Patrik Laine's Debut: Has Christmas Arrived Early?

Aylee Ahmadzadeh | December 3, 2024

Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Its been a long time coming for Patrik Laine. On October 1, 2024, during a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Laine suffered a knee injury after a knee-on-knee collision with Cedric Pare. The sight of Laine visibly shaken left both him and Habs fans feeling devastated.

After being traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Jordan Harris, the excitement around Laine’s arrival was evident. The city, the fans, and the organization all shared high hopes for what Laine could bring to the team. But then, as if the Canadiens were cursed, injuries seemed to strike relentlessly, derailing their plans for a much-needed rebuild. But just when it seemed like all hope was lost, players began to return to the lineup, piece by piece. Now, it’s Laine’s turn to make his impact.

Today Laine is set to make his season debut against the New York Islanders. And with Patrik Laine being set to take his first steps back onto the ice, the weight of the past year seems to lift, both for him and for the Montreal Canadiens. The injury curse that had plagued the team for so long will soon feel like a distant memory as Laine finally reclaims his spot in the lineup. Fans, who have endured so much uncertainty and disappointment, can now look forward to the powerful, dynamic play that Laine is known for. His return is not just a personal victory, but a deep breath for a team that has faced adversity year through year. With Laine back in action, the Canadiens are ready to turn the page, and the future, once again, feels full of promise.