As we reported earlier, Patrik Laine has joined the team in Columbus ahead of their game against the Blue Jackets, indicating that his return to play is imminent.
Once he is back, the Canadiens will need to adjust their lineup, which means a forward will likely have to sit out, particularly with Joshua Roy now in the mix after being called up from the Laval Rocket (reportedly permanently, according to multiple sources).
Michael Pezzetta appears to be the player most at risk of being sidelined. According to journalist Renaud Lavoie from Le Journal de Montréal, Pezzetta could be the unfortunate choice to make way.
This wouldn’t be surprising, as he seems to be excluded from the organization’s future plans. He hasn’t been on the ice lately, frequently listed as a healthy scratch, and even with injuries or other issues, the Canadiens opt to promote Lucas Condotta instead of utilizing Pezzetta.
This clearly indicates Pezzetta’s diminishing role within the team. Consequently, he may soon find himself placed on waivers.
The question remains whether he will be claimed, and many analysts believe he has a good chance of being picked up.
“Another candidate for waivers is Michael Pezzetta, who hasn’t played in a month and evidently no longer fits into the team’s plans,” stated Renaud Lavoie.
Will Pezzetta actually be placed on waivers? It seems very possible, but one thing is certain: Kent Hughes will need to make a decision once Patrik Laine returns in the next few days.
