NHL injury update: Mike Matheson is out for the next game as Jayden Struble fills the lineup spot for Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens are also struggling with the fact that they are losing one of their main defensemen as they enter the new year without him. Mike Matheson, 31, was a key performer this season and has 18 points in 37 games, spearheading the Montreal breakout efforts by the blue line. He is absent when the team is in need of stability against a formidable opponent.Matheson had to leave the game on Tuesday, and after an unsanctioned blow by Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand, Matheson did not play in the subsequent injury. The Canadiens have affirmed that he is not going to play in the match that will take place this evening, and so the head coach will have to make changes in his defense and call on younger players to play up.Jayden Struble will replace Matheson in the Canadiens' line, but this will allow the 22-year-old to demonstrate himself in the NHL. In the meantime, Adam Engstrom will be assigned the top defensive line with Noah Dobson and will have increased responsibility in even-strength as well as the power play.A major test for the Montreal defense will come tonight when it is against the Carolina Hurricanes, who have an average of 33 shots per game. The absence of Matheson means that the team will require the collective response of its younger players, such as Lane Hutson and Struble, in order to have the defensive area in check.Fans and analysts closely monitor Montreal to determine how the team can cope with this abrupt loss. Although the injury history of Matheson is not entirely known, the Canadiens are working on the concept of being a cohesive and resilient team going into 2026 with high performance.Also Read: Net worth of Auston Matthews in 2025: Details on Vegas Golden Knights captain's earnings, salary, and contracts