Gonchar (upper body) will likely be back in the lineup for Saturday's game against Toronto, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports. The decision to demote Jarred Tinordi to AHL Hamilton indicates that Gonchar is finally ready to return from the injury that has held him out since Feb. 14.

Gonchar (upper body) won't play Thursday against the Blue Jackets. Coach Michel Therrien previously noted that the Habs are taking the decision on when to play Gonchar on a day-to-day basis, but the soonest we might see the veteran suit up again is Saturday against the Maple Leafs.

Though Gonchar (upper body) is cleared to play, he won't suit up Tuesday against the Blues. Meanwhile, coach Michel Therrien noted that the Habs are taking the decision on when to play Gonchar -- who last suited up on Feb. 14 -- on a day-to-day basis in advance of Thursday's contest against the Blue Jackets.

Canadiens coach Michel Therrien said Thursday that Gonchar (upper body) will likely return next week, NHL.com's Arpon Basu reports.Gonchar's IR stint is retroactive to Feb. 14, but he apparently won't be ready after the minimum seven days. Montreal has three games next week, against the Blues on Tuesday, Blue Jackets on Thursday, and Maple Leafs on Saturday.

Gonchar (upper body) has been placed on IR by the Canadiens, Marc Antoine Godin of the Montreal Gazette reports.Gonchar, who has gone four games without a point, has missed the Habs' last two games, and remains without a clear-cut timetable for a return now that he is on IR. The veteran blueliner has notched 13 points in 41 games to date.

Gonchar (upper body) will not play Wednesday against the Senators, John Lu of TSN reports.Gonchar didn't travel with the Canadiens on their two-game road swing, and it seems unlikely he'll be available for Thursday's home contest against the Panthers. The Habs are listing him as day-to-day, but he shouldn't be considered close to playing until he begins skating.

Gonchar (upper body) won't travel with the team to Detroit for Monday's game against the Red Wings, Arpon Basu of LNH.com reports.Gonchar was forced out of Saturday's game in the first period against the Maple Leafs, and it appears he will miss at least Monday's game as a result. The team heads to Ottawa following that game, and it's possible Gonchar rejoins the team then.

Gonchar was removed in the first period of Saturday's game against the Maple Leafs due to an upper-body injury and will not return, Arpon Basu of LNH.com reports.Gonchar was the recipient of a blindside hit into the boards by the Leafs' David Clarkson, resulting in an ejection for the Toronto forward. The Habs are listing Gonchar as day-to-day for now, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he was forced to miss time, as his head appeared to collide violently with the glass. The team should offer an update on his condition ahead of Monday's tilt with the Red Wings.

Gonchar returned to action Tuesday night after getting one-game rest break. Gonchar skated 18:08 with two shots, two blocked shots and a minus-1 in a 3-2 loss to Buffalo.

Gonchar was given a rest day and was not in Sunday's lineup against the Coyotes. Mike Weaver took Gonchar's spot in the active lineup.