Laine expected to miss 2-3 months with knee sprain

Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine is likely out two-to-three months due to a left knee sprain that won't require surgery, the club announced Tuesday.

Laine was injured during Montreal's preseason loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. Leafs farmhand Cedric Pare went knee-on-knee with the Finnish winger early in the first period, forcing Laine to leave the game with the help of his teammates.

Montreal eventually ruled Laine out for the rest of the game. Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis said afterward he felt Pare should've been penalized.

The Habs acquired Laine in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets in August. The 26-year-old played only 18 games last season and entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in January. Laine suited up for only 129 games over the last three seasons, having dealt with numerous injuries before 2023-24.

David Reinbacher, the Canadiens' fifth overall pick at last year's draft, also departed Saturday's contest following a hit by Toronto blue-liner Marshall Rifai. Montreal announced Tuesday that Reinbacher underwent knee surgery and is expected to miss five-to-six months.