After fearing the worst since seeing his injury on Saturday night, the Montreal Canadiens got what could be considered the best possible news: Forward Patrik Laine will not require surgery, and is expected to be out only two-to-three months.
The official word is that he suffered a sprain to his left knee, and considering how the injury looked at the time, should be considered great news. It is not ideal to be without a top-six forward for several months, but many were likely expecting his season to be over.
This should mean that Laine could be expected back as soon as December or January, if the timeline is to be respected.
The 26 year-old was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets on August 19, along with a 2026 second-round pick in exchange for defender Jordan Harris. He played only 18 games last season, and 73 over the last two seasons. He is under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season.
The news comes the same day that David Reinbacher underwent surgery on his left knee in an injury suffered in the same game and will miss five-to-six months.
