Canadiens reporting that one star forward has not yet been cleared to play

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Mike Armenti
September 12, 2023 (8:51)

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Just over two years ago, the Montreal Canadiens pulled off a trade with the Arizona Coyotes, acquiring center Christian Dvorak in exchange for a conditional 1st round pick in 2022 and a 2nd round pick in 2024. The move was in response to ex-Habs forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi signing an offer sheet with the Carolina Hurricanes that the Canadiens chose not to match.

As much as the move looked like a smart one at the time, Dvorak has struggled with injury and inconsistency since landing in Montreal, playing in just 56 and 64 games in back-to-back seasons, producing a combined 61 points over that 120-game span, sitting around a half-point per game. The Habs were certainly hoping for a bit more from the former 2nd round pick.

Dvorak finished last season on the injured list and underwent knee surgery in March to repair the damage. Now having missed 6 months, most were hopeful that he'd be good to go in time for training camp. However, Habs GM Kent Hughes confirmed this week that Dvorak is not expected to be ready to go in time for training camp.

"Kent Hughes says everyone clear to start with Habs, except for Christian Dvorak, who has to go through his medical and meet with his surgeon one more time." - Sportsnet's Eric Engels on Dvorak's status ahead of training camp

The Canadiens still have some time to work with here as they don't begin their pre-season until September 25th, when they take on a Metropolitan Division powerhouse in the New Jersey Devils.