with files from Johannes Wheeldon, Editor
The Montreal Canadiens could soon see another key piece of their team return to the line-up. While he won’t suit up tonight, winger Artturi Lehkonen is expected to participate in full practice with the team in Ottawa tomorrow night.
The Canadiens face the Ottawa Senators in the NHL 100 Classic on Saturday Night, an outdoor game commemorating the first ever NHL game. It is also the first game of a season-long seven-game road trip that keeps the Habs out of Montreal until the new year. Lehkonen, one of the Habs best two-way forwards, will be a welcome addition to the club.
«Il y a de grosses possibilités qu’Artturi Lehkonen s’entraîne avec nous à Ottawa demain» – Claude Julien
“There is a strong possibility that @arsilehkonen will practice with us in Ottawa tomorrow.” -Claude Julien#GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 14, 2017
Artturi Lehkonen Close to Return to Montreal Canadiens Lineup
Lehkonen has been out of the line-up since November 15th. He dealt with a lower body-injury all season long until finally deciding that rest was the only way to get over it. Over the last week, Lehkonen has resumed skating, but if he practices Friday it will be his first full practice with the team. It is unlikely that Lehkonen suits up for the outdoor game, but if things go according to plan, expect to see him at some point during the road trip.
Lehkonen has two goals and five points in 18 games this season. He is playing more than 16 minutes a game. While he has played on the top line this season, he has struggled offensively. Last year, Lehkonen had 18 goals and 10 assists in 73 games, playing only 13 minutes per game. He seemed to get better as the year progressed. For example, Lehkonen had six goals and four assists in the last 10 games of the season. He went on to score two goals and had two assists in the playoffs. He was touted as a player with potential for a major step forward this year.
MONTREAL, QC – NOVEMBER 07: Artturi Lehkonen #62 of the Montreal Canadiens looks to shoot the puck during the warm-up prior to the NHL game against the Vegas Golden Knights at the Bell Centre on November 7, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
