Gonchar was released from his PTO with the Penguins Saturday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

Saturday's release may represent the end of the 41-year-old Gonchar's NHL career. He enjoyed a long and fruitful stay in the NHL, racking up 220 goals and 591 assists in 1,301 career NHL contests. If Gonchar doesn't get an opportunity to suit up for another NHL club in 2015-16, the Penguins have already communicated that they would love to have Gonchar return to their organization in an administrative capacity.

Gonchar will not be re-signed by the Canadiens, TSN's John Lu reports. The Habs will let Gonchar, Mike Weaver and Manny Malhotra walk, presumably replacing all three with younger players. The 41-year-old Gonchar may consider retirement, after tallying 14 points (one goal) over 48 games in 2014-15.

Gonchar (personal) rejoined the Canadiens for Thursday's practice, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports. It looks like coach Michel Therrien will have Gonchar at his disposal when the Canadiens kick off their second-round series with the Lightning that begins Friday, but don't expect the 41-year-old to see any action unless the team suffers an injury on the blue line. Gonchar was a healthy scratch for the entire six-game series against the Senators in Round 1.

Gonchar missed Wednesday's practice due to personal reasons, John Lu of TSN reports. The Canadiens are still awaiting a date for Game 1 of their second-round playoffs series, which will likely be finalized Wednesday following the conclusion of the Lightning-Red Wings game. It remains to be seen whether or not Gonchar will be back with the team in time for Game 1, but regardless, he's probably not drawing much consideration for a lineup spot. Gonchar served as a healthy scratch for all six games of the first-round series with the Senators.

Gonchar replaced Andrei Markov (rest) and had an assist in Friday night's shootout loss to New Jersey. The 40-year-old Gonchar replaced the 36-year-old Markov, a sentence that serves to highlight a potential weakness for Montreal: speed on the back end. Gonchar had been a healthy scratch the past 10 games.

Gonchar was a healthy scratch for Saturday night's game against the Islanders. Head coach Michel Therrien promised changes on the blue line following Thursday's embarrassing 5-2 loss to the Senators, and it was Gonchar finding himself in street clothes. Nathan Beaulieu and Greg Pateryn formed the third defense pairing.

Gonchar will return to action Saturday against the Coyotes. After missing one game with an undisclosed injury, Gonchar is set to return to game action Saturday against Arizona. Gonchar has tallied one goal and 12 assists in 44 games this season.

Gonchar (undisclosed) is out for Thursday's game against the Kings, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports. Gonchar will be replaced by Mike Weaver for Montreal.

Gonchar (upper body) returned to action in Saturday night's win over Toronto. He had missed the past two weeks due to the injury. Gonchar resumed his spot as a top-4 defenseman, skating 19:48 in the win.

Gonchar (upper body) will be activated from injured reserve and return to the lineup Saturday against the Maple Leafs, John Lu of TSN Montreal reports. Gonchar may have some added incentive to bring some physicality to Saturday's proceedings; after all, it was in the game against the Leafs two weeks ago that he suffered the injury when he was blindsided into the boards by David Clarkson, who has since been traded to the Blue Jackets. The 40-year-old defenseman, who has a goal and 12 assists in 41 games this season, will join Greg Pateryn to form on the Habs' third defensive pair.