Caufield will be a surprise scratch for Game 1 of the postseason, as the Canadiens go with a more veteran lineup. In addition to Caufield, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Alexander Romanov will both be scratched as well.
Danault suffered an upper-body injury Thursday in Toronto and will not play Saturday. Danault returned to Montreal to be re-evaluated but is currently being listed as day-to-day.
Texier was scratched from the lineup on Wednesday and is not expected to play Friday either. With Texier out, Kevin Stenlund is expected to remain as the third line centre.
Newhook was the No.16 overall pick in 2019 and is set to make his NHL debut after just eight games at the AHL live. The 20year-old centre had 16 points (7G / 9A) in 12 games at Boston College and nine points (5G / 4A) in eight games with the Colorado Eagles (AHL).
Matheson was hit in the face by a puck on Saturday and will miss an extended period of time. With Matheson out, Mark Friedman is expected to suit up against his former team on Monday.
Laine missed Saturday's game in Carolina with an illness but will play Monday vs. the Predators. Laine's time in Columbus has not gone well, scoring just 10 goals with eight assists (18 points) in 41 games.
Laine will be held out of the lineup in Carolina due to a non-COVID-19 related illness. With Laine out, Emil Bemstrom will draw back in after a lengthy injury-related absence.
Veleno selected No.30 overall in 2018 and will centre the third line in his debut on Tuesday. The 21-year-old had 11 goals and 12 assists (23 points) in 54 AHL games in 2020. In 2021, he stayed in Sweden after the delayed start in North America due to COVID-19, scoring 11 goals with nine assists (20 points) in 46 games with the Malmo Redhawks (SHL).
