Insider Blames Patrik Laine's Injury on NHL Preseason Games

Patrik Laine’s knee injury during a preseason game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs played on Saturday sparked an unexpected reaction from one of the most respected NHL insiders.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun, also of The Athletic, was the loudest voice calling for change following the unfortunate injury on Saturday.

After the incident, LeBrun expressed his frustration and his concern with the current way the preseason is built, calling out the NHL for scheduling so many preseason games. LeBrun believes such games only serve the purpose of putting players at unnecessary risk.

“Awful seeing that,” LeBrun wrote on X , quoting a post showing Laine's injury. “You feel for Laine. And you also wonder again why so many useless pre-season games are needed in this day and age. I know why, HRR, but the NHL and NHLPA really need to think about reducing pre-season games in next CBA in 2 yrs.”

Laine suffered the injury in a knee-on-knee collision with Cedric Pare early in the game. The Finnish forward had to be helped off the ice and was later seen leaving the Bell Centre on crutches, wearing a knee brace . His status remains uncertain as further medical evaluations are conducted.

Laine, who had hoped for a fresh start in Montreal after a tough final season with the Columbus Blue Jackets and requesting a trade out of there, could be facing another lengthy recovery period.

For Laine, who has dealt with injuries throughout his career, the injury couldn’t have come at a worse time, as the Canadiens are set to open their regular season on Oct. 10.

Related: Report: Canadiens' Patrik Laine Leaves on Crutches With Knee Injury