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Laine looks sharp at practice as Canadiens await his return

Al Sciola
Al Sciola
|
Nov 18 2024, 7:56 pm
Laine looks sharp at practice as Canadiens await his return
TVA Sports

The Montreal Canadiens could soon welcome another offensive weapon to their lineup. And it can’t come soon enough.

Forward Patrik Laine, who has yet to play a regular-season game with the Canadiens, was back at practice on Monday, participating in drills with teammates.

After suffering a preseason knee injury, the Finnish sniper — acquired in an offseason trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets — looked much better than he did when fans last saw him on crutches at the Habs’ home opener last month.

The 26-year-old, who was spotted skating solo at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard last week, refrained from moving at top speed but looked smooth on his feet. He practiced shooting on an empty net alongside Emil Heineman and Nick Suzuki.

While the practice clips offer hope for a sooner-than-expected return, Laine was given a timeline of two to three months after being on the wrong end of a knee-on-knee collision with Leafs callup Cedric Pare on September 28.

The 6-foot-5 winger refused surgery, opting to let his knee sprain heal naturally.

 

With previous tenures in Winnipeg and Columbus, Laine brings a proven scoring touch with 204 career goals in 480 games. While injuries and a stint in the NHL’s Player Assistance Program have kept him away from action since last December, his return to the Canadiens’ lineup could inject some much-needed firepower once he’s back to full strength.

The Habs are 6-10-2 through their first 18 outings and find themselves at the bottom of the NHL’s Atlantic Divison standings. Currently averaging just 2.83 goals per game, part of the Canadiens’ recent struggles stem from a lack of offensive production.

Montreal will look to steal a win at home tonight as they take on the Edmonton Oilers. Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm ET.

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