Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

We’ve talked a lot about Ivan Demidov, unsurprisingly, over the past 48 hours. However, there are other interesting storylines to watch with the Montreal Canadiens ahead of their next game.

Friday night at 7:00 p.m., Martin St-Louis’ squad will be in Ottawa to take on Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson’s Senators.

For this matchup, offensive reinforcements could indeed be on the way.

As reported by TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie, Emil Heineman was back on the ice earlier today and practiced with his teammates.

He was even wearing a regular jersey.

Emil Heineman could arrive as reinforcements earlier than expected for the Montreal Canadiens

After having to miss time due to injury, all signs point to the rookie being ready to return and help the Canadiens secure their playoff spot.

If his return to health is confirmed, Heineman is likely to reclaim his spot alongside Jake Evans and Joel Armia.

With Heineman’s probable return and the imminent arrival of young Ivan Demidov, it looks like Michael Pezzetta will once again have to bide his time (just like Arber Xhekaj).

Speaking of Demidov, let’s remind you that he officially touched down on Canadian soil just a few minutes ago:

Heineman, 23 years old, is a 6-foot-2, 198-pound forward who was a second-round pick-43rd overall-by the Florida Panthers in 2020.

He has 18 points in 61 games this season, including 10 goals, and holds a -6 rating.

After a very strong start to the season, his offensive production has dipped a bit recently.

A storyline to watch in the coming hours.