Montreal Canadiens scoring wing Patrik Laine won’t be back in action any time soon.
The team announced on Saturday that the 27-year-old Finn underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury in Manhattan, New York. He is expected to miss three to four months.
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The Canadiens posted the following statement to social media:
“Forward Patrik Laine underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury. The procedure was performed by Dr. Mark Zoland at Lennox Hill Hospital in New York. Laine’s recovery period is estimated to be three to four months.”
The former second overall draft pick has been slowed by injuries throughout his 10-year NHL career.
Laine appeared in five games for Montreal and recorded one assist before being shut down since Oct. 16 due to a lower-body injury.
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He registered 33 points (20 goals, 13 assists) in 52 games for the Habs last season, including 15 power-play goals.
Surging Canadiens Will Be Tested Without Laine
Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine (92) pursues the play at Scotiabank Arena.Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Canadiens have begun the 2025-26 season at the top of the Atlantic Division with a 6-3-0 record and 12 points gained. Cole Caufield leads the team with seven goals.
Through nine games, the Habs are tied at 22nd overall with a power play percentage of 18.5. With Laine sidelined, Montreal will need to find its power-play firepower from elsewhere.
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Across 537 career regular season games, the 6-foot-4 wing has collected 422 points (224 goals, 198 assists). He has tallied 85 career power-play goals during the regular season across 10 seasons.
Right wing Zack Bolduc leads Montreal with two power-play goals. Captain Nick Suzuki leads all Habs skaters with five power play points.
Montreal will be in action on Saturday night against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. The Habs will look to improve on a 3-2-0 road record.
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Related: Are the Montreal Canadiens Building the Next NHL Superteam?
Related: Frustrated Cole Caufield Takes Aim at Refs After Canadiens’ Loss to Oilers
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.