Lineup controversy reaches new heights in Montreal

There is so much secrecy in Montreal when it comes to Canadiens forward Evgenii Dadonov’s status.

Hence, where all of this controversy emerges from.

Earlier this weekend, it was announced that the Russian forward was dealing with a virus and that’s what he had been taking out of the lineup.

It is however believed, as it was mentioned by TVA Sports’ Marc-Andre Perreault, that Habs GM Kent Hughes and Dadonov’s agent have had some conversations over the veteran’s ice time so far this season.

“Friday, Dadonov’s agent called Kent Hughes. The two don’t know each other. The agent said ‘these aren’t the best conditions for Dadonov with the ice time given,” reported Perreault.

Head coach Martin St. Louis had been sick and tired about the questions on Dadonov and repeated how the forward had been unavailable.

“Listen now, boys. He wasn’t on the ice today, Chantal told you. So stop,” said St-Louis in frustration.

However, on Wednesday in Winnipeg, Dadonov was back on the ice practicing with teammates, which prompted reporters to ask St. Louis about his availability for tomorrow’s game against the Jets.

Controversy pointed its nose again as St. Louis said he is unsure at the moment of Dadonov’s availability for Thursday, per TSN’s John Lu.

We all know the Canadiens are loaded up front and have had to let players on the sidelines for games since the start of the season.

Dadonov has just not impressed since coming to Montreal in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights to get rid of former captain Shea Weber’s contract.

The young players are leading the way and it’s just not a good sign for Dadonov. Maybe St. Louis prefers to think he remains unavailable for Thursday instead of having to make him a healthy scratch and adding fuel to the already burning fire in Montreal.