Patrik Laine is facing another setback in his NHL career due to a recent abdominal surgery. The Montreal Canadiens announced that the Finnish winger will be sidelined for approximately three to four months following the procedure, which took place in New York.
Details of the Surgery
Dr. Mark Zoland performed the surgery to repair muscle damage in Laine’s abdominal wall. This operation follows a series of injuries that have plagued the athlete throughout his career.
Impact on Laine’s Season
Laine played in the first five games of the season but recorded only a single assist during that time. After those initial games, he has been absent while undergoing daily evaluations. The team sought a second medical opinion regarding the injuries, the nature of which was initially unclear.
Previous Injury History
- Last season, Laine missed the first two months due to a knee injury sustained during a training camp game.
- He was also sidelined for six games because of severe flu symptoms.
- In total, Laine has participated in only 181 of the 328 games over the last four seasons, equating to 55% of the matches.
Challenges Faced by the Player
Laine’s journey has been tough, as he took time off during his last season in Columbus to address mental health issues. He had worked hard during the summer to prepare for this season, participating in training without the constraints of rehabilitation. Unfortunately, his performance did not meet expectations, leading to a reassessment of his role on the team.
Current Team Dynamics
At the start of this season, coach Martin St-Louis had high hopes for Laine, indicating that fans could expect to see a better version of him. However, early results were disappointing as Laine struggled with performance at even strength. His statistics during his time on the ice reflected the team’s struggles, with the Canadiens being outshot significantly.
Contract Situation
Laine is currently in the final year of a contract that averages $8.7 million per season. His future with the team may depend on how he recovers from this latest injury and his performance upon return.
The Canadiens and Laine will closely monitor his recovery process as they aim to support his return to peak performance. As the team navigates his absence, fans will be eager for updates on his progress and the implications for the upcoming season.
