Canadiens’ Patrik Laine on knee injury: ‘I kind of put myself in that situation’
Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine is out for the next two-to-three months with a knee sprain, after going knee-on-knee with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare during a preseason tilt Sep.28. While many felt Pare should have been penalized for kneeing, Laine met with the media on Thursday and admitted he doesn’t blame Pare, and suggested he put himself into a tough spot.
“I don’t think anybody’s trying to hurt anybody. Hockey’s a fast game. I kind of put myself in that situation a little bit. He’s (Pare) trying to make a stop, but it’s just an unfortunate collision,” Laine told reporters in Montreal on Thursday. Laine was happy to hear from Pare after the incident and respects the Leafs’ forward for reaching out. Laine knows hockey is a fast game and unfortunately, injuries are a part of the risk involved.
The Finnish winger is expected to be on crutches for the next few weeks and mentioned Thursday, he’s going to let his knee determine how fast he returns to the ice.
Laine admitted he consulted with multiple doctors regarding his injury, and it was his decision to not undergo surgery and let his knee heal on it’s own. Here’s the hit which sidelined the Canadiens’ forward:
Patrik Laine is forced to leave the game with a knee injury after colliding with Cedric Pare. pic.twitter.com/3rAOIRrfrQ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 28, 2024Laine, 26, is entering his first season with the Canadiens, after an offseason trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite being unavailable to play, he’s joining the rest of his teammates on their team-bonding trip to Mont-Tremblant QC.
Laine is looking to reset his career in Montreal, after a couple of tough seasons in Columbus, both on and off the ice. Laine appeared in just 18 games for the Blue Jackets last season, scoring six goals and collecting nine points.
With Laine unavailable for at least a couple of months, look for Canadiens’ forwards Alex Newhook, Joshua Roy, and Kirby Dach to be called upon to help supply secondary scoring in his absence. Montreal finished last season ranked 26th in the NHL in goals per game, and were hopeful Laine was going to help spark their offense.
Montreal continues their exhibition schedule this Saturday, when they head to Ottawa for a rematch against the rival Senators. Their first regular season game is set for Oct.9, when they’ll host the Toronto Maple Leafs.