Habs organization brings back a forward

The Habs also recalled right-handed defenseman Louie Belpedio from the Rocket. He has been assigned to the taxi squad.

Smith-Pelly will be in his second stint with the Montreal organization, he had spent two seasons with the Habs from 2014 to 2016. He had accumulated 12 points in 46 games before being sent to New Jersey in return for Stefan Matteau.

The second round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2010 has yet to play a game in 2021-2022. Last year, he played in 14 games with the Ontario Reign, the Kings' feeder club, picking up one assist.

The 29-year-old winger will bring some energy to Jean-François Houle's team, which has been robbed by the Habs because of the recent positive cases of COVID-19 in the team.

Recall that he had been a key piece of the Washington Capitals' playoff success in 2018, when they won the Stanley Cup.

As for Belpedio, he is an insurance policy, in case of other positive cases of COVID-19 or even injuries in the Tricolore. He had 8 points in 24 games in Laval this season.