The verdict is officially in for Matheson, Xhekaj and Harris

We knew that with Mike Matheson back in the game, a defenseman would have to go, and almost all the experts thought it would be between Arber Xhekaj and Johnatan Kovacevic.

The pundits also almost unanimously believed that Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Harris, David Savard and Joel Edmundson had secured their spots in the lineup.

Remember that yesterday, at the Montreal Canadiens' morning practice, the young Arber Xhekaj did not have a partner, a clear indication that he will skip his turn.

This morning, the situation changed.


Jordan Harris, who was paired with Chris Wideman at today's morning practice, is working overtime.

All indications are that Xhekaj and Kovacevic are IN, and Harris and Wideman are OUT.


Martin St-Louis would have preferred Arber Xhekaj to Jordan Harris, and Harris will obviously be out of the lineup. Not many people saw this one coming, but we are looking forward to seeing "Jacko" in action tonight.