Two players making their Canadiens debut on Tuesday; Norlinder loaned to Laval

The Montreal Canadiens announced several updates on Tuesday morning ahead of tonight's Stanley Cup Final rematch against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

First, they announced that rookie defenceman Mattias Norlinder has been loaned to the Laval Rocket (AHL). TSN's John Lu tweeted that even though Norlinder has only been loaned for three games, he'll be able to finish the season in Laval if the Habs wish to do so. That is because he was on an NHL roster up to and on December 1st.

"A #Habs official says although Norlinder is on loan to Laval for the next 3 games, he is eligible to finish the season in the AHL because he was on a NHL roster up to December 1, as per agreement with SHL," John Lu said.

A #Habs official says although Norlinder is on loan to Laval for the next 3 games, he is eligible to finish the season in the AHL because he was on a NHL roster up to December 1, as per agreement with SHL.— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) December 7, 2021

Head coach Dominique Ducharme also announced a pair of lineup changes for tonight's game against Tampa Bay. Joel Armia and Jeff Petry are both day-to-day with upper-body injuries. Laurent Dauphin and Kale Clague will be making their Montreal Canadiens debut on Tuesday night. Dauphin will skate on the fourth line with Cedric Paquette and Michael Pezzetta, while Clague is on the third defensive pairing with Brett Kulak.

Dauphin, 26, is in his second full season in the Canadiens organization, third season in total after being traded to the Habs in January 2020. In eighteen games this season with the Laval Rocket, Dauphin has sixteen points (eleven goals, five assists), twelve penalty minutes, and is a minus-six.

Clague, 23, was claimed off waivers by the Canadiens on Saturday. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round in 2016 and played a total of 33 games for them, including eleven this season. In eleven games this season, Clague has five assists, two penalty minutes, and is a minus-two.

Puck drop for tonight's game between Montreal and Tampa Bay is set for 7pm ET on TSN2 and RDS.

Dominique Ducharme confirme que Laurent Dauphin et Kale Clague seront de la formation ce soir. Joel Armia et Jeff Petry ne joueront pas.

Dominique Ducharme confirms that Laurent Dauphin and Kale Clague will play tonight. Joel Armia and Jeff Petry are hurt.— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 7, 2021

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