HabsWorld.net -- 

With Noah Juulsen nearing a return to the lineup, the Habs needed to free up a roster spot and Xavier Ouellet was the casualty.  He cleared waivers on Saturday, paving the way for the Habs to send him to Laval.

The 25-year-old is in his first season with the Canadiens and made the lineup as a regular to start the campaign.  He has played 19 games so far on the year, collecting three assists while averaging a career-best 17:01 of playing time per night as well as a positive Corsi For percentage at 53.8.  However, he has slipped down the depth chart in recent weeks with the promotion of Brett Kulak and the return of Shea Weber.

Ouellet now joins a new-look Laval back end that features Karl Alzner and Victor Mete as well as Simon Despres for a couple of weeks as he tries to get into playing shape to suit up for Canada’s entry into the upcoming Spengler Cup.  He won’t be available for this afternoon’s contest in Toronto but he should be in the lineup on Wednesday when Laval kicks off a five-game home stand.