Maxim Lapierre and Mathieu Schneider Undergo Surgery

The Montreal Canadiens' general manager released a medical update today on the status of forward Maxim Lapierre and defenceman Mathieu Schneider.

Lapierre underwent a minor surgical procedure to his ankle on Thursday.

Canadiens GM Bob Gainey stated that Lapierre, 24, was able to play despite the injury for most of the season.

It was agreed by both Lapierre and the Canadiens’ medical staff that the surgery could be held off until the end of the season.

Lapierre had career-high 15 goals and 13 assists in 79 games during the season.

The 39-year-old Schneider underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery last week.

The veteran rearguard suffered a shoulder injury in a game against the Maple Leafs in Toronto on April 4.

He missed two games before returning for the last two regular-season games of the season. Schneider appeared in the first two playoff games against the Boston Bruins, but was unable to play in the last two games.

Schneider had five goals and 12 assists in 23 games with Montreal after returning to the Canadiens in a Feb. 16 trade with the Atlanta Thrashers.

Both players are expected to be fully recovered for the start of training camp in September.

Whether both are at the same camp is undetermined as while Lapierre is still under contract, Schneider will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.