Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine is set to miss two to three months due to a sprained left knee, sustained during a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The injury occurred from a knee-on-knee hit with Cedric Pare, leading to a series of penalties and a fight involving Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

Despite the setback, Laine will not require surgery. His acquisition from the Columbus Blue Jackets in August was seen as a boost for the Canadiens, who are looking to improve after missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.