By Canadian Press

Canadiens defencemen Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj out against Maple Leafs

Apr 6, 2024 | 8:31 AM

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens are down two defencemen for Saturday night’s rivalry game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Canadiens announced Kaiden Guhle is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Arber Xhekaj is also out with an upper-body injury, with a further update to come pending evaluation.

In a corresponding move, the Canadiens recalled defenceman Justin Barron from American Hockey League affiliate Laval on an emergency basis.

Guhle exited Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning early in the first period after Nikita Kucherov drove him into the end boards with a hard hit. The source of Xhekaj’s injury was not immediately clear.

Barron rejoins the Canadiens for the first time since being sent down to Laval on Jan. 22. The 22-year-old has six goals and six assists in 41 NHL games this season.

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Montreal (29-34-12) meets Toronto (43-23-9) for a final time this season. Mitch Marner is set to return from a 12-game absence for the Maple Leafs.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 6, 2024.

The Canadian Press