The Canadiens are using an unusual method to hide a player, and it raises questions

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David St-Jean
January 31, 2024 (2:24 PM)

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The Canadiens are not known for being the most transparent organization when it comes to player injuries. We rarely know the exact details, and if the absence is prolonged, it often fades into the background.

This is the case with Chris Wideman, who has not played a single game this season due to a back injury. The team has not provided more details, and there has still been no update on his condition.

According to journalist Stu Cowan, the reason is simple: the organization no longer wants him to play.

"The Canadiens probably told him (Wideman) that he had a back injury (sarcasm) or gave him the option to play in Laval. They probably said to him, 'Do you want to play in Laval, claim to have a back injury to stay close to the team, or even open a hair salon?'" - Stu Cowan

Although he is a highly regarded teammate and was a good mentor for the young players, Wideman has distanced himself from the team's circle, which is unfortunate. The last time we saw him was when the Canadiens played in St. Louis on November 4th, as he lives there with his family.

Stu Cowan added another layer, this time drawing a parallel with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"With the regular injured list, we saw the example of Ryan Reaves recently in Toronto, who was on the injured list and had said he had been healthy for two weeks. The injured list is just a doctor saying a player can't play, whereas for the long-term list, the player has to sign papers.

So, for Chris Wideman, he's in the last year of his contract, and he won't play. He's 34 years old, and before the start of the season, the Habs decided he wouldn't play, whether his back hurts or not. However, he remains a good guy to have around a team." - Stu Cowan

My personal opinion is that Kent Hughes had the class to offer him the option to stay on LTIR instead of placing him on waivers and sending him to Laval. Wideman, who knows very well that his NHL future is over, decided to stay with his loved ones while still receiving his paycheck.

Source: Go Nordiques