Montreal Canadiens: Could Mattias Norlinder Be Called Up Soon?

The Montreal Canadiens have unfortunately had to deal with a few injuries already this season.

The biggest one was to Kirby Dach, who suffered ACL and MCL injuries and has been ruled out for the entire season. That was a crushing blow to the young Habs who were hoping to see Dach take major steps forward this season and become a dominant two-way center.

We also saw Kaiden Guhle leave the team’s most recent game early and not return. There has not been an official update, but Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned in his 32 Thoughts article that Guhle is likely to miss a little time with this injury.

Friedman, one of the most tuned in reporters around the league, also pondered if this would open up an opportunity for Mattias Norlinder to be called up. The Swedish defender was not really on the radar for a call up last season but had a terrific training camp and nearly made the team to begin the regular season.

Norlinder is a fantastic skater and can move the puck up ice with ease as well as run a power play. A quarterback for the power play is something the Canadiens desperately need. The 23 year old Norlinder might be the right fit for that job.

We may get a chance to see that in action soon. As Friedman speculates, the Canadiens have an opening on the blue line with Guhle injured, and could use a left defenseman to replace him. Norlinder was one of the final cuts and it would make sense if he was one of the first players called up this season.

We will have to wait and see as we should get clarity on Guhle’s status later today. The Canadiens do not play until Saturday, so even if they have to call someone up it does not have to happen for a couple more days.

Want your voice heard? Join the A Winning Habit team!

Write for us!