Phillip Danault returns to Montreal just as Canadiens issue major Jake Evans injury update

Injured in the lower body during Saturday's game against the Penguins, Evans left for the locker room early in the first period and was ruled out of the game.

Before exiting, Evans had played 34 games this season, with 5 goals and 5 assists. His average ice time is 15:12, and he holds a 54.1% faceoff rate.

The Montreal Canadiens have now confirmed that Jake Evans has been placed on injured list.

Evans' absence hits at a fragile point in Martin St-Louis's lineup design. He fills essential minutes: top penalty-kill rotations, defensive-zone starts, and tough matchups.

However, Danault's return to Montreal couldn't come at a better time. Friday night, Kent Hughes announced the acquisition of Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings.

In his career, Danault arrives with 741 games, 125 goals, 274 assists, and 399 points. During his first stint in Montreal, he recorded 54 goals and 140 assists in 360 games.

With Samuel Blais already summoned as reinforcements, the Canadiens have largely exhausted their short-term internal options.

This is an opportunity for Danault to prove he can deliver when the team needs it most, particularly in the faceoff circle where he wins 53.1 percent of draws.

For Montreal, Danault's arrival comes at the right moment amid the injury situation, even if he will not suit up tonight in Pittsburgh; the focus now shifts to getting him ready for a possible return Tuesday in Boston.

Details to follow.