"It needs a real examination": NHL insider Craig Button irate with key injuries to Patrik Laine and Cedric Pare in extended preseason 

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Oct 03, 2024 01:18 GMT

NHL insider Craig Button shared his thoughts on Montreal Canadien's new signee Patrik Laine's injury during the preseason on Wednesday's Donnie & Dhali podcast. Button was upset about the length of the preseason and its impact on player safety.

Button suggested that teams should change how they use young players in preseason games.

[1:38] "You want to have three young guys go out against we're going to put our three young guys up," Button said. "You're not going to be playing against our guys that were counting on for the regular season. That's how I would - that's a suggestion I have for trying to clean it up."

This could help reduce the risk of injuries during preseason.

Button said losing important players before the first game hurts teams' chances of making the playoffs.

"Game one matters now in the regular season. And when you lose good players prior to that, it hurts your hurts your team. It hurts your chances of competing for the playoffs. And I think that it needs a real examination of what is necessary with respect to getting the players ready for the regular season," Button added.

The Montreal Canadiens announced that Patrik Laine, who suffered a left knee sprain after a collision with Cedric Pare of the Toronto Maple Leafs, would miss up to three months. Laine was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets in August. He played only two preseason games before his injury.

A former Calder Trophy finalist, Patrik Laine has been a consistent scoring threat in the NHL. In 480 games with the Blue Jackets and Winnipeg Jets, he has scored 204 goals and added 184 assists. He averages 0.81 points per game.

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Patrik Laine's time with Blue Jackets and injury timeline

Patrik Laine was expected to play an important role in the Canadiens' top-six forward group this season. Drafted second overall in 2016, Laine wanted to improve in Montreal after disagreements (locker room issues) with the Blue Jackets last season.

The Canadiens confirmed that Laine would not need surgery. However, this injury adds to Laine's history of health problems. Last year he was listed as ill and prior to that had an upper-body injury.

Laine played only 18 games with Columbus last year. He scored six goals and had three assists, including two on the power play.

With Laine out, Josh Anderson is expected to take on a bigger role on the Canadiens' roster. Laine will likely be placed on long-term injured reserve when the season starts.