Zack Kassian will be off the ice for some time after breaking bones in a crash on Sunday morning.
Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin said he had yet to speak to Kassian following the crash in NDG, but he was disappointed that Kassian was in that situation.
Kassian, 24, was one of two passengers in a pickup truck that smashed into a tree at 6:30 a.m. Sunday. The driver was a 20-year-old woman who may have been driving drunk.
Kassian, the driver, and another 18-year-old female passenger suffered minor injuries, with Kassian fracturing his nose and left foot.
"I'm a firm believer in character, and that's a lack of character on his part," said Bergevin. "It's disappointing to say the least."
Bergevin said he was aware that Kassian had a reputation as a party animal, and knew the player had often been pulled by the managers of other teams where he played professional hockey.
"Yep, it was very clear. You take a risk," said Bergevin.
He implied the Canadiens would be keeping a very close eye on the forward as the season progressed.
"Perfection is not a part of this world but if mistakes keep happening then maybe there's a pattern here," said Bergevin.
Meanwhile the Montreal Canadiens have made some roster changes in advance of the beginning of the hockey season.
Goalie Dustin Tokarski and defenceman Mark Barberio were placed on waivers. If no other team decides to pick up their contracts, the pair will play for the Habs farm team, the St. John's IceCaps in the AHL.
Forwards Charles Hudon and Sven Andrighetto were also sent to the AHL as the Habs pare their roster to the league maximum of 23 players.
