NHL Injury Update: Montreal Canadiens lose Alex Newhook long-term as Kaiden Guhle is also sidelined

Right from the beginning of the season, the Montreal Canadiens have been undergoing a tough period, and now the injuries to Alex Newhook and Kaiden Guhle are putting even more pressure on them, as those two players are seen as the main contributors to the team's success in November.

The fact that the injuries of two young future players are going to be on the sidelines all of a sudden has raised the question of how much the team really has in the tank, if the options from AHL's Laval Rocket are good enough, and how the Habs can patch their line-up to keep being competitive. The discussion about the extent of the crisis reached its peak on Friday when the team made it public that Newhook was going to be out for four months due to ankle surgery, while Guhle was expected to be out for 8-10 weeks after having torn an abductor muscle surgically repaired.

During Thursday's game against Dallas, Newhook suffered his injury after colliding with Ilya Lyubushkin, which made him fall feet-first into the boards.

Guhle's problem goes back to an October 17 game against Nashville when it started, but then gradually got worse.

Who can Montreal Canadiens call up after losing Alex Newhook to a long-term injury?

Alex Newhook's injury will keep him out for a long period, and the Canadiens are likely to seek help from their AHL affiliate team. Jared Davidson is the number one candidate who can bring a lot of energy to the Canadiens, since he is leading the Laval team with nine goals and comes with an energetic forechecking style of play.

Sean Farrell, who has 10 points in 13 games, is another name to consider as he possesses skills and playmaking abilities close to Newhook’s offensive strengths.

Joshua Roy is still in the picture, but the team might think twice before taking him away from the productive top-line role he has in Laval. Owen Beck is a sensible option for defensive reliability and faceoff strength, while Filip Mesar is a more creative, high-upside dark horse.The Canadiens’ depth will be put to a severe test in the coming weeks, and the performance of their call-ups will be a factor in whether Montreal remains in a close race for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. With Newhook and Guhle out for long periods, every lineup decision at this point is critical.More coverage on NHLWho is NHL star Taylor Raddysh married to? Inside his love story with wife Taylor BarronNHL Injury Update: St. Louis Blues forward Mathieu Joseph sidelined before clash with Calgary FlamesColorado Avalanche locks in rising star Gavin Brindley with two-year contract extension