Claude Julien said after the game that Paul Byron will be re-evaluated which could hint at the need for more lineup changes for the Montreal Canadiens.
The Montreal Canadiens lost more than the game last night after Paul Byron skated to the dressing room. As bad as the impact with the boards looked, he got up and was able to move on his own which was a good sign. TSN 690 play-by-play voice Dan Robertson tweeted that Claude Julien said there’s nothing overly-alarming and that he will be looked at again on Wednesday.
It may be tough to trust that early diagnostic considering Shea Weber‘s still been out for “a bit,” but we’ll have to see. Even if it’s a minor shoulder tweak, the Habs may not want to rush Byron back. We don’t talk about it much, but Julien’s decision to move the 28-year-old to centre hasn’t looked too bad.
Unfortunately, if Byron is out, then the Habs will have to fill that spot. Don’t worry; I’m not going to go on a rant on why THIS should be Alex Galchenyuk‘s chance to get to centre ice. Julien has made it clear that he wants to keep growing his chemistry with Jonathan Drouin so that option is out the window (just a side note, this is my attempt at a reverse jinx).
Charles Hudon seems to be the most likely candidate if Byron misses time. The rookie may be following in Max Pacioretty‘s footsteps by going on a goal-scoring streak of his own as he has three in two games. Additionally, Julien has played Hudon at centre before, mind you on the fourth line.
However, Julien may not want to move Hudon because of his recent production. If that’s the case, then it may be Jacob de La Rose or even Logan Shaw who gets challenged there.
Whatever the Habs choose to do, at least Daniel Carr will get back in the lineup. Sometimes a player will have to make a point to their coaching staff. Seeing as how the 26-year-old has been out for a while, he’ll do whatever he can to stay in if given the opportunity. All of those questions will be answered after Byron is looked at.
Next: An Upcoming Pacioretty Trade
Who do you think moves to centre if Byron is injured? Let us know down below.