The verdict is in for Arber Xhekaj and he's back

After a two-game absence, Arber Xhekaj will have the chance to destroy everything in his path, as confirmed by head coach Martin St.Louis.

The fans have been eagerly awaiting this moment, and his return should give the defense a boost, especially in the absence of Kaiden Guhle, who is still injured and did not skate today.

We obviously hope that he finds his rhythm again and plays his game, which is to be physical.

For tomorrow's game against the St. Louis Blues, Samuel Montembeault will be in net, while Cayden Primeau will take over on Sunday.

The defense, in the absence of Guhle, will include Mike Matheson, David Savard, Lane Hutson, Jayden Struble, as well as Logan Mailloux. Xhekaj is expected to fill in for the injured Justin Barron.

Up front, options are limited with only 12 healthy players, with Juraj Slafkovsky still unavailable. The Canadiens' lineup therefore seems set, barring a recall or a last-minute injury.

This weekend, the St. Louis Blues will be in town tomorrow to face the CH, while on Sunday, Martin St. Louis and his troops will face the Flyers in Philadelphia, starting at 7 p.m.