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Canadiens hold key morning skate ahead of Sabres game as statuses of two banged-up players loom


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Elias Edmonson
January 31, 2026  (10:36)
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Jan 22, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle (21) plays the puck against Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The Montreal Canadiens organization has confirmed that a morning practice will be held, which will shed light on several medical situations.

Martin St-Louis has decided to call his players onto the ice at 11:30 a.m.
This pregame skate ahead of the matchup against the Buffalo Sabres is far from a routine formality today.
Kaiden Guhle’s health status remains a concern following the events against the Colorado Avalanche.
The defenseman took a hit to the head from Josh Manson and had difficulty leaving the ice surface.
Although he finished the game, symptoms can often appear the following morning.
A similar concern is hovering over center Phillip Danault.
He received treatment on the bench after taking a shot directly to the hand, a very vulnerable area.

Martin St-Louis decides to call a mandatory practice before the game against the Buffalo Sabres

"The Canadiens are scheduled for a morning skate on Saturday at 11:30 a.m"

- Montreal Canadiens
Fans are simply hoping that adrenaline did not mask more serious injuries that would force changes.
This practice will also serve to confirm the identity of the masked man for tonight’s game.
We will know in a few minutes whether the young goaltender earns another immediate vote of confidence.
We will of course keep you posted very soon!
This is often code for saying that last-minute decisions will be made depending on the players’ condition.
If Guhle or Danault are missing, the domino effect on the forward lines and defensive pairings will be immediate.
The official answers will come at 11:30 a.m.
POLL
JANVIER 31|1306 ANSWERS
Canadiens hold key morning skate ahead of Sabres game as statuses of two banged-up players loom

Are you more worried about the potential injury to Guhle or to Danault?

Guhle, because of the history61947.4 %
Danault, a hand injury takes a long time to heal856.5 %
Neither — both are OK!60246.1 %
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