Injury Updates: Kane, Montembeault, Bichsel
The Red Wings' Patrick Kane, a future Hall of Famer, is out until after Christmas due to an upper-body injury, as confirmed by Head Coach Todd McLellan. Kane, 37, has 23 points in 24 games, ranking fifth on the team despite missing more than 10 games due to various injuries. John Leonard, a 27-year-old elite AHL scorer, has stepped up, scoring two goals in four games since his call-up. Kane won't play against Dallas next Tuesday but could return on December 27, as the team prepares for a challenging match against the surging Carolina Hurricanes.
Elsewhere, Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault, a steady presence for the team post-Carey Price, is also returning after the Christmas break, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels. Montembeault, 29, has struggled this season with a .857 save percentage, pushed down by the emergence of prospects Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler. Montembeault has made two appearances for AHL Laval on a conditioning loan, aiming to regain form in 2026.
In Dallas, Lian Bichsel, a 21-year-old defenseman, is still at least one week away from rehab, as shared by Sam Nestler, the Stars' beat writer. Bichsel, who stands at 6'7
