Montreal could trade Arber Xhekaj for a first-round pick to target a true top-six center, with Shane Wright as the alluring return if the pick lands with Seattle. Wright posted 19 goals and 44 points in 2024, but Montreal’s back end is crowded—Hutson, Guhle, Carrier and Matheson—giving Xhekaj high trade value despite his physical, enforcer-type upside. The move hinges on securing immediate center production, not another mid-round asset.

In a crucial Game 5, the Montreal Canadiens face potential elimination against the Washington Capitals, with Alexandre Carrier's status as a game-time decision. Coach Martin St. Louis confirmed that Carrier is day-to-day after an injury from Tom Wilson in Game 4. The Canadiens have already dealt with injuries to key players like goaltender Sam Montembeault and winger Patrik Laine, leaving rookie Jakub Dobes to start again in net.

Matheson emphasized the team's adaptability, stating his readiness to adjust defensively regardless of Carrier's availability. As the series stands, the Canadiens trail 3-1, a situation reminiscent of their 2021 playoff comeback against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Montreal Canadiens are grappling with a growing injury list as defenceman Alexandre Carrier is now listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. This uncertainty comes just ahead of Game 5 in their NHL first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals, where they trail 3-1. Carrier sustained his injury during Game 4, following a hit from Capitals forward Tom Wilson, which resulted in a pivotal tying goal for Washington in what ended up being a 5-2 victory.

Besides Carrier, goaltender Sam Montembeault and winger Patrik Laine are also day-to-day. Laine, however, did return to practice, suggesting a potential return is imminent. The Canadiens will have a challenging task ahead as they aim to bounce back against a storied rival, and the status of these key players could significantly impact their performance.

The Montreal Canadiens are facing injury challenges as they prepare for Game 5 against the Washington Capitals. Defenceman Alexandre Carrier is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury after a collision with Capitals forward Tom Wilson, which contributed to the Canadiens' loss in Game 4. This adds to the Canadiens' injury woes, as goaltender Sam Montembeault and winger Patrik Laine are also day-to-day, with Laine having participated in practice.

Despite these setbacks, forwards Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson, along with defenceman David Savard, are expected to play in Game 5. The Canadiens, currently trailing the Capitals 3-1 in the series, will need to rally their remaining players to turn the tide in this critical matchup.

As the Canadiens prepare to face the Capitals in Game 5, uncertainties loom over the availability of key players Samuel Montembeault and Alexandre Carrier. Coach Martin St. Louis confirmed no updates were available regarding their injuries after a disappointing Game 4 loss. Montembeault, dealing with a lower-body injury, is day-to-day and unlikely to start, leaving rookie Jakub Dobes to take the reins once more after a solid performance despite the defeat.

With the Canadiens trailing the series 3-1 and facing elimination, St. Louis emphasized the critical need for momentum. The team must secure a win in Washington to push the series to a sixth game back in Montreal. The stakes couldn't be higher as they aim to extend their playoff run against a Capitals team eager to clinch their advancement.