Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine will miss two to three months with a sprained left knee, the team announced Tuesday.
The Canadiens said Laine will not need surgery.
Laine was injured during a knee-to-knee hit with Toronto's Cedric Pare during the first period of Saturday's 2-1 preseason loss against the Maple Leafs.
The Canadiens acquired Laine in August from the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Jordan Harris and a second-round pick in 2026.
The 26-year-old Finn has scored 20 or more goals six times during eight NHL seasons. He spent four-plus seasons with the Winnipeg Jets and the last 3 1/2 with the Blue Jackets.
He was limited to 18 games with Columbus last season due to injuries and personal reasons. Laine had nine points (six goals, three assists).
Laine sustained an early-season concussion and later broke his left clavicle in mid-December. In late January, he entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program for undisclosed reasons and missed the remainder of the season.
Laine has recorded 388 points (204 goals, 184 assists) in 480 games between Winnipeg and Columbus. He was the second overall pick by Winnipeg in the 2016 NHL Draft.
Also, Canadiens defenseman David Reinbacher underwent surgery on his left knee Tuesday and will be sidelined five to six months. The 19-year-old was also injured in the Toronto game. He was the fifth overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft.
