Montreal Canadiens Alexandre Carrier Injury Update Following Departure Versus Penguins

· Yahoo Sports

May 16, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson (6) plays the puck against Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier (45) during the second period in game six of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at B… | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Levi Pike, Editor

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Saturday night that Alexandre Carrier would not be returning to the game in the third period of their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. This is a significant blow to the Habs as Carrier is one of just two right-shot defenders on their roster.

May 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenceman Alexandre Carrier (45) and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Yanni Gourde (37) battle for the puck against the glass during the first period in game seven of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Circumstances of the Alexandre Carrier Injury

Carrier took an awkward fall in a corner of the rink, with his head connecting with the boards and his neck significantly bent. The specifics of the injury were not reported by the Canadiens following the game, but they did advise that the player was being evaluated.

Carrier was having an impressive start to the season. He scored the winning goal in Game 1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and his defence pairing with Lane Hutson was the strongest of the evening in Pittsburgh before the injury took him out of the game.

Alexander Carrier Injury Impact for the Montreal Canadiens

If Carrier is sidelined, Noah Dobson would be the lone remaining right-shot defenceman on the Canadiens roster. Lane Hutson routinely takes shifts on the right side, and Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble have both seen right side duty. Neither of these scenarios is ideal. The imbalance on the Canadiens defence may be biting them early.

Adam Engstrom, who was in the press box for the first two games is a left-shot blueiner who can play on both sides. If Carrier’s absence is brief, it may be an opportunity for Engstrom to get into the lineup. That said, the performance from Struble in Game 2 might have led to that outcome regardless. Even if Engstrom is strong on the right side, the team would have to be hesitant to ice just one right-shot defenceman for the next game.

Will David Reinbacher Be the Answer to the Alexandre Carrier Injury?

After having a strong training camp and preseason, the Montreal Canadiens opted to send the fifth-overall pick from the 2023 draft to the Laval Rocket where he will play on the top pair in all situations. The decision was based on maximizing Reinbacher’s development. Reinbacher is, of course, a right shot. He was drafted with a view to him being a partner for Lane Hutson. Will that vision be reality as early as next week?

The Last Word

The Alexandre Carrier injury may be devastating to the Montreal Canadiens as it would exacerbate an existing imbalance in their defence group. In the short term, relief may come from inserting Engstrom in the lineup. But if Carrier is out for an extended period, it may be necessary for the Habs to recall Reinbacher and hope he is ready for NHL duty.

More NHL news:

Ottawa Senators Jake Sanderson Injury Update Tonight vs Maple Leafs

Anaheim Ducks Finalize Tristan Luneau Contract Extension

NHL Rumours: Edmonton Oilers Looking to Acquire Habs Forward

Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

 

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