Patrik Laine Injured in Preseason Game

Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine suffered a potentially serious knee injury during the first period of a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs following a knee-on-knee collision with Cedric Pare. Laine had to be helped off the ice, unable to put weight on his left leg. This injury is significant as Laine was a major offseason acquisition expected to boost the Canadiens' offensive lineup. The game saw retaliation from teammate Arber Xhekaj, who received penalties for attacking Pare in response. The Canadiens announced that Laine would not return to the game, which the Maple Leafs eventually won 2-1. Laine's status is pending further medical evaluation.