Patrik Laine Out 3-4 Months After Surgery; Olympic Hopes in Doubt
MONTREAL — The Patrik Laine era in Montréal has hit a major hurdle. According to official team communications, the Montreal Canadiens forward underwent surgery in New York on a core-muscle injury and is expected to be sidelined for **three to four months**, placing his return at the earliest in late January or early February.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Mark Zoland at Lennox Hill Hospital, and the club released a medical update Saturday confirming the lengthy absence. Laine last appeared in a game on October 16, logging one assist and a 3 rating over five starts this season.
Career Implications for Montréal
The loss of Laine represents a significant setback for a Canadiens squad that had hoped his dynamic scoring touch would help reinvigorate an offence still seeking consistency. A former second-overall pick in 2016, Laine has amassed 224 goals and 198 assists in 537 regular-season NHL games across stops with the Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets before joining Montréal.
His presence on the power play in particular is sorely missed: last season he netted 15 man-advantage goals, making him a crucial weapon that Montréal must now attempt to replace.
Olympic Team Selection Unlikely
With the 2026 Winter Olympics hockey tournament approaching, Laine’s absence carries ramifications beyond the NHL season. With a minimum three-month rehab window, the Finnish forward is unlikely to regain full game fitness in time for Olympic roster decisions. Observers suggest that even a late-season return may not suffice to make the cut for Finland’s selection camp.
In an interview earlier this year, Laine acknowledged that his hockey career came close to ending before he bounced back, hinting at underlying struggles off the ice. ([The Hockey Writers][4]) The concussion, personal wellness interventions and multiple injuries that preceded this latest setback raised questions about his long-term durability. Now, the Olympic dream is arguably in jeopardy.
What’s Next for the Canadiens
For Montréal, the short-term challenge is clear: figure out how to score and generate offence while Laine rehabs. The Canadiens will need to rely on younger forwards stepping up, and perhaps adjust their special-teams strategy in his absence. For Laine, the focus shifts to a grueling rehabilitation process – one that must balance the urgency of return with the sophistication of post-surgical recovery.
Should the projected timeline hold, fans may not see Laine back on the ice until the back half of the season. But in the fast-moving NHL, anything earlier would be a bonus. One thing is certain: Montréal’s next few months without their sniper will test both the roster’s depth and the forward’s resilience.
Would you like a deeper analysis of how his absence might impact the Canadiens’ playoff chances, or a breakdown of potential call-ups to fill his role?