Louis Leblanc Recalled By The Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have recalled forward Louis Leblanc this afternoon from the American Hockey League’s Hamilton Bulldogs.

This move after the Canadiens had recalled Joonas Nattinen for Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Nattinen played only 1:45 in the game and was sent down following the game. Nathan Beaulieu is also with the team after being briefly sent down after Saturday’s game.

Leblanc has played five games with the Canadiens this year and has nine goals and 11 assists with the Bulldogs this season. Leblanc will not only provide Montreal coach Michel Therrien with an option he has trusted already at the NHL level, but an opportunity to give the team more depth at wing which will perhaps allow the team to move Lars Eller back to center.

It is not known what role Leblanc will play with the Canadiens as their next game is Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Calling him up this early suggests that the Canadiens want him to work in practice before getting game action.

Presumably Rene Bourque will return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch against the Maple Leafs and Therrien will likely sit George Parros against the Penguins, a team that doesn’t dress an enforcer on their side.

With only 12 forwards on the roster, that meant the team needed another forward, and Leblanc is that player as he continues his attempt to solidify himself as a full-time NHL player.