The Montreal Canadiens might be getting some reinforcements soon after Patrik Laine practised with his teammates for the first time since suffering a left knee sprain.
Laine skated alone before joining the team for the first few drills at practice on Wednesday at CN Sports Complex. He wore a non-contact jersey and left the ice after about 15 minutes.
“It’s nice to have him back with us,” defenceman David Savard said. “It can feel like a long time when you’re not practising 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.
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“But it’s great to see him and to know he’s close to returning to play.”
Laine was injured after a collision with Cédric Paré during a pre-season game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept. 28. He opted not to undergo surgery.
The Canadiens announced on Oct. 1 that he would be sidelined for two to three months. He resumed skating on his own on Nov. 6. At this point, he’s expected to make his official debut in a Canadiens uniform sometime in December.
The 26-year-old Finn hasn’t played in the NHL since Dec. 14 as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was sidelined with a fractured clavicle and later entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to focus on his mental health.
Laine will likely need some time to get back into game rhythm.
“Will it take one game? Two weeks? I don’t know, we’ll see,” Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis said.
The Canadiens are riding a two-game win streak and next play the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday at the Bell Centre.