Worst case scenario confirmed for Patrik Laine and Montreal Canadiens
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Last night's preseason game between the Leafs and Canadiens erupted with physicality, and now the Habs are seeing the worst news possible.
Their new star forward Patrik Laine had to be helped off the ice last night after taking a hard knee on knee contact from Leafs forward Cedric Pare. It looked like it could be a disastrous injury for Laine, and after the game, he was spotted leaving the arena in crutches and a knee brace.
Shortly afterward, Habs defender Arber Xhekaj unloaded on Pare in defence of his teammate - but he may have taken it too far. Xhekaj chased down Pare and beat down on him as an unwilling opponent, and there's been significant calls for him to be suspended.
It's an extremely difficult situation for the Habs to handle. Any time a star players gets injured in a preseason game is disappointing, but Laine was also seeking a fresh start in Montreal after some hard years with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Laine spent the majority of last season in the Player's Assistance Program for mental health reasons, and was limited to just 18 games. Laine and the Canadiens had hoped he could rekindle his goal scoring talents in a new city, but this isn't the start they wanted to see.
According to Dr. Harjas Grewal from UBC, Laine may have potentially torn his ACL on the play which would end his season. A few more minor injuries are also possible that could be a shorter recovery time, but the Habs are still awaiting further tests.
Cedric Pare, the Leafs forward responsible for setting off the game was interviewed afterwards and his reaction drew scorn from Habs fans. Pare seemed to be smiling a bit and revelling in the impact he had on the game.
We'll have to see later today if any further disciplinary action results from the heated game last night.
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