On the night of his much-anticipated regular-season debut, Patrik Laine is poised to make waves in the hockey world as he steps onto the ice for the Montreal Canadiens. After being sidelined for two months due to a knee injury, Laine’s return is a monumental event not just for him, but for a team seeking fresh momentum. The Canadiens officially cleared Laine from long-term injured reserve, indicating that he is fit to compete. This step forwards signals a crucial moment in Laine’s career after his tumultuous tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the challenges he faced due to injuries.
Laine, who was traded from the Blue Jackets to the Canadiens in August, brings with him a significant burden of expectation. Having been acquired along with a 2026 second-round draft pick in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris, Laine was looking for a new beginning. The young forward practiced with Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky on the second line during a morning skate, showcasing the potential dynamic he could introduce into the Canadiens’ lineup.
The journey for Laine has hardly been smooth. Over the last few seasons, injuries have plagued him, costing him vital game time. Most notably, last season was significantly hampered when he sustained a broken clavicle and later spent considerable time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. These misfortunes have led to a pattern of missed games that has frustrated both the player and the organization. Laine has an unfortunate history of injuries that have followed him since he was drafted second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2016.
In fact, his knee-on-knee collision during a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs kept him away from the ice for most of the initial part of the season, with the projected recovery timeline stretching on for two to three months. While it is a relief to see Laine back on the ice, there remains a shadow of doubt about his durability moving forward and how frequently he can remain a contributing player for the Canadiens.
Despite the extensive injury history, Laine has made impressive strides during his time with Columbus, averaging a point per game over two seasons from 2021 to 2023. Now, as he seeks to carve out a new identity with the Canadiens, expectations run high. Laine himself recognizes the unique opportunity presented by this fresh start, stating, “It’s almost been a year since my last real game.” He expressed eagerness to rejoin the squad and share the ice, highlighting the emotional impact of being back, saying, “I’m just happy about it.”
Compounding the excitement of Laine’s return is the thought of playing in front of the Canadiens’ fans at the Bell Centre. Laine trusts that the energized crowd will invigorate his performance on the ice, stating, “If somebody plays [at the Bell Centre] and doesn’t get fired up, I think there’s something wrong with them.” This optimism is crucial in forging a connection with the fans and helping them adjust their expectations as Laine transitions back to active play.
The Atmosphere of Anticipation
Interestingly, Laine’s homecoming coincides with another significant occasion: the return of Patrick Roy, a Canadiens icon now coaching the New York Islanders. This combination adds layers of intrigue to the match, but all eyes are poised on Laine as he embarks on this new chapter in his hockey career. He acknowledged the unwavering support he has received from fans and the organization during his struggles, saying, “The whole city, the whole organization, Habs fans have been just wonderful throughout this whole thing; I’m super thankful for that.”
As Laine prepares to lace up his skates for a fresh competitive outing, there is both excitement and apprehension surrounding his return. The Canadiens’ faithful will be hoping that Laine not only can stay healthy but also elevate the team’s performance in the face of adversity. His journey tells a larger story about resilience and the importance of community support, encapsulating the very essence of what it means to play for the storied franchise that is the Montreal Canadiens.
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