Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine is expected to miss two to three months with a sprained left knee that won’t require surgery.
The Canadiens announced the injury update Tuesday after Laine exited early in Saturday’s 2-1 pre-season loss to Toronto following a knee-on-knee collision with Maple Leafs forward Cédric Paré.
While Laine avoided the worst, the Canadiens announced earlier Tuesday that rookie defenceman David Reinbacher is out five to six months after undergoing surgery on his left knee.
Laine crumpled to the ice moments after Reinbacher — the No. 5 pick at last year’s draft — fell awkwardly from a hit by Toronto’s Marshall Rifai.
Laine joined the Canadiens via trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Aug. 19, generating excitement for a fan base deprived of playoff hockey the past three seasons.
Montreal traded defenceman Jordan Harris but also acquired a second-round draft pick in 2026 while taking on …