20231208_Practice_Struble

BROSSARD – The Canadiens held an optional practice on Friday before flying to Buffalo.  

Prior to the on-ice session, Mitchell Stephens took some shots on goaltender Jake Allen under the watchful eye of goalie coach Eric Raymond. 

Twelve players laced their skates for the optional skate:

Forwards
Defensemen
Goalies
40 Joel Armia
52 Justin Barron
34 Jake Allen
55 Michael Pezzetta
26 Johnathan Kovacevic
35 Samuel Montembeault
13 Mitchell Stephens
59 Mattias Norlinder
30 Cayden Primeau
56 Jesse Ylönen
58 David Savard
47 Jayden Struble

David Savard will not travel to Buffalo. The 33-year-old defenseman, who was sidelined with a fracture to his left hand sustained in October, has been skating with the team since Dec. 4.

During his media op, head coach Martin St-Louis confirmed that Cayden Primeau will face the Sabres at Keybank Center on Saturday.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET in Buffalo. Tune in on television on CBC, SN360, or TVAS, or listen in on TSN 690 or 98,5 fm on the radio.