Brandon Gignac Makes NHL Comeback with the Montreal Canadiens

Brandon Gignac is back in the NHL. After five years, Gignac is once again experiencing the routine of games, morning practices, and team meetings. This time, however, he is travelling by plane instead of bus, staying in a luxury hotel rather than a roadside establishment, and playing in the US capital instead of Rochester.

Gignac will be playing his second NHL game on Tuesday, his first since March 9, 2019. The 26-year-old forward expressed his excitement and eagerness to play while speaking to reporters at the Montreal Canadiens’ dressing room at the Capitol One Arena.

Gignac was among the 16 players who participated in the optional practice, which had a high participation rate. He received some advice from former player Martin St-Louis, which he appreciated. St-Louis encouraged Gignac to play with joy and perform well.

After the practice, Gignac attended a team meeting and spoke to the media, marking his third media appearance in three days. The Quebec native’s journey to the NHL has been far from ordinary, attracting attention due to his unique story.

Former Devils assistant coach Alain Nasreddine, currently with the Dallas Stars, spoke highly of Gignac’s resilience and determination. Nasreddine stated, ‘I didn’t have an easy path either, so when I see someone like him come back after a couple of years in the minors, it strikes a chord with me as a coach and a former player.’

Gignac’s first NHL game was not an easy one, as Nasreddine warned. Playing for the struggling Devils, he ended the night with a -2 rating, with goals being scored on consecutive shifts. Despite the setbacks, Gignac has always taken pride in his defensive game, which earned him the trust of the coaching staff in Laval.

Returning to the NHL after facing setbacks and spending time in the AHL is no easy feat. Gignac’s return is a testament to his belief in himself and his determination. His exact role with the Canadiens is yet to be determined, but Gignac remains confident and eager to show the organization what he is capable of.

In other news, Martin St-Louis hinted at changes to the lineup for the upcoming game, with Arber Xhekaj replacing Jordan Harris. St-Louis also joked, ‘Monahan is out!’ The Canadiens will be facing a physical Capitals team, with four of their forwards weighing in at 220 lb or more.

Missing from the optional practice were Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, and David Savard, along with Brendan Gallagher, who is serving a five-game suspension. Suzuki, Slafkovsky, and Caufield are expected to play together on the same line against the Capitals.

It is reported that Charlie Lindgren will be in goal for the Capitals, facing Samuel Montembeault. Lindgren has won both of his previous starts against his former team, with a combined score of 13-3.