Canadiens Coach Opens Up on Patrik Laine's Devastating Injury

Patrik Laine’s fresh start with the Montreal Canadiens has been put on hold after suffering an unfortunate knee injury during Saturday's preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The injury, which occurred after a knee-on-knee collision with Cedric Pare, has been heavily criticized by hockey insiders and former players.

Those critiques touched on everything ranging from the unnecessary physicality shown by Pare on the action as well as a taxing preseason schedule full of meaningless games .

In any case, Laine's injury is expected to sideline the star winger for months, as he popped up at practice on Monday on crutches, and is still waiting for an official diagnosis from the team.

Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis spoke on Monday about the emotional toll of Laine’s injury.

The Habs coach noted the strides Laine had made in integrating with the team following his struggles playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets last season before requesting a trade.

“The No. 1 job we had to do with Patty is make him excited to come to the rink, and he was,” St. Louis said. “And it’s not just my job, it’s the group, you know?

"What I’m really proud about the group--and I know, obviously there’s a show called “The Rebuild”--when you’re building a house, the house could look really nice, but is it a home? And I feel like seeing Patty coming in like that makes me feel like we’re building a home, not just a house.

"So, I think it stings a little more because I feel he was excited to come to the rink.”

Laine faced personal struggles and injuries throughout his career, and after being traded from Columbus to Montreal in the offseason, this was supposed to be a chance for him to hit reset.

With Laine expected to miss significant time, the Canadiens are left adjusting their plans both on and off the ice. Daily Faceoff projected the Habs to slot Laine in their second line.

If he misses time, as expected, the Canadiens will have to move Josh Anderson and Joel Armia up a line each on the right wing while upgrading somebody else to take on the newly vacant spot opened by Laine's injury.

Related: Canadiens Receive Concerning Patrik Laine Injury Update