After suffering a knee injury in the first period of the Canadiens’ 2-1 preseason loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre on Saturday, Patrik Laine of the team said he “dodged a bullet.”
When Laine and Cédric Paré of the Maple Leafs collided knee-on-knee during a power play, it appeared as though Laine might have suffered a season-ending injury. It turned out to be only a sprained left knee, and Laine will likely be out for two to three months.
As training camp continues, Laine—who is still using crutches—travelled to Mont-Tremblant with his teammates on Wednesday. On Thursday morning, he had his first interview since his injury with reporters there. Laine stated that he made the choice to forego knee surgery after consulting with a “couple of doctors” and receiving “some good opinions.”
Laine told reporters in Mont-Tremblant, “But the team and everyone else gave me all the help with that and, at the end of the day, just decided not to do surgery and just do rehab and let it heal.” It is, after all, my knee. It was one of those situations where anything could happen.
Laine continued, “I don’t think there are ever any guarantees whether you do surgery or not.” “I’m confident that everyone here, including the medical team, will do all in our power to make sure everything runs well when I return. They did a fantastic job of essentially outlining the entire procedure and the circumstances we’re in, telling us that the likelihood is very high and other such information. That eased my mind a little bit about it. We simply need to put in the effort now, so I’m not worried about it because our medical staff is excellent.
Laine didn’t hold Paré accountable for the blow that hurt him.
Laine declared, “I don’t think anybody is trying to hurt anybody.” “The game of hockey moves quickly, and I unintentionally put myself in that position a little bit.” He’s attempting to halt himself. Just a mishappen collision. After that, he texted me, so respect that. But it’s just a bad play.
Since last December 14, when he sustained a broken left collarbone that necessitated surgery, Laine has not participated in an NHL regular-season game. After addressing mental health concerns, Laine joined the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in January. When he sustained the knee injury, he was just in his second preseason game with the Canadiens following his off-season acquisition from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
He told reporters in Mont-Tremblant, “It was pretty miserable the first couple of days when I got the calls and the diagnosis and the MRIs and stuff.” That was quite touching. fought back so hard to play a second game and a second shift without getting wounded again and to return to the rink with excitement. However, that is the reality. You occasionally get harmed playing this sport, so try to keep a cheerful attitude. However, it will be fortunate that I will at least have the second half of the season when I return.
Making the trip to Mont-Tremblant with his new teammates, according to Laine, was beneficial as well.
It’s enjoyable to be around, he remarked. Obviously, being on the ice is preferable. but used his knee to sort of avoid a gunshot. Possibly far worse. I’m still not thrilled about the injury, but I have to accept it for what it is and try to keep my spirits up. However, we’ll return.
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