Outlook for Patrik Laine After Hit From Leafs' Cedric Pare Much Better Than Originally Reported

In the first period of their pre-season game Saturday night, Pare caught Laine with a knee-on-knee hit as he attempted to enter the Leafs' zone. The hit forced Laine to leave the game and when he was he was seen with a brace leaving the arena after the game many feared the worst.

Initial reports indicated Laine would be out for at least half the season, but after further testing, the Habs and their fans got some positive news today. The Habs announced that Laine suffered a sprain to his left knee that won't require surgery and is expected to miss two to three months.

Pare did not receive a penalty on the play and did not face supplemental discipline from the NHL's Player Safety Department, but Habs fans are calling for justice to be taken by 'head hunting' the Leafs' star players during the first game of the regular season October 9th. Habs defenseman Arber Xhekaj immediately went after Pare and punched him multiple times in the head which resulted in him being fined, but Habs fans felt it was unfair. Differences aside, after what Laine has endured the past year, it is good news that he will be back sooner than expected. Laine was acquired by the Habs in August along with a second-round pick for defensive prospect Jordan Harris and has this season and next remaining on his contract that carries an $8.7M cap hit.