Karl Alzner is back up with the Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens are back to practicing and have recalled Karl Alzner from the Laval Rocket to add to their roster.

The Karl Alzner yo-yo continues with the Montreal Canadiens. The team sent the defenceman down to the Laval Rocket ahead of the bye week to get some games in, and it looks like they feel having him on the active roster is a better option.

Alzner up with the Habs maxes their roster limit with Andrew Shaw still on injured reserve. Additionally, it looks as if management is committed to having the veteran up for the remainder of the year in some capacity. Montreal has two more days where they can send Alzner down without waivers, but that doesn’t seem to be an issue anymore.

The question revolving around him during the bye week has been answered. The Habs are keeping Alzner, but will he actually find a spot in the lineup?

The blueline looks set with Victor Mete and Shea Weber as the top pair, followed by Mike Reilly and Jeff Petry and Brett Kulak and Jordie Benn. Claude Julien may go for the defence carousel again and sub Alzner in for Kulak, but it doesn’t look likely given the team’s string of success lately. Another thing to consider is how important picking up points is now that the second half of the season is underway.

It’s better to stick to what’s been working than changing things around.

That said, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Alzner play in one of two games this weekend. The Montreal Canadiens play the New Jersey Devils on Saturday followed by the Edmonton Oilers the following afternoon. Julien may shift Alzner into the blueline there and see how he fairs.

The Alzner era in Montreal has been interesting and it’s not ideal given his contract, but it’s the reality management is in. Perhaps Alzner gets a few games and a team takes a liking to what he brings. Otherwise, nothing may change with how he’s been used this season.