Comings, goings, and some changes, too

BROSSARD - There was no lack of action at Habs practice on Thursday. Defenseman Victor Mete was assigned to Laval, Paul Byron was back on the third line, and captain Shea Weber skated with a new partner on the blue line.

The 20-year-old Mete was reassigned following practice after playing in 23 games with the big club, collecting four assists and recording a plus-5 differential.
Head coach Claude Julien clarified that his reassignment to the AHL had nothing to do with the way Mete was playing, but was more in keeping with the best interests for his progression.
"It was a decision that was made for the sake of Victor's development. When we see what he brings offensively it's excellent, but defensively, he still has a lot of things to improve," explained the coach. "For him to go play in Laval, who will be home for a good stretch, we'll be able to keep an eye on him. It'll give him more ice time and a lot more practices, too."

Julien has not yet decided on how long Mete's stint with the Rocket will be, however.
"Victor is our future, and the present too I would say because we haven't put a date for his return," he shared. "We're going to give him time to work on his game and we'll make a decision when the time comes."
Byron back on a regular line
In other big news out of Brossard, forward Paul Byron skated on the third line alongside Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Artturi Lehkonen during practice.
The speedy forward, who collected seven points (4G, 3A) in 11 games before going down with a lower-body injury, has still not been given the green light from the team's medical staff to return to action.
"I'm still day-to-day. I feel good," outlined No. 41. "I want to be ready for next game. We'll see what happens tomorrow."

His coach was on the same page.
"I don't have a date in particular for Paul's return," Julien added. "I'm not saying he won't be there Saturday, but again, I haven't gotten the green light for him."
Byron has missed the Canadiens' last 14 games, with his last game dating back to October 30 against the Dallas Stars. The winger couldn't hide the fact that it's been tough on him to not be able to join in and help his team out.
"I want to help the team. It's been four weeks, it's really hard to see," he acknowledged. "I want to be sure that I'm 100% ready to play, so I don't hurt myself and go back on the injured list. It's frustrating."
Kulak gets a promotion
Meanwhile, on the backend, defenseman Brett Kulak found himself on a first pairing with captain Shea Weber. Needless to say, the 24-year-old defenseman was thrilled with the opportunity he'd been given.
"I'm really excited. I watched him play a lot when I was younger when he was getting started in the League," said Kulak. "He's an excellent defenseman and I'm really excited to play with him."
A week ago to the day, Kulak was playing in the AHL with the Rocket and now, he has a chance to play with Weber.
"Things change quickly in the NHL. Last week, I was in the AHL and now I'm practicing with Shea Weber. It's really special for me," expressed Kulak. "I just need to come with a good attitude and give a good effort."

Julien took the time to explain why he had decided to slot the young defender with the grizzled veteran.
"On the left side, we're really looking for the best solution. With Brett Kulak, he skates well, he's a guy who moves the puck well," he affirmed. "We hope it will work well with Shea."
New piece of equipment for Deslauriers
Forward Nicolas Deslauriers practiced without a full face mask for the first time this season after playing 19 games with the extra protection. No. 20 was ecstatic at the prospect of playing without the cage, and thinks the team's medical staff will be as well.
"I'm happy," he described. "The doctors will be too, because I was giving them a pretty hard time."

Deslauriers also believes the change to his playing wardrobe could help him get more involved in the action.
"We know there is less fighting, but I feel like there have been some games where I could've changed the momentum by dropping the gloves," he posited. "I had to keep my face covered, so now it'll be possible."
The Canadiens will be back at practice at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard again on Friday.