Patrik Laine was an avid spectator at the Montreal Canadiens’ training which took place at Mont-Tremblant on Thursday morning.
Despite his left knee injury, which will cause him to miss two to three months of activities, the 26-year-old Finn wanted to be with his teammates in the Laurentians.
“It’s really nice to be with the guys here. Of course I would have preferred to be on the ice, but I have to look at the positive. I really avoided a serious injury and will be back in great shape. », he mentioned to the journalists present at Mont-Tremblant.
“The first days were really difficult. To get injured like that on my second appearance in my second preseason match is very frustrating. I’m already looking forward to coming back for the second half of the season. »
Last Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Laine was forced to leave the game in pain after violent knee-to-knee contact with Leafs forward Cédric Paré. This incident has caused a lot of talk in recent days, but Laine assures that he does not hold it against Paré.
“I don’t believe that one player tries to hurt another on the ice. Hockey is a very fast sport and I believe it is an unlucky game more than other things. He [Cédric Paré] sent me a text message afterwards and I really respect that attention. »
Limited to just 18 games last season, the former Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets was excited at the idea of starting a campaign in great shape. Laine chose not to have surgery and to let time take its course.
“I really wasn’t happy at the time, I thought it was much more serious than that. It was my decision not to have surgery and I believe I made the right one. I’m going to let my knee heal and then begin a period of rehabilitation,” Laine said.
Asked when he was going to return to the ice, the CH striker showed his good humor by allowing himself a little joke.
“I still don’t know when I’ll be back on the ice, I’m looking at things day by day. However, I know that I will not be on the ice tomorrow! »
The Habs are visiting Mont-Tremblant for a second consecutive year. Even though he was treated to a superb reception during his first game at the Bell Centre, Laine was once again impressed by the Bleu-blanc-rouge fans.
“It’s impressive to see all these young people. I thought they would be at school! No joke, it’s amazing to see all the support from people. I am blessed to be part of this organization. »
The Canadiens will hold a public practice Friday in Tremblant. They will then conclude their preparatory schedule Saturday evening in Ottawa during a duel against the Senators.
