Montreal Canadiens make unfortunate announcement that their promising goaltender will be placed on waivers

Back on the ice, The Montreal Canadiens had their first practice since Christmas break Friday as they went back on ice at FTL War Memorial in Florida.

Head coach Martin St-Louis announced that goalie Jakub Dobes will make his first career NHL start on Saturday against the Panthers.

Called up by Montreal earlier in the day, the 23-year-old has been solid in the AHL this season with the Laval Rocket, notching a 9-3-1 record along with a 2.44 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage in 14 games thus far.

Patrik Laine took part in a full practice for the first time since being diagnosed with an upper-body injury following his December 23 game versus Columbus.

Of the 23 players on the active roster, 22 took to the ice during Friday's session in Florida. Michael Pezzetta and Jayden Struble were the extras.

Notably absent was young goaltender Cayden Primeau. After practice, Martin St-Louis explained that Cayden Primeau would be placed on waivers Saturday to facilitate a loan to the Laval Rocket in the AHL.

The Canadiens will embark on their five-game holiday road trip on Saturday with a 1:00 p.m. ET matinee start against the Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena.

The Canadiens will need their goalies to shine bright going forward if they are to have any hope of staying in the playoff mix, as many of the teams around them are starting to win games.