Canadiens' Patrik Laine skates with teammates for the first time since his injury

Montreal Canadiens' Patrik Laine (92) lies on the ice after a collision with a Toronto Maple Leafs player during first period NHL pre-season action in Montreal on Saturday, September 28, 2024. (Evan Buhler / The Canadian Press)

The Montreal Canadiens might be getting some reinforcements soon after Patrik Laine practiced with his teammates Wednesday for the first time since suffering a left knee sprain.

Laine skated alone before joining the team for the first few drills at practice. He wore a noncontact jersey and left the ice after about 15 minutes.

"It's nice to have him back with us," defenseman David Savard said. "It can feel like a long time when you're not practicing 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.

"But it's great to see him and to know he's close to returning to play."

Laine was injured after a collision with Cedric Pare during a preseason 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 coach Martin St. Louis said.

The Canadiens are riding a two-game winning streak and next play the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday at the Bell Centre.

This report was first published by the Associated Press on Nov. 20, 2024.