The Montreal Canadiens have once again recalled defenceman Marc Del Gaizo from the Laval Rocket.
The reason that Del Gaizo was recalled and not someone like Adam Engström is likely because they don’t want a young player being the extra defender. Del Gaizo had four assists in 11 games in Laval, but played 46 NHL games for the Nashville Predators last season where he had two goals and seven assists.
Jayden Struble did not practice on Sunday, which is likely why Del Gaizo was called up. If Struble can’t go, the 26-year-old would make his Canadiens debut. The Canadiens will return home after Monday’s game in Columbus. Del Gaizo will meet the team in Ohio after the Rocket played in Providence on Sunday.
The Canadiens have already recalled Joshua Roy to replace Kirby Dach after Jared Davidson was recalled to replace Alex Newhook as injuries are starting to creep up. The Canadiens had been rostering the minimum players to accrue cap space, using recalls only when needed or for precautionary reasons.
