The Montreal Canadiens have to pre-season games remaining, and only 29 healthy players in camp.
They seem to have pushed the major decisions relating to their forwards down the road. Paul Byron was largely not expected to be ready for the start of the season, but the injury to Joel Armia seems to have provided just enough breathing room for the Canadiens to not have to place any more forwards on waivers.
There are currently 16 forwards in camp who are expected to be healthy enough for opening night, including Nick Suzuki. Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Jesse Ylönen — both waiver exempt — going down to the Laval Rocket leaves them with 14 forwards and guarantees everyone stays in the organization.