Laine to Make First Appearance in Canadiens Jersey at Bell Centre on Tuesday
Patrik Laine will make his debut in a Montreal Canadiens jersey on Tuesday evening as they face the New York Islanders at the Bell Centre.
Laine endured a significant left knee sprain during a preseason match against the Toronto Maple Leafs after joining the Canadiens from the Columbus Blue Jackets in an offseason deal.
This will mark Laine’s initial NHL appearance since he played against the Maple Leafs with the Blue Jackets on December 14, 2023.
“Couldn’t really sleep. That was weird, Might have something to do with a little excitement today, I’m not sure, but yeah, woke up a little earlier than usual. Just super excited, super thankful to be here. It’s been a long road with a lot of ups and maybe more downs so far, like the last couple years. So just excited and thankful to put on this jersey, and just being out there with the fellas, finally. It’ll be awesome.” : Laine said after the Canadiens morning skate Tuesday.
Laine exited that match in 2023 due to a clavicle injury and soon after joined the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. After leaving the program, Laine promoted the idea of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and stated that he returned with a fresh outlook. He viewed his move to the Canadiens as a new beginning, but it was compromised by the injury in September.
Having been away from the ice for an extended period, Laine realizes he shouldn’t have huge expectations about returning to the NHL and performing immediately, yet acknowledges that it will be challenging.
Laine will skate alongside Juraj Slafkovský and Kirby Dach against the Islanders, forming a line that includes the No. 1 selection in the 2022 draft (Slafkovský), the No. 2 choice in the 2016 draft (Laine), and the No. 3 pick in the 2019 draft (Dach).
Image Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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