Montreal Canadiens’ forward Patrik Laine is making strides in his recovery from a left knee sprain, as he joined his teammates for practice for the first time since the injury. Laine, who had been skating alone prior to joining the team for drills, wore a noncontact jersey during the session and left the ice after about 15 minutes. His return to practice was welcomed by his teammates, who have been making efforts to keep him involved in team activities despite his absence.
Laine sustained the injury during a preseason game in September and has been out of action since then. The Canadiens had initially announced that he would be sidelined for two to three months, but he has been progressing well in his recovery. The 26-year-old Finn is expected to make his official debut in a Canadiens uniform sometime in December, marking his return to the NHL after a hiatus due to a fractured clavicle and a focus on mental health.
Coach Martin St. Louis acknowledged that Laine might need some time to regain his game rhythm after such a long absence from competitive play. The team is optimistic about his return and looks forward to having him back on the ice. The Canadiens, who are currently on a two-game winning streak, are gearing up to face the Vegas Golden Knights in their next game at the Bell Centre on Saturday.
As Laine continues his recovery and prepares to make his comeback, his presence is sure to bolster the Canadiens’ lineup and provide a significant boost to the team. Fans are eagerly anticipating his return to action and are hopeful that he will make a strong impact on the ice. With his skill and experience, Laine’s comeback could be a game-changer for the Canadiens as they strive for success in the upcoming games.