Montreal Canadiens Injury Report ft. Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Arber Xhekaj and more

The Montreal Canadiens' 2022-23 NHL season has not gone well, as they are currently ranked 26th in the league standings. The Habs are scheduled to take on the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday (March 7).

The Habs' subpar performances this season can be attributed to a long list of injuries on the roster. The Canadiens have been dealing with key players who have been out for an extended period of time due to injuries. Here is a list of injured players and an update on their return.

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Injured Montreal Canadiens with an extended return date

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#1. Cole Caufield is out until September 15

Cole Caufield has been hampered by a shoulder injury. The winger separated his shoulder twice this season. On January 12, he dislocated his shoulder for the second time during a game against the Nashville Predators.

Montreal Canadiens v New York Rangers

Caufield did return to the squad and played in five games, but was later placed on injured reserve after it was discovered that he would need surgery. Caufield underwent surgery, but he won't be out until September 15.

Before the injury, the 22-year-old winger was already on track to post his best career numbers this season. He's played 46 games and managed to contribute 36 points with 26 goals and 10 assists for the Canadiens.

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#2. Arber Xhekaj is expected to be out until September 18

Arber Xhekaj, another important player for the Habs, will be out for the rest of the season. He was injured in the upper body after a fight with Edmonton Oilers defenseman Vincent Desharnais on February 12.

The defenseman hasn't played since, and it was later revealed that Xhekaj is done for the season and will undergo surgery that will keep him off the ice until September 18.

This season, the rookie defenseman has appeared in 51 games and has 13 points (5 goals and 8 assists) with a -9 differential and an impressive 101 penalty minutes.

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#3 Juraj Slafkovsky expected to be out until April 18

Juraj Slafkovsky is another rookie player for the Montreal Canadiens who will be out for the remainder of the season. The 18-year-old winger sustained a lower back injury during the Canadiens' 2-1 win over the New York Rangers on January 15.

Montreal Canadiens v Seattle Kraken

After seeking medical attention, it was revealed that Slafkovsky will not undergo surgery. But he will be out for at least three months of recovery and is expected to return to the roster on April 18. This season, the 18-year-old winger has appeared in 39 games for the Canadiens and has accumulated 10 points (4 goals and 6 assists).

In addition to these three players, the Habs currently have more than five players on long-term injured reserve.