Canadiens, Blue Jackets make late roster moves ahead of season opener

Savard placed on LTIR, Gallagher out indefinitely due to injury

The Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets have both made roster moves ahead of their season openers on Wednesday night.

The Canadiens have placed defenceman David Savard on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) with an ankle injury. The 31-year-old suffered the injury in a preseason game against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.

The Blue Jackets have placed forward Brendan Gallagher on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old suffered the injury in a preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.

Savard's injury is a significant blow to the Canadiens' defence

The Canadiens are already without Joel Edmundson, who is out indefinitely with a back injury. Savard was expected to play a top-four role on the Canadiens' defence this season.

With Savard out, the Canadiens will likely have to rely on more inexperienced players on their defence, such as Jordan Harris and Kaiden Guhle.

Gallagher's injury is also a big loss for the Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets are already without Patrik Laine, who is out indefinitely with an ankle injury. Gallagher was expected to play on the Blue Jackets' top line this season.

With Gallagher out, the Blue Jackets will likely have to rely on more inexperienced players on their top lines, such as Kent Johnson and Cole Sillinger.

Both teams will be hoping to get their injured players back as soon as possible

The Canadiens and Blue Jackets are both hoping to get their injured players back as soon as possible. Both teams are looking to make a playoff push this season, and they will need their key players healthy to do so.