HabsWorld.net --
The injury bug has struck the Habs once again as Daniel Carr will miss the remainder of the regular season with a right knee injury. The injury was sustained in Monday’s 5-2 loss to Columbus. The team announced he’ll miss at least three months, meaning that the earliest that he could return would probably be the second round of the playoffs, should they make it that far.
Carr had been one of the few bright spots for the Canadiens in recent weeks. He was one of the few players who was willing to go hard to the net and he was rewarded for his efforts on quite a few occasions. Despite playing in largely a bottom six role, Carr picked up five goals and three assists in just 19 games with Montreal in his rookie season.
The 24 year old was also a big producer in the minors with St. John’s as he had ten goals and eleven helpers in 24 contests to go along with a +7 rating, tied for the highest among IceCap forwards.
It’s likely that the Canadiens will bring up another forward from the IceCaps prior to their next game on Tuesday, February 2nd in Philadelphia. Sven Andrighetto would seemingly be the most likely candidate although Charles Hudon, Michael McCarron, and Lucas Lessio should also garner some consideration.
Carr’s injury may also play a role in his next contract. He’s a restricted free agent at the end of the season and is due a qualifying offer of $840,000 (his $892,500 salary less a $92,500 signing bonus x 105%). Had Carr remained healthy and productive the rest of the season, the team may have been better inclined to offer a multi-year deal but now that he’ll be coming back from a significant knee injury, a one year ‘prove it’ contract is much more likely.