Montreal Canadiens prepare for CRITICAL NJ Devils test | Will Habs defense hold against Jack Hughes?

Montréal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle returns to the ice for the first time since his injury, but which Habs defenseman loses their roster spot when he's ready? We break down the Jayden Struble versus Arber Xhekaj competition as the Montreal Canadiens prepare to face the New Jersey Devils in their first real benchmark game of the season. We tackle the disproportionate fan criticism of Joe Valeno, analyzing whether a replacement-level fourth-liner deserves the backlash he's receiving. The conversation shifts to the Canadiens' aggressive search for a second-line center, examining the Nazem Kadri rumors and NHL insiders' revelation that Montreal's front office has been doing extensive homework on every potentially available centre in the league. Key discussions include the team's elite bottom-six philosophy, Lane Hutson's development, and why the organization remains patient despite early-season frustrations. Discover why the Canadiens' front office strategy could reshape their playoff trajectory and whether Kadri fits their long-term vision. 0:00 Intro 1:06 Kaiden Guhle skating update and recovery timeline 2:33 Marc Del Gaizo called up as emergency body 3:52 Struble vs Arber Xhekaj battle for roster spot 6:20 Jake Allen outperforming Markstrom for New Jersey 8:12 Devils present first real test for Canadiens 11:37 Joe Veleno criticism overblown by fanbase 14:18 Bottom six missing some elite talent right now 17:46 No rush to upgrade fourth line 20:25 Second line center search remains top priority 23:27 Canadiens scouting every potential center available 26:04 Nazem Kadri concerns and availability questions 29:36 Trivia question and social media callout Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rugiet Visit https://rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get 15% off your first order. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. Monarch Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.