Patrik Laine was spotted at Canadiens training camp (Credits: IMAGN)
Winger Patrik Laine joined the Montreal Canadiens at training camp in Mont-Tremblant on Thursday after injuring his knee during a pre-season game. The Canadiens posted a picture of him watching his teammates practice. Laine is expected to miss two to three months but does not require surgery, so he is traveling with the team.
Laine was standing with the help of crutches and wearing a pink cap under a hoodie, accompanied by some members of the Canadiens management team. The Canadiens wrote:
“Also from the trip Patrik Laine is here!”
Laine watching the Habs play
When the camera turns to the right, we can see the whole habs team out on the ice practicing.
Patrik Laine sprained his left knee after getting injured in a pre-season game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 28. It happened after a knee-on-knee collision with Cedric Pare.
Pare said the hit wasn’t intentional and hoped Laine would recover soon. The Canadiens acquired Laine from the Blue Jackets this summer to boost their offense. With Laine out, younger players like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook will need to step up.
Patrik Laine does not blame Cedric Pare for the injury
Initially, the hit looked worse and it was expected that Laine’s season would be over before it even started. However, after consulting with doctors, Laine decided to focus on rehab.
“At the end of the day, just decided not to do surgery and just do rehab and let it heal,” Laine said to reporters in Mont-Tremblant (via Montreal Gazette)
Laine doesn’t blame Paré for the hit, understanding it was just an accident in a fast-paced game. Paré apologized afterward, which Laine appreciated.
“I just kind of put myself in that situation a little bit.” Laine said. “He’s trying to make a stop. Just unfortunate collision. He texted me afterwards — give him respect for that. But just an unfortunate play.”
Laine had only played two pre-season games with the Canadiens after being traded from the Blue Jackets. He has had a tough year, dealing with a broken clavicle and spending time in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program for mental health issues.
Though disappointed, Laine is staying positive. He admitted it was tough hearing the diagnosis, but he’s focused on getting better and returning for the second half of the season.
“It’s fun to be around, Obviously, much rather be on the ice… I’m not still happy with the injury, but it is what it is and just try to stay positive.” Laine said.
Patrik Laine is confident in his recovery and plans to come back strong.
