Emelin may be a healthy scratch for Tuesday's game against Vancouver, Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Emelin was replaced on the Canadiens' second pair by the newly acquired Brandon Davidson, who is expected to make his Montreal debut skating alongside Jeff Petry. The Habs have noticed some slippage in Emelin's game and have dropped the Russian from a one-time pairing with Shea Weber on the top pair to what looks like will be a healthy scratch Tuesday. After adding some muscle at the trade deadline, the Canadiens' aren't so reliant on Emelin's physical presence.

Emelin recorded a third-period assist, a minor penalty, three hits and a plus-2 rating during Monday's win over the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

This was a rare offensive showing from Emelin, as the 30-year-old Russian notched just one assist -- along with a minus-8 rating -- through his previous 16 games. He does move the needle enough in the PIM, hits and blocked shots columns to warrant attention in some deep settings, but counting on any scoring help is ill-advised.

Emelin had a goal and an assist with three shots on goal, three blocked shots and a hit in 23:41 of ice time in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

We know Emelin from his thunderous hits on opponents, but we rarely get to note his scoring accomplishments in a game. As a matter of fact, we haven't noted the Russian's offense the previous 27 games -- his last point coming Nov. 10 against the Kings. With just six points in 42 games, Emelin's fantasy value is obviously limited.

Emelin returned to Montreal's lineup Wednesday, posting three shots on net and four hits in a 4-3 overtime loss to Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Emelin, who had missed two games while away on a personal leave, was needed for more ice time (22:15) than usual due to Andrei Markov's groin injury. With Markov expected to miss the next two game at least, Emelin will be in line for added minutes, none of which will come on the power play.

Emelin (personal) will return to the Canadiens' lineup for Wednesday's game against Tampa Bay, Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Emelin missed a couple games while attending the birth of his third child. With both Andrei Markov (groin) and Greg Pateryn (ankle) in various states of rehabilitation, Emelin's return bolsters a thin corps on the blue line.

Emelin (personal) will not suit up for Friday's game in Columbus, Brian Wilde of TSN 690 reports.

EDGE Analysis

It would appear that the Canadiens have agreed to let Emelin spend some extended time with the newest member of his family after his wife gave birth to a baby girl Thursday. You can most likely expect the doting father to return to the Montreal blueline on Dec. 28 in Tampa Bay.

Emelin will miss Thursday night's game against the Wild while he spends time with his wife, who gave birth to a baby girl earlier in the day.

EDGE Analysis

Congratulations to the Emelins as they welcome their new daughter into the world. The Canadiens have another game on Friday in Columbus, so it's unknown at this time if Father Emelin will make the trip with the team or if he will spend more time with his family prior to the NHL's Christmas break. Joel Hanley will draw into the lineup in Emelin's place.

Emelin was not on the ice for practice Thursday, as his wife is expecting to deliver the couple's third child.

EDGE Analysis

The Canadiens play host to the Wild on Thursday evening. At this point, it's not clear if the defenseman will be available for that contest as he tends to this important personal event.

Emelin registered a season-high five shots on net with two PIM and four hits over 21:30 of ice time during Tuesday's loss to Anaheim.

EDGE Analysis

Emelin has just a single goal and four points through 23 games this season, and he entered Tuesday's game averaging under shot per game (21 through 22 outings), so the shot uptick is best viewed as an outlier. He's a solid contributor in the PIM (27) and hits (80) columns, though, and a potential own in deep leagues including those categories.

Emelin had an assist, four hits and two blocked shots in 23:40 of ice time in Wednesday night's 3-2 win over the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Emelin is enjoying life on the top defensive pairing with Shea Weber, garnering assists in two straight games since being promoted. We're well aware of his value as a hitter -- he leads the Habs with 31 hits -- but alongside Weber and getting more time with the top lines, Emelin could raise his offensive profile. With three points in the first seven games, the Russian defenseman is on pace to better his previous career high of 17 points in 59 games during the 2013-14 season.