likely result in one of the team’s younger defencemen heading back to AHL Laval in the coming days.
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