“Kaiden Guhle Undergoes Emergency Surgery, Canadiens Await His Return Ahead of Season Opener”
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle underwent an emergency appendectomy, and his condition will be reassessed in seven days, the team announced on Thursday, September 19. The 22-year-old, who is entering his third NHL season, had the procedure on Wednesday, raising doubts about his availability for the start of the season.
“Kaiden Guhle had his appendix removed yesterday and will be re-evaluated in seven days,” the team statement said. Guhle is coming off an impressive second season, where he tallied 22 points (6 goals, 16 assists) in 70 games. He also ranked third among Canadiens’ defensemen in average ice time, logging 20:51 per game.
Drafted 16th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, Guhle has quickly become an important part of the Canadiens’ young core during their rebuild. His six-year, $33.3 million contract extension, signed in July, solidifies his place as a key player for the team’s future. As Guhle recovers, the Canadiens are preparing for their preseason opener against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday, September 23. The regular season begins on October 9 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but it remains uncertain if Guhle will be ready in time.