NHL Injury Update: Mike Matheson out for Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers, Jacob Fowler to start

The Montreal Canadiens have officially confirmed that they will be missing Mike Matheson, their pivotal defenseman, for their Tuesday matchup with the Flyers. Matheson, who is 31 years old, is considered day-to-day due to an upper-body injury and has been heavily involved in Montreal's defense this year. He is one of the top scorers on the team with four goals and twelve assists after playing 32 games, and averaging almost 25 minutes per game, which is the highest on the team. His absence will greatly affect the Canadiens, whom he has been helping with his experience and leadership on the ice.

Just recently, Matheson signed a contract that extends over five years with a $6 million AAV, which will keep him in Montreal until the end of the 2030–31 season. He was brought over from the Pittsburgh Penguins in July 2022, and the Pointe-Claire native has been a valuable player right from the start. In his eleven NHL seasons spent with the Florida Panthers, Penguins, and Canadiens, Matheson has scored 78 goals and has collected 281 points in 659 games, and he has also added one goal and eight points in 25 playoff games. Even though his performance has slightly dropped in the recent past, the player is still a dependable member of Montreal's strongest defensemen.

How Montreal Canadiens are adjusting with Jacob Fowler in net

Since Matheson is not playing, the fresh goalie Jacob Fowler will take the net for the third time in the NHL, and it will be his first time at the Bell Centre. The young American of 21 years of age was recently called up from the AHL team Laval Rocket and made a good impression when he had his debut, as he had stopped 36 shots in a 4-2 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Later, he had his first NHL loss when he let in five goals during a 5-4 overtime defeat to the New York Rangers. The team will rely on Fowler's nerve and the good support of the defense around him to keep the equilibrium against Philadelphia.

The Canadiens, notwithstanding roster limitations, aspire to keep on reinforcing the momentum with the return of Matheson imminent in a few days. Supporters will observe the young lineup’s adaptation to Fowler’s playing goal, and at the same time, the unavailability of a veteran defender on the team.

Also Read: Where does Auston Matthews live? Inside Toronto Maple Leafs star’s homes, wealth, lifestyle, and more