The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly the front-runners to sign unrestricted free agent Alex Texier. Texier, 26, was placed on waivers

A bad night for the Toronto Maple Leafs has been made even worse. When the third period between the Leafs and Montreal Canadiens began on Saturday night, Toronto announced that defenseman Jake McCabe wouldn’t return due to an upper-body injury.

The Toronto Maple Leafs got pounded on Saturday night at the Bell Centre against the Montreal Canadiens. The Leafs dropped a 5-2 decision that descended into a fight-filled contest late in the third period. The main event featured Canadiens Florian Xhekaj against Maple Leafs blueliner Dakota Mermis.

The Canadiens have struggled defending leads this season, and they just got a master-class in that very thing from the Kings.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake McCabe has been ruled out of Saturday night’s contest against the Montreal Canadiens due to an upper-body injury. The 32-year-old exited the ice after taking a puck to the face in the second period and will not return for the third.

With that in mind, the Habs are presented with two options. They can attempt a waiver claim for Texier, and add $2.1 million cap hit to the books, or they can wait to see if the situation sours a little further, which could lead to a mutually agreed contract termination.

The historic rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens reignites on Saturday, November 22. Both teams are close in the Eastern Conference standings, promising an intense matchup.

Special activities are planned to celebrate this milestone anniversary, with former Canadiens defenseman David Savard and his wife Valérie serving as spokespeople