Just when he thought he was getting a fresh start with the Habs, Audette's season is now in jeopardy after he suffered a deep gash in his left forearm during the third period of Saturday night's 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers.
The 32-year-old forward was rushed to hospital after his wrist was skated over as he tried to stop a breakaway by Rangers left-winger Radek Dvorak.
"It's a big blow, it's a heavy loss," said Montreal head coach Michel Therrien.
Donald Audette's season could be over after he suffered a deep gash in his left forearm during Saturday night's game.(CP PHOTO)
Audette underwent surgery at Montreal General Hospital on Saturday night, to repair damage to the extensor tendons of his wrist and hand. He'll stay in hospital until Monday and is out of the Habs' lineup indefinitely.
It's likely Audette will be out for three months, but he might be able to return in time for the postseason.
"I spoke to him and he seems to be in good shape," said Therrien. "The team has to make the playoffs because he expects to be there."
After posting all-star numbers last year, Audette struggled earlier this season with the Dallas Stars, scoring just four goals and adding 11 assists in 20 games.
Dallas traded Audette to the Canadiens on Nov. 21 along with Shaun Van Allen in exchange for Martin Rucinsky and Benoit Brunet.
Audette has a goal and four assists in five games.
The news didn't get any better for the Canadiens on Sunday.
Forward Jan Bulis is out indefinitely with a contusion on his right thigh, a result of a knee-on-knee hit with Tomas Kloucek during Saturday's game.
Defenceman Patrice Brisebois is also on the injured list with a sprained ankle.
X-rays on Brisebois' ankle were negative, but he says he's still in pain.
"I was able to finish the game but I wasn't comfortable," he said, adding that the ankle swelled as soon as he removed his skate.
Brisebois may play Monday night against Chicago.
The Canadiens lost over 500 man games due to injury last season.
