Patrik Laine’s long-awaited Montreal Canadiens debut — and first game in nearly a year — has arrived.
The Finnish winger is back from a knee injury as the Canadiens host the New York Islanders on Tuesday night.
Laine, who has practised with the team for two weeks, took rushes on Montreal’s second line with Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovskyduring Tuesday’s morning skate at the Bell Centre.
The Canadiens sent forward Joshua Roy down to minor-league affiliate Laval on Monday to pave the way for Laine’s return.
The former 44-goal scorer joined the Canadiens via trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets last summer, injecting energy into a playoff-deprived fan base.
A devastating knee-on-knee collision with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare in pre-season play on Sept. 28 abruptly dampened that excitement. But after opting against surgery on his left knee sprain, Laine will suit up in a regular-season game for the …