After a pretty brutal first quarter, the Montreal Canadiens will get a much-needed injection of offence into their lineup tonight as Patrik Laine joins the squad.
On Tuesday, the team revealed that the Finnish forward, who sustained a knee sprain in the preseason, has been activated off IR and is cleared to play in tonight’s game against the New York Islanders.
L’attaquant Patrik Laine a été retiré de la liste des blessés et disputera son premier match de la saison mardi
Forward Patrik Laine has been activated off IR and will make his Habs regular season debut on Tuesday
#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/NjR5KUCcel— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 3, 2024
With the Habs taking to the ice for practice this morning, Laine, who has skated in a non-contact jersey for the past week, was placed on a top-six trio alongside Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach at centre, as per TVA Sports reporter Renaud Lavoie.
Patrik Laine on a line with Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkosky. @CanadiensMTL
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) December 3, 2024
Both Slafkovsky and Dach have struggled recently, combining for just three points in their last eight games. Head coach Martin St. Louis may be hoping Laine’s presence will ignite some much-needed chemistry on the line, utilizing the 6-foot-4 sniper’s scoring touch to spark his teammates.
The bench boss is expected to use the following lines and defence pairings as the Canadiens look to shake off two straight losses on the road.
Forwards
Line 1: Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Alex Newhook
Line 2: Patrik Laine – Kirby Dach – Juraj Slafkovsky
Line 3: Brendan Gallagher – Christian Dvorak – Josh Anderson
Line 4: Emil Heineman – Jake Evans – Joel Armia
Defence
Pairing 1: Kaiden Guhle – Mike Matheson
Pairing 2: Lane Hutson – Jayden Struble
Pairing 3: Arber Xhekaj – David Savard
Acquired by the Canadiens in an offseason trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Laine, 26, has yet to suit up for a regular season game in Montreal. In fact, he last played in December 2023, before sustaining a separate injury and participating in the NHLPA’s player assistance program.
Selected second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2016 draft, the winger has tallied 204 goals and 388 points in 480 career NHL games.