Canadiens’ Justin Barron to return vs. Blue Jackets; Jayden Struble scratched

The Montreal Canadiens are making a change to their lineup as they look to get back into the win column.

Defenceman Justin Barron is set to make his return to the team sheet Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets after missing the last six games, he confirmed to reporters.

In a corresponding move, defenceman Jayden Struble will be healthy scratched.

Earlier this season, the Barron suffered an upper-body injury after a hit from New York Rangers forward Jacob Trouba. Despite recovering from the injury and playing a game on Oct. 31, the Canadiens have opted to scratch him in every game since.

Barron, 23, signed a two-year, $2.3 million ($1.15 AAV) contract with the Canadiens in the off-season. He originally joined the team in 2022 as part of a trade that sent Artturi Lehkonen to the Colorado Avalanche.

He has one goal and a -5 plus-minus in eight games this season while averaging a 16:05 TOI.

Struble, meanwhile, has taken the majority of reps the past few weeks on the third pairing along the blue line. The 23-year-old has three assists in 12 games with a 15:08 average TOI this season.

Sam Montembeault has been tabbed for the start against the Blue Jackets on Saturday night. You can catch the action on Sportsnet East or stream on Sportsnet+.