NHL: Preseason-Philadelphia Flyers at Montreal Canadiens - Source: Imagn — Patrik Laine talks about his injury and refraining from surgery (Credit: IMAGN)

Patrik Laine comes clean on surgery decision, Cedric Pare call

Modified Oct 03, 2024 18:04 GMT

Patrik Laine is expected to miss two to three months due to a sprained knee. The Montreal Canadiens confirmed on October 2 that he will not need surgery.

Laine talked about his decision not to have surgery on his left knee, according to reports. NHL insider Renaud Lavoie said that it was Laine's final call.

"Patrik Laine told us he made the last call and decided not to have a surgery on his left knee. Cedric Pare called him to say he’s sorry about the hit, something Laine appreciated. @CanadiensMTL," Renaud tweeted on X.

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Laine was injured during a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs after a knee-on-knee collision with Cedric Pare. He struggled to get up and looked frustrated as teammates helped him off the ice.

“The team and everybody else gave me all the help with that and, at the end of the day, just decided not to do surgery and just do rehab and let it heal,” Laine said to reporters in Mont-Tremblant per Montreal Gazette.

“I don’t think there’s ever any guarantees whether you do surgery or not,” Laine said. “I’m sure me and the medical staff and everybody else will do everything we can to make sure it will be great once I come back ... we got a great medical staff, so I’m not worried about it.”

Patrik Laine and Cedric Pare have a truce

The Monreal Canadiens traded for Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets this summer to add scoring depth. This injury is a setback for the Canadiens. With Laine out, younger players like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook must step up.

“It’s a fast game, it wasn’t my intention,” Pare said after the game. “It’s unfortunate, I hope he’s fine.”

Last season, Laine scored six goals and nine points in 18 games for Columbus. He had a tough year, breaking his clavicle in December. He also spent six months in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program to focus on his mental health.

So, Patrik Laine did not blame Paré for the hit, calling it an unfortunate accident.

“I don’t think anybody’s trying to hurt anybody,” Laine said per Montreal Gazette. “Hockey’s a fast game and I just kind of put myself in that situation a little bit. He’s trying to make a stop. Just unfortunate collision. He texted me afterwards — give him respect for that. But just an unfortunate play.”

Despite this setback, Laine stays positive and looks forward to returning later in the season.