The Montreal Canadiens acquired forward Patrik Laine in August but the 26-year-old hadn't played a hockey game in nearly a year until Tuesday.
Laine made his long-awaited debut in a packed Bell Center where he sent the place into a ruckus after scoring a power play goal in the second period against the New York Islanders.
It was his first goal since Dec. 14, 2023, the night he suffered a clavicle injury that's kept him off the ice in the regular season since then.
Laine had returned to playing duty with Montreal, participating in a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept. 28 when he suffered yet another devastating injury.
He collided with Cedric Pare and suffered a knee injury that kept him out for the first two months of the season.
Laine's career has been tumultuous to say the least. He's an incredibly talented player with 204 career goals but has been tossed from team to team since being drafted No. 2 overall in 2016.
Laine began his career as a Winnipeg Jet where he made a name for himself but was eventually traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets after a falling out with team management.
He was then traded this past offseason to Montreal after requesting out of that city too.
Perhaps the popular Canadian city will be a place where he can finally thrive, if he can remain healthy. Tuesday's tally was a great start and only more of the same will keep his fortunes turned for the better.
