cms-20231207-chc-PBB_0739-jake-evans

MONTREAL – Sixteen players hit the ice for an optional morning skate at the Bell Centre ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against the Ottawa Senators. 

Arber Xhekaj was part of the group that laced their skates. The 22-year-old defenseman was recalled from the Laval Rocket on Monday after a 17-game stint in the AHL.

Prior to the on-ice workout, Samuel Montembeault worked through some exercises with goalie coach Eric Raymond. 

Here’s who opted to skate:

Forwards
Defensemen
Goalies
40 Joel Armia
21 Kaiden Guhle
34 Jake Allen
71 Jake Evans
54 Jordan Harris 
35 Samuel Montembeault
91 Sean Monahan
26 Johnathan Kovacevic
30 Cayden Primeau
49 Rafaël Harvey-Pinard
47 Jayden Struble
70 Tanner Pearson
72 Arber Xhekaj
55 Michael Pezzetta
 
89 Joshua Roy
 
56 Jesse Ylönen

During his pregame press conference, head coach Martin St-Louis confirmed that Xhekaj and Johnathan Kovacevic will return to the lineup against the Sens, while Jordan Harris will skip his turn.  

Tanner Pearson will also play for the first time since Dec. 9. He was sidelined with an upper-body injury and has been practicing with his teammates for the past while. Jake Allen will get the start. 

Josh Anderson is expected to reach the 500-game milestone in the NHL when the puck drops against the Senators. For tickets, click here.