Habs' Gallagher out at least six weeks after surgery

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Tuesday that forward Brendan Gallagher underwent surgery on his injured hand on Monday afternoon.

Gallagher, 23, fractured two fingers on his left hand in Sunday's 4-2 win over the New York Islanders when he blocked a Johnny Boychuk shot during the second period.

In 22 games this season, the Edmonton native has nine goals and 10 assists.

The team also clarified the status of forward Torrey Mitchell.

Mitchell fell awkwardly in the third period of that game after a hit in the front of the Arizona goal by Coyotes defenceman Zbynek Michalek.

The 30-year-old native of Greenfield Park, Quebec has appeared in 20 games for the Habs this season, tallying five goals and five assists.

Forward Devante Smith-Pelly returned to practice on Tuesday after missing Sunday's contest with a lower-body injury. He skated on a line with Max Pacioretty and Tomas Plekanec.

Defenceman Alexei Emelin, out since November 11, was also at practice, partnered with Jarred Tinordi.

The Canadiens are 16-4-2 on 34 points and sit atop the Atlantic Division. The team is next in action on Wednesday night when it visits the Metropolitan-leading New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.