Patrik Laine to make Canadiens pre-season debut against Flyers

Sportsnet Staff @SportsnetSeptember 23, 2024 - 1:58pm

Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis explains why they will be patient and careful with the pace in which they get Patrik Laine up to speed, not only with their collective game, but also with him individually, as he hasn't played in a long time.

Forward Patrik Laine will suit up with the Montreal Canadiens for the first time Monday night.

The Canadiens announced Laine will dress for the team's first pre-season game against the Philadelphia Flyers in Montreal. He is slotted on the top line with Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.

Montreal acquired Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Aug. 19 in exchange for defenceman Jordan Harris and a second-round pick.

Laine was limited to 18 games last season due to a shoulder injury and spending time in the NHL/NHLPA's player assistance program. He was cleared by the program in July.

The 26-year-old from Tampere, Finland, was drafted second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2016. Laine scored a career-high 44 goals and 70 points during his sophomore season with the Jets in 2017-18. He was traded to the Blue Jackets in January 2021.

Laine has 388 points (204 goals and 184 assists) in 480 career games over eight seasons with Winnipeg and Columbus.

He will also be sporting a new jersey number as No. 29 is retired by the Canadiens in honour of legendary goaltender Ken Dryden. Laine flipped things and will wear No. 92.

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