Updates from optional morning skate – Nov. 18

MONTREAL – Fifteen players took to the ice for morning skate, including David Savard, who is expected to return to the lineup when the Canadiens host the Edmonton Oilers at the Bell Centre on Monday.

The 34-year-old defenseman was ruled out of last Saturday’s contest less than 30 minutes before puck drop with an upper-body injury, but is ready to go tonight.

Here’s who practiced Monday morning:

Patrik Laine worked individually with the Canadiens director of player development Adam Nicholas ahead the optional session, then continued his workout with Samuel Montembeault and Cayden Primeau. There is still no timeline for the forward’s return to play.

The Canadiens will honor RDS broadcaster Pierre Houde ahead of puck drop for winning the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award as part of this year’s Hockey Hall of Fame celebrations.

A reminder for English viewers: Monday’s game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on Prime Video. For tickets to the game, click here.