The Montreal Canadiens announced today that Corey Schueneman has been called up to the NHL. The 27-year-old defenseman has played most of this season with the Laval Rocket, but has already suited up for four NHL games with the Canadiens this season as well. He has one assist in those four games and had two goals and six points in 24 NHL games last season.
With the Rocket, Schueneman has carved out a big role over the past two seasons, playing 58 AHL games this season and scoring five goals and 21 points. The 6-foot and 196 pound defender is a pending unrestricted free agent, and will get a short audition in the NHL to show someone he can be a reliable depth option for them next season.
This move signals bad news for defenseman Jordan Harris who appears to be just the latest Canadiens player to suffer an injury. Harris missed practice today, and though there was no official update on his status, the Canadiens would not need Schueneman if Harris was healthy. It is also important to note Schueneman was recalled on an emergency basis, which means the Canadiens do not have enough healthy defensemen for Tuesday night’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Defensemen Kaiden Guhle, David Savard and Arber Xhekaj are already out of the Canadiens lineup with injuries and Harris appears to be the next blue liner to join that list. It opens the door for Schueneman who is looking for a contract for next season.