Canadiens place defenseman Ben Chiarot on IR with lower-body injury

Chiarot, 30, left Saturday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets briefly in the second period after leaving in some discomfort but did return and finish the game with 22:57 of ice time, making Sunday’s announcement somewhat surprising. Chiarot is one of Montreal’s most valuable trade chips as we head into the NHL trade deadline, and there is some thought that this move to the IR could be precautionary.

In 44 games played for the Habs this season, the Hamilton, Ontario, native has five goals and nine points to go along with a 45.8 CF%, 39.5 oZS%, and -27 rating while averaging 23:17 in TOI. Chiarot is also in the final year of his contract that carries a $3.5 million AAV.

To try to fill the void left by Chiarot’s absence, the club recalled defenseman Corey Scheuneman from the Laval Rocket, who is expected to dress in Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres.

Schueneman, 26, has three goals and 10 points with Laval and one assist in four games with the Canadiens this season.