The Montreal Canadiens have announced that forward Patrik Laine will be out of the lineup for three to four months following surgery to repair a core muscle injury. The team announced the news on Saturday, October 25th, stating that the surgery was performed by Dr. Mark Zoland in New York. Laine, 27, had been experiencing a lower-body issue that kept him out of the Canadiens' lineup since October 16th.
Laine's absence is a significant blow to the Canadiens' offensive capabilities. Acquired in a trade with Columbus before the 2024-25 season, Laine's first season in Montreal was also hampered by injury, limiting him to 52 games. In those games, he scored 20 goals and 13 assists. Before the injury this season, Laine had one assist in five games.
With Laine sidelined, the Canadiens' forward depth is being put to the test. Several players will need to step up to fill the void left by the Finnish winger. Potential linemates who may see increased roles include players like Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook. According to David Pagnotta, the Canadiens are exploring ways to bolster their offensive depth to support players like Demidov. The team's management is reportedly looking for complementary pieces to help the younger players develop.
The Canadiens' current roster includes forwards such as Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky. Other forwards who could see more ice time include Josh Anderson, Jake Evans, and Kirby Dach. The team also has prospects in their system who could be called upon to contribute.
This injury marks another setback in what has been an up-and-down tenure for Laine since joining the Canadiens. He missed the first 24 games of last season due to a knee sprain sustained in the pre-season. Despite expressing his desire to stay in Montreal long-term, his future with the team beyond this season remains uncertain.
The Canadiens are aiming to improve their standing in the Atlantic Division this season. They made the playoffs last year and are hoping to secure a better position this year. How the Canadiens navigate Laine's absence will be a key factor in determining their success.
