The Montreal Canadiens will be missing one of their top defenceman for their first game of 2026.
Mike Matheson will be sidelined for Thursday's road game against the Carolina Hurricanes with an upper-body injury, the team announced.
Adam Engstrom will take Matheson's place in the lineup.
Matheson was on the receiving end of a high hit from Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand during overtime of Montreal's win on Tuesday.
Marchand was called for roughing on the play.
Matheson has four goals and 14 assists in 37 games this season.
