The NHL hockey league received harsh news last weekend, when the much-anticipated transfer to the Montreal Canadiens took place Patrick Laine injured his knee in a training match.
After all, the worst fears did not come true, and Laine will “only” survive with 2-3 months of help.
Laine’s previous season was dark. He last played in the NHL in December 2023.
On Thursday, Canadiens players were interviewed as part of their training camp media meetings. Patrik Laine, dressed in a gray hoodie and jacket and a pink cap, was also available to the media. He commented on his injury for the first time.
Last weekend’s injury occurred when Laine climbed over the blue line of the offensive end with the puck in the first few minutes of the opening set and tried to slide Cédric Parén and between another Toronto player. Laine’s journey hit Paré’s knee, and the Finn’s left leg twisted ominously.
No accusations against Paré
Laine told the media that it’s nice to be with the team, although he would of course also prefer to be in ice training. You can say that relief shined on Laine’s face. The Finnish star made the media laugh several times.
– Of course, I’m not happy about my injury, but it could have been much worse for the knee. I’m trying to stay positive and we’ll get back to this, he smiled.
Paré was not penalized for the collision with Laine. After that, things heated up drastically in the practice game between Montreal and Toronto. of Montreal Arber Xhekaj punched a Canadian and received a match penalty for his act.
‘s expert Ismo Lehkonen saw that the inexperience of the 25-year-old Toronto attacker shone through in Paré’s tackle attempt. Paré has previously played games only in the AHL and was now showing signs for the NHL.
Laine does not blame his tackler.
– I don’t think that anyone is intentionally trying to harm another. Ice hockey is a fast sport.
Laine, on the contrary, blamed herself a little and said that she made herself vulnerable by pushing into a tight gap.
– Paré sent me a message afterwards, and I respect him for that. It was just an unfortunate situation.
In social media, not everyone took the matter in the same adult way. For example Journal de Montreal reported that Paré ended up deleting her social media account because of the flood of hate messages.
Surgery or rehabilitation?
Laine was asked if he thought immediately after the crash that his season might be in jeopardy.
– I don’t. It just hurt me. I wondered how to get up. That was my main concern. The way the knee felt, I could immediately assume that something was wrong. Of course I wasn’t happy, as everyone could see.
After the situation, Laine, among other things, hit his helmet in frustration.
Laine told the media that she met a couple of doctors and got “good insights” about her situation. Finally, the news was positive considering the situation.
Laine was asked if it was her own decision not to operate on the knee. The Finn made the reporters smile by stating that, in the end, it is “his knee”.
– In this situation, either way could have worked (operation or simple rehabilitation).
Laine reminded that doctors can never give one hundred percent guarantees about the rehabilitation process and returning to the ice. He praised the doctors for how he had been told about the different options.
– It’s not my first injury. There are never any guarantees, but we’ll do everything we can to make sure I’m in full swing when I get back. The doctors opened the process very well. The possibilities are great. I’m not worried because we have a great team.
Emotional
Laine has lost almost 40 percent of all games since autumn 2019. Lainee’s last full season was six years ago. Then there was an abdominal muscle injury, an elbow and collarbone injury, an ankle injury, corona infection and so on, and finally applying for a treatment program.
The purpose of the treatment program is to help players suffering from mental health, substance abuse or other problems, among other things.
That’s why the thoughts of “not again” suddenly came to mind when Laine was lying on the ice.
– It was quite inconsolable. The first days were emotional. I had fought so hard to get back on the ice and be able to hit again. Then another training match and another substitution…
Laine was glowing in Montreal’s organization. The head coach Martin St. Louis has emphasized how players must feel “at home”. That’s why Laine is also participating in Tremblant on a “spirit-raising” trip.
Laine said that he immediately noticed in Montreal how much the club means to the community and how united the group is.
– A great organization and I am super happy to be a part of it.
The crutches that still accompany Laine. He made the crowd laugh once more when one of the reporters asked when Laine could return to the ice.
– I won’t be in training tomorrow.
Patrik Laine’s interview can be found From Youtube from the Montreal Canadiens account.