The Montreal Canadiens enter 2026 with their roster battered and their resilience tested. What began as a promising campaign has been overshadowed by a relentless string of injuries, leaving the team scrambling to maintain momentum.
The latest blow came when Mike Matheson was ruled out just before puck drop in the most recent game, followed by Josh Anderson exiting mid-match against the Hurricanes. These setbacks add to an already crowded injury list that has defined the Canadiens’ season.
There is, however, a glimmer of optimism. Defenseman Kaiden Guhle is reportedly trending in the right direction, with expectations that he could return shortly after the team’s current road trip. Guhle underwent adductor surgery in New York earlier this season, and his recovery has been closely monitored. His return would provide much-needed stability to a defensive unit stretched thin.
Meanwhile, forward Kirby Dach remains sidelined with a fractured right foot sustained on November 16. Although the initial timeline suggested four to six weeks, the Canadiens are proceeding with caution, unwilling to rush his comeback.
The injury woes don’t stop there. Patrik Laine underwent surgery for a sports hernia, sidelining him for three to four months, while Matheson’s head injury from an elbow by Brad Marchand has no clear timetable for recovery. The NHL’s decision not to impose further discipline only added frustration to the Canadiens’ camp.
Despite the adversity, Montreal closed 2025 with a respectable 22-12-6 record, a testament to the team’s depth and determination. Yet the growing list of absences raises serious questions about how long the Canadiens can sustain competitiveness in a grueling season.
The possible return of Guhle offers hope, but the broader picture is stark: the Canadiens are walking a tightrope, and one more major injury could push them into collapse.