New match, new tile.

The Canadian confirmed Tuesday evening that David Savard would have to be absent for six to eight weeks after fracturing his hand the day before against the Buffalo Sabres.

Monday, during a penalty kill in the third period, the defenseman blocked a violent shot from Tage Thompson of the Sabres. He was immediately seen to indicate discomfort, but he continued on the ice for several more seconds before retreating to the locker room.

While the season is only six games old, the Habs are already deploring their second long-term injury. It is already certain that Kirby Dach will no longer play in 2023-2024, having torn two knee ligaments in the second game of the season.

In his third year in the tricolor uniform, Savard had bad luck for a third time. In his first two campaigns in Montreal, he missed a total of 40 games. If his convalescence goes as planned, he should return to action during the month of December.

In his absence, the organization recalled Gustav Lindstrom, a right-hander like him. The Swede was in the lineup Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils.

The defense was already without Kaiden Guhle with an “upper body” injury. However, the latter has been on skates for a few days and the team is reassessing its situation “day by day”.