The Montreal Canadiens will return to action after their holiday break on Thursday night, taking on the Hurricanes in Carolina.
However, striker Cole Caufield did not attend the morning training session for treatment but will be at his post in the evening.
The Habs will face the Canes, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning in almost quick succession to close out 2023. They have Friday off before playing two games on two nights in Florida.
And it won't be easy since the three teams are among the Eastern Association's elite.
The Hurricanes are fourth in the Metropolitan Division standings with 40 points, but are fighting hard against several teams for second place in the standings, behind the New York Rangers.
For their part, the Habs are trying to stay with 35 points and are in sixth place in the Atlantic.
Cayden Primeau will be in front of the CH net.
The Habs traded forward Emil Heineman to the Laval Rocket to make room for healthy defenseman Jordan Harris.