NEW YORK -- Mathieu Garon's season already has been spiced with memorable moments.

The Blue Jackets goaltender visited the White House in September with his former teammates, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and received his Stanley Cup ring several weeks later.

Tonight in Montreal there will be no meet-and-greet with a head of state or a chance to receive fancy jewelry. But Garon is nevertheless excited.

The Chandler, Quebec, native will start against another former team, the Montreal Canadiens. It marks just the second time Garon will play in Montreal since he was traded in 2004 to the Los Angeles Kings.

"It was a dream to get drafted by them and it was someplace special for me," Garon said. "I was really happy to play there having grown up in Quebec."

Garon, 31, was drafted by Montreal in 1996, and he played parts of four seasons with the Canadiens. Trapped behind starter Jose Theodore, he needed a change in scenery if he hoped to play on a more regular basis.

The Jackets would love to get him a victory in front of family members that will include his father and sister. Coach Ken Hitchcock has been thrilled with Garon's play and his work ethic.

"His professionalism has pushed everyone," Hitchcock said. "When you have an older guy who goes on the ice early and stays late, it has a real impact on the rest of the players."

Garon was 4-1 with a 2.46 goals-against average entering play last night.

Tyutin returns

Defenseman Fedor Tyutin returned to Madison Square Garden for the first time since he was traded from the Rangers in 2008.

Tyutin was a popular player and helped the Rangers make four consecutive playoff appearances.

"There were good memories here," Tyutin said. "I know this game is going to have a different feeling than other games. It was a great experience in helping them rebuild the team."

Dorsett goes on IR

The Blue Jackets placed winger Derek Dorsett on the injured reserve list retroactive to Nov. 19.

Dorsett was driven face first into the glass Thursday in a hit from behind by Dallas forward James Neal. Neal has been suspended two games.

Dorsett suffered a concussion and has been slow to recover.

Leclaire injured

The Blue Jackets might not get a chance to face former teammate Pascal Leclaire on Thursday at Ottawa.

The goaltender was injured Saturday during a goalmouth collision with Buffalo's Jochen Hecht. Leclaire finished the second period but did not play in the third. He suffered a lower-body injury, according to the team.

Leclaire told the team Web site he needs another "24 to 48 hours" before he can return.

treed@dispatch.com