Patrik Laine can already be part of the Montreal Canadiens playing NHL team this week.
NHL player Patrick Laine has been without a no-contact jersey for the first time since his injury at Montreal Canadiens practice on Monday.
Laine has not played a single regular season game in the NHL this fall, as he injured his knee in the second practice game at the beginning of October. Before this, the Tampere native spent more than half a year in the NHL’s treatment program.
The Canadian club announced on October 2nd that Laine would be sidelined for 2-3 months, according to the first estimate, until the beginning of December.
The Canadiens play their first back-to-back games this week on Wednesday and Thursday morning Finnish time against Utah and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
On Saturday and Sunday evening, Montreal will face the NY Rangers at 20:00 and Boston at 22:00 on the away tour.
Montreal head coach Martin St. Louis hints that it’s not worth waiting for Laine to take action before the end of the week.
The Lions’ team will be announced on December 4 for the four-nation NHL tournament in February. If Laine’s rehabilitation progresses, he may be able to return to the rink before the announcement of the team.