The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they will be without Joel Armia and Paul Byron for the next few weeks. They are both listed as week-to-week. This is bad news, however, Jesperi Kotkaniemi will be returning to the lineup to provide a spark.
Claude Julien confirme que Joel Armia et Paul Byron sont évalués sur une base hebdomadaire.
Claude Julien confirms that Joel Armia and Paul Byron are both week-to-week with their respective injuries.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/ymS36UqGZP
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 27, 2019
Joel Armia Out for the Montreal Canadiens
Armia was injured on December 23rd in the Canadiens 6-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Armia took a crosscheck to the wrist from Jets defenceman Nathan Beaulieu with just over seven minutes remaining in the second period. He finished his shift, however, left the game and did not return. In 35 games this season, Armia has scored 12 goals and has also added nine assists for 21 points.
Additionally, over his career, the 26-year-old has played for the Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens. He has scored 51 goals and 51 assists in 272 games. Armia was drafted in the first round, 16th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Huge Loss for the Canadiens
Losing Armia for any length of time is a massive blow to the Canadiens. The Canadiens’ depth will be tested even further as they have struggled with injuries this season. Already without Paul Byron and Jonathan Drouin, the loss of Armia is certainly going to be felt in the locker room.
Armia is currently having a career year as he is on pace to obliterate all his personal bests. He has become a swiss army knife for the Canadiens while also playing on both special teams. His absence will be tough to fill for the Canadiens.
With Armia out, young players like Nick Suzuki, Ryan Poehling and Max Domi will be leaned on even more. Suzuki has been looking outstanding in his first year with the Habs and may get the bump up to the second line next to Domi. Poehling is finding his game in his recent call-up and Domi has been on fire in December after having a lacklustre November. It will be interesting to see if the Canadiens can continue their winning ways with all the injuries. The Canadiens are currently holding onto third in the Atlantic Division.
Finally, the Canadiens’ next game will be on Saturday, December 28th as they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
