Patrik Laine Spotted at Canadiens Practice: Crucial Injury Update

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Austin Kelly
October 21, 2024 (5:14 PM)

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There is a promising update on the health of Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine after he suffered a nasty injury in the preseason after a knee-on-knee hit.

Laine, who was acquired via trade by Montreal this past off-season has been out of action for the Canadiens since being injured in a preseason matchup against the rival Toronto Maple Leafs. After a "knee on knee" collision with forward Cédric Paré, Laine has not played since and has not yet appeared in the 2024-25 regular season for the Habs.

In a positive update for Laine, it was revealed that he is no longer walking with the assistance of crutches, although he is still in a foot brace.

Laine hasn't yet returned to playing hockey, which is still the major step the team is waiting for, but it's a positive milestone in his recovery that Laine is regaining his mobility. It will be a while before any return, however. Officially, Laine has been confirmed as out of action for approximately 2-3 months while rehabbing his left knee, a positive outcome given concerns of a potential more serious injury being an initial possibility amongst fans and analysts and miraculously being able to avoid surgery as well.

Laine played in just 18 games last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, as Laine dealt with an injury, and later entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program for mental health reasons. Laine had 3 goals and 9 points in that span.

Laine is a former second-overall pick of the Winnipeg Jets in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, having played four seasons for the club before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. In a blockbuster deal that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois, taken a spot after him in 2016, the other way. Laine into his 5th year, played another 4 years in Columbus before being traded to Montreal this past offseason along with a 2026 NHL Draft pick for defenseman Jordan Harris.

In 480 career NHL games, Laine has 204 goals, 184 assists & 388 points. Laine was an NHL All-Star in 2017 as a member of the Winnipeg Jets and has represented his home country of Finland internationally, winning a gold medal in the 2016 World Junior Championships and also finishing tied for 1st in goals with 7. He shared the top spot along with fellow draft prospect Auston Matthews, who Laine battled for the top pick in the 2016 Draft. Laine won a silver medal as well with the Finns the same year in the World Championship.

It's a big step forward for Laine and the Canadiens, and while it's not exactly the news fans want to hear; it's one step closer to Laine back on the ice and helping Montreal add to their long list of Cup wins.