Good News for Canadiens: Laine’s Hit the Ice

Recent video suggests that Patrik Laine is now skating. Can the Canadiens newcomer return to help his Canadiens team this season?

Montreal CanadiensGood News for Canadiens: Laine’s Hit the IceRecent video suggests that Patrik Laine is now skating. Can the Canadiens newcomer return to help his Canadiens team this season?Share this:ShareRedditby Old ProfNovember 18, 2024EzoicPatrik Laine’s road to recovery from a knee injury has caused some uncertainty for the Montreal Canadiens. He was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to start the season. The 26-year-old winger was expected to be sidelined for two to three months after suffering a left knee sprain. However, the good news was that surgery wouldn’t be necessary. At the time, the medical prognosis was that Laine would be out until December. That means he would miss a considerable portion of the early 2024-25 season

.However, today (as the video shows below), there’s good news for the Canadiens. Laine was filmed taking part in skating. Perhaps this means that his injury wasn’t worse than expected, and he might soon be on the ice for the Canadiens. They will need his offensive touch once he returns.

Could Laine Be a Game-Changer for the Canadiens?

What are Laine’s expectations, provided he can stay healthy for the remainder of the campaign? He’s expected to slot into a top-six role when he returns to the lineup. He will also grab a spot on the No. 1 power-play unit. He’s always been a potent offensive player. Even with a slower start to the season, he can contribute to special teams. He can also create scoring chances, which could be a key for Montreal’s offensive strength.

The biggest question is whether it’s too late for the Canadians to turn the season around. Even if Laine does hit the ice producing, is it too late for this team? Thus far, the season has been up and down. The team has potential and solid players but hasn’t brought it all together.

Could the Canadiens Be Laine’s Last Chance for a Legacy?

As Laine continues to rehab and take strides toward returning to the Canadiens lineup, there’s a renewed hope for his potential impact on the team. His recent skating sessions are a positive sign, especially after being sidelined with a knee injury since late September. While flashes of brilliance have marked Laine’s career, his consistency has often been elusive. Still, the Canadiens might offer him one final opportunity to cement his legacy as a top-tier scorer in the NHL.

Though his past injury history raises concern, there’s optimism that Laine could rediscover his offensive touch once he is fully healthy. If he can stay on the ice and make a significant impact, he could help the Canadiens compete. He could also become a fan favorite in Montreal. The city’s passionate fanbase would certainly embrace a rejuvenated Laine if he proved to be the difference-maker the team has been hoping for.

With his skill set, Laine still has the potential to be one of the league’s top scorers. This season could finally be his chance to make that leap. Good luck to him as he works back into the Canadiens lineup.