Yesterday at practice, Alexandre Texier and Patrik Laine were present.
However, even though they were both wearing regular jerseys, their presence on a “fifth line” with Samuel Blais led us to believe that the guys weren't going to return to the game.
And it's been confirmed: Tuesday's trios won't be changing. Blais and the two injured players (we don't know if Laine and Texier are still injured, but hey) will skip their turn again tonight.
As the only change will be in front of the net (Samuel Montembeault will be ex officio), this also means that Arber Xhekaj will still be the extra defenseman.
Jayden Struble will obviously play again tonight.
Alexandre Texier will miss a second straight game.
Martin St-Louis will keep the same lineup against the Sabres, with the exception of Samuel Montembeault, who will get the start.
– J-F Chaumont (@JFChaumontNHL) January 22, 2026
Details to come…