Injury Concerns for Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens had a tumultuous weekend, filled with injuries and roster adjustments, raising concerns among fans as the NHL season approaches.

Laine's Injury

In a harsh turn of events during Saturday's preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, newcomers’ hopes took a hit when star player Patrik Laine suffered a knee injury due to a reckless hit from a minor-league player. Laine was visibly in distress and left the ice, casting a shadow over the game.

Xhekaj's Retaliation

Adding to the drama, Canadiens player Arber Xhekaj decided to retaliate after the referees failed to call a clear kneeing penalty. Xhekaj unleashed a flurry of punches on Cedric Pare, who appeared to shy away from the confrontation. While Xhekaj's act of defiance was met with a swift ejection from the game, many fans expressed frustration at the referees' handling of the situation.

More Injury Woes

Furthermore, this game also saw injury woes for promising prospect David Reinbacher, who faced awkward contact just 13 seconds into his ice time, leaving coaches and fans worried about his future with the team.

NHL's Response

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety reviewed Xhekaj's actions, ultimately deeming his response as deserving of a mere $3,600 fine rather than a suspension. The organization showed leniency, likely because he maintained control and was quickly removed from the game.

Roster Adjustments

As preseason cuts began, the Canadiens sent 27 players to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, including versatile forward Owen Beck—a promising talent whose progress will be closely monitored this season. Just a day later, Brandon Gignac and Lucas Condotta were placed on waivers as the roster was trimmed down to 30 players, ramping up preparations for the season opener on October 8.

League Context

In a broader league context, several players joined Gignac and Condotta on the waiver wire as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the start of the NHL season. However, the list did not feature any major names, keeping the focus on the Canadiens as they navigate their own roster changes.

Game Outcome

The game itself concluded with the Maple Leafs narrowly defeating the Canadiens 2-1. The Canadiens struggled to find their rhythm during 5v5 sequences, a recurring issue for the team, as their special teams have faced challenges throughout the preseason.

Looking Ahead

As the Canadiens gear up for their first official game, fans are on the edge of their seats, hoping for a swift recovery for Laine and a robust performance from the remaining roster. The excitement for the upcoming season is palpable, but the team's ability to navigate these injuries will be a decisive factor as they strive for success in the 2024-25 NHL campaign.