Canadiens Get Some Good News On Christian Dvorak

Still stinging from the news of the season-ending knee injury to Kirby Dach, the Montreal Canadiens could use some good news on the injury front. 

They appear to be getting some, as their middle-six centre Christian Dvorak has taken a huge step towards a return. 

Christian Dvorak with a regular red jersey at practice. @CanadiensMTL

— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) October 20, 2023

Out since late last season following knee surgery in March, Dvorak has been pegged by the Habs as being out until November. But there he was on Friday, wearing a standard practice jersey, taking contact. That likely indicates a return might be sooner than expected. 

Dvorak was placed on LTIR before the season, suggesting the Habs figured he'd be missing the first 10 games of the season, which would have placed him on the comeback trail for Montreal's November 4th game against the St. Louis Blues. 

But after just three games in the books, things are already looking up for the 27-year-old centre. No guarantee he returns as soon as Saturday night's game against the Washington Capitals, but he could be able to shave a couple of games at least off that original timeline.

Dvorak is entering his third season for the Canadiens, after registering 10 goals and 28 points in 64 games in 2022-23. In seven NHL seasons, he has 88 goals and 207 points in 422 contests. 

Alex Newhook had been slotted over to fill the pivot with Dach out, though a return of Dvorak would likely push the talented forward back over to the wing. Newhook has three goals in three games thus far this season. 

Photo: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports