The Montreal Canadiens may soon have some extra help as Patrik Laine practiced with his teammates for the first time since injuring his left knee.
Laine skated on his own before joining the team for the initial drills at practice. He wore a non-contact jersey and left the ice after about 15 minutes.
“It’s nice to have him back with us,” said defenseman David Savard. “It can feel like a long time when you’re not practicing with the team, you don’t see the guys as much.
We’ve made an effort to keep him involved as much as possible during team meetings, but it’s tougher when we’re on the road. But it’s great to see him and to know he’s close to returning to play.”
Laine got hurt during a preseason game on Sept. 28 against the Toronto Maple Leafs after a collision with Cédric Paré. He decided not to have surgery.
The Canadiens announced on Oct. 1 that Laine would be out for two to three months. He began skating on his own on Nov. 6, and it is expected that he will make his official debut with the Canadiens in December.
The 26-year-old Finn hasn’t played in the NHL since Dec. 14 while with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He had a fractured clavicle and later took time off to focus on his mental health through the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
Laine will likely need some time to get back to his best form.
“Will it take one game? Two weeks? I don’t know, we’ll see,” said Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis.
The Canadiens are currently on a two-game winning streak and will play the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday at the Bell Centre.
