Montreal Canadiens forward Paul Byron missed Thursday's contest against the Washington Capitals due to a lower-body injury. On Saturday, coach Claude Julien announced the ailment will keep him sidelined for at least the next three games.

Byron will not suit up Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, nor will he make next week's trip to New York to take on the Islanders and Rangers.

An extended absence could be a key loss for Montreal, as Byron is tied for fifth in team scoring with seven points in 11 games.

Byron is in his fourth season with the Canadiens. He inked a four-year, $13.6-million extension during training camp.

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